Apple could have a new low-cost iPhone SE in the works which might make things easier for those who want to be part of the Apple squad but can’t afford it. A new truly affordable iPhone might see the light of day.

The mega manufacturer of top-class devices currently offers a low-cost iPhone SE, which re-entered the market in 2020. But the device retails for $399 (R6,175), which is anything but low-cost for third-world countries, especially when you add taxes. The updated model could have the same design, maybe still with the Apple fingerprint sensor, but a faster processor and 5G support.

So how much is affordable for an iPhone?

According to a digital publication investor report on News18 citing analyst John Donovan, the new iPhone SE 2022 or iPhone SE3 is tipped to cost about $300 (R4,629). A report on Bloomberg is estimating the alleged price of the new iPhone SE to cost around $200 (R3,089).

“By expanding its user base with a $199 iPhone, Apple could create more long-term services revenue and add people to its ecosystem. Those people may then be more willing to try AirPods, an Apple Watch or—later on—a higher-end iPhone,” says the report on Bloomberg.

The second-gen iPhone SE has a 4,7-inch screen, an A13 chip, a 12MP wide camera and more modern internal components. If you purchase directly from the iStore it retails at R9,600.

It is also expected to launch the new iPad Air and Apple MacBook. The iPad Air is also said to feature a new design. Apple will live stream the expected launch, like all other events, since Covid-19 started in 2020.

Apple could time the launch event with the official release of iOS 15.4, the latest version of the iPhone software. iOS 15.4 is expected to include several new features, including the ability to use facial recognition to unlock the device while wearing a mask and new emojis.

The alleged release date is 8 March 2022.