Apple will not launch a new iPhone SE in first half of 2021

A new research report from Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed many details of Apple’s launch plans in 2021. The report states that the Cupertino tech giant will not launch a new iPhone SE in the first half of 2021, while the increased competition within its supply chain might cause a shift in standing among the suppliers.

The analyst’s report also adds that the market is underestimating the impact of increased competition on Taiwan’s Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO). Additionally, it is stated that the main reason for the GSEO’s revenue in October being lower than expectations was due to increased competition between Largan and Semco.

Apple introduced the iPhone SE with iPhone 11’s performance and iPhone 8’s body, all within an affordable price tag of $399 in April. It is the cheapest iPhone available and has become very popular among Apple users since its launch.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, buyers who were expecting a 2021 version of the iPhone SE in the first half of next year may have to wait longer.

Though Best Buy recently produced a screen protector for an “iPhone SE Plus,” the analyst now says it is not coming anytime soon. Although he does not specify a new date or time frame, Kuo has told investors that it won’t happen in the first half of 2021.

“The market expects that [the first half of 2021] will see a new iPhone SE [which would] push up the shipment momentum of Genius Electronic Optical,” says Kuo. “But we don’t think that 1H21 will have a new iPhone SE.”

Kuo also notes that Apple, as per previous rumors, plans to release its new iPhone 13 in the second half of next year, in keeping with its usual yearly release cycle. Kuo concludes with saying GSEO may lose out on orders of camera components to rivals, a further sign the company may not grow next year.