Apple likely to launch new low-cost 5G iPhone

New York

APPLE is likely to announce a new low-cost version of its iPhone SE with 5G capabilities at its annual spring product launch event on Tuesday (Mar 8), analysts say.

The iPhone maker is also expected to launch a new version of the iPad Air and a high-end Mac Mini at the event.

Apple's iPhone SE is currently priced at US$399. CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino said Apple could attract more price-sensitive consumers if the price remains the same for the new version.

"It could potentially provide upside to our unit iPhone estimate for 2022 if they keep that price point unchanged," Zino said. "The iPhone SE really caters well to a lot of first-time buyers on the iPhone ecosystem that may be younger individuals, where their parents are going out there buying that device."

The new phone would be the first update to the iPhone SE model in 2 years and is rumoured to come with an improved camera and a faster processor.

The United States, Japan and Western Europe have been the top markets for iPhone SE sales in recent years, said analyst Ryan Reith of IDC. Reith said these regions are likely to remain the top markets after the anticipated launch of the third-generation iPhone SE.

"We probably won't see big geography shifts," Reith said, adding that he expects the new iPhone SE to account for 10 per cent of iPhone shipments globally after the launch.

Zino said he does not anticipate services or accessories launches at the Tuesday event, though an unexpected announcement in the services sector is still possible.

Apple usually hosts 3 events every year to launch new products. REUTERS