# Apple Poised to Unveil New iPhone SE Successor with Thrilling Enhancements
Apple is preparing for a major product announcement next week, where it is anticipated to introduce a new budget-friendly iPhone model intended to succeed the iPhone SE 3. This forthcoming device is expected to showcase various enhancements that may attract consumers more than previous entry-level iPhones.
## Analyst Insights and Market Forecasts
Esteemed supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple will ship around 12 million units of the new iPhone SE successor in the year’s first half, followed by another 10 million in the second half. This total of 22 million units represents a significant rise compared to the fewer than 20 million units generally shipped during the initial year of earlier iPhone SE launches.
Kuo identifies three key advantages for Apple with the rollout of this new model:
1. **Enhanced Seasonal Sales**: The release of a more economical iPhone model is likely to alleviate the usual seasonal sales slump that Apple faces between flagship iPhone releases.
2. **Broader Utilization of Apple Intelligence**: By integrating Apple Intelligence into a more accessible device, the company seeks to boost the adoption of its AI capabilities, making them reachable to a wider consumer base.
3. **Proprietary Modem Innovation**: The new iPhone SE is projected to be the first device bundled with Apple’s proprietary modem. Testing this technology in a less critical device enables Apple to optimize its performance before embedding it in flagship offerings.
Even with Apple’s move towards its own modem technology, Kuo expects that Qualcomm will keep receiving licensing fees based on its existing modem patents.
## Aesthetics and Specifications
The soon-to-be-released iPhone SE successor, possibly dubbed the iPhone 16E, is rumored to embrace the aesthetics of the iPhone 14 instead of the earlier iPhone 8. This design modification likely includes replacing Touch ID with Face ID, minimizing bezels, and adopting a flat-sided design. Nevertheless, it is projected to keep a single rear-facing camera, keeping a focus on simplicity and utility.
## The Influence of Apple Intelligence
Apple has observed that iPhone sales have surged particularly in regions where Apple Intelligence is accessible. This indicates that the appetite for integrated AI features is a crucial sales motivator, especially when contrasted with areas lacking these capabilities, like China. The company intends to broaden the reach of Apple Intelligence to more markets by this summer, further strengthening its competitive position.
## Anticipated Product Announcement
All attention will be directed towards Apple’s product launch event set for Wednesday, where the new iPhone SE successor is likely to make its debut. This event is part of a wider rollout of yet-to-be-announced products, including the iPad 11 featuring Apple Intelligence and the MacBook Air powered by Apple’s M4 chip.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation and expand its product offerings, the launch of the new iPhone SE successor could signify a crucial moment in the company’s strategy to capture a larger segment of the entry-level smartphone market. With its emphasis on affordability, cutting-edge features, and proprietary technology, Apple is well-positioned to create a substantial impact in the upcoming year.
