Apple is preparing to begin production on its revamped iPhone SE, which will serve as the tech giant’s latest low-cost product.
The new version is anticipated to hit the market early next year, alongside fresh models of the iPad Air, according to sources close to the company.
This upcoming release is Apple’s first update to the iPhone SE since 2022, when it introduced 5G and the A15 Bionic chip, aiming to strengthen its place in the mid-range smartphone market, competing with brands such as Samsung and Xiaomi.
While Apple has remained silent on the specifics of the update, the iPhone SE is expected to retain its reputation as the most affordable iPhone, with previous models starting at $429.
The move comes as part of Apple’s goal to provide budget-friendly alternatives for consumers who may not want to invest in the higher-end iPhone models but still seek reliable performance and features.
The new iPad Air models, reportedly codenamed J607 and J637, are expected to undergo some internal upgrades. These improvements will likely focus on boosting processing power and overall performance, keeping the design of the device relatively unchanged.
Added to this, Apple is said to be working on an updated version of its Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Air, which will be available in both 11-inch and 13-inch options, codenamed R307 and R308.
This development follows the recent introduction of Apple’s iPhone 16 models in September, which integrated advanced features into its Siri assistant, including enhanced object recognition through the camera.
The iPhone SE is also expected to incorporate Apple’s growing suite of intelligence-driven features, although details about these capabilities remain under wraps.
