So, you’re holding onto that old iPhone with the home button, aren't you? I get it. There’s something comforting about a physical click. But the rumor mill is spinning faster than a centrifuge lately, and everyone wants to know exactly when new iphone se coming out.
Honestly, the timeline has been a mess for years. Apple usually plays it cool, but the leaks coming out of the supply chain in early 2026 are getting impossible to ignore. If you've been waiting for a budget-friendly powerhouse, the wait is basically almost over.
The Spring Window: February or March?
Historically, Apple loves a spring fling for its "special edition" hardware. We saw it with the SE 2 and SE 3. Now, looking at the production schedules from analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and the chatter on Weibo, it looks like February 2026 is the month to circle on your calendar. Specifically, whispers suggest a late February announcement with a release hitting stores by early March.
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Wait, why then?
Well, Apple just shifted their naming strategy a bit. Last year, we saw the "iPhone 16e" take the spot of the traditional SE. If they stick to that cadence, the iPhone 17e (which is effectively the new SE) is primed for that Q1 slot. It’s all about filling the gap between the big September flagship launches.
What’s actually changing? (Hint: Everything)
This isn't just another spec bump. This is a total identity crisis in the best way possible.
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The most jarring change? Goodbye, Home Button. It’s finally happening. Multiple sources, including MacRumors and 9to5Mac, indicate the new budget model will finally adopt the "all-screen" look. We’re talking about a 6.1-inch OLED display. That’s a massive jump from the tiny 4.7-inch LCD we’ve been stuck with.
- Display: 6.1-inch LTPS OLED (likely 60Hz, because Apple gotta Apple).
- Design: Heavily inspired by the iPhone 14/15 chassis but with modern internals.
- The "Island" Factor: Some leakers say it'll keep the notch to save costs, but newer reports suggest the Dynamic Island might actually make the cut this time.
It’s gonna feel like a brand new phone, not a recycled antique.
When new iphone se coming out: The AI Problem
Apple is currently obsessed with "Apple Intelligence." You've seen the ads. You've heard the hype. But AI needs serious muscle.
To make the new SE (or 17e) compatible with their new AI suite, Apple has to pack it with at least 8GB of RAM. That’s a big deal for a "cheap" phone. Expect the A19 chip—possibly a slightly downclocked version—to be under the hood. Why? Because they can't sell a new phone in 2026 that can't run their latest Siri features. It would be a marketing disaster.
The Camera and the Modem
Don't expect a triple-lens setup. You'll get one. One single, solitary 48MP sensor on the back. But honestly? For most people, that’s enough. It’ll handle 4K video and high-res stills just fine.
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The real "secret" feature might be the modem. Apple has been trying to ditch Qualcomm for years. Rumor has it the 2026 SE will be the first device to feature an in-house Apple 5G modem. It’s a huge gamble. If it works, it saves Apple billions. If it doesn't... well, let's hope it works.
Price Hikes are Probably Coming
Now for the "ugh" part. We all loved the $399 or $429 price points. Those days are likely dead.
With the switch to OLED, the inclusion of more RAM for AI, and the A19 chip, the price is creeping up. Expect to see a starting price of $599. Yeah, it stings. But compared to the $1,000+ Pro models, it’s still the "entry-level" gate into the ecosystem.
Why the delay happened
You might wonder why we didn't get this in 2024 or 2025. Apple had a massive surplus of older parts they needed to burn through. Plus, the engineering transition to their own modem took longer than expected. They didn't want to launch a budget phone that felt too good and cannibalized sales of the standard iPhone 16 or 17.
But now, the competition from Google's Pixel "a" series is getting too fierce. Apple needs a winner in the mid-range.
Is it worth waiting for?
If you need a phone today, just go buy a discounted iPhone 15. But if your current phone can limp along for another two months, wait.
The jump from the current SE 3 to the 2026 model is going to be the biggest generational leap in the history of the SE line. You're getting Face ID, a better screen, USB-C (finally!), and AI features that will keep the phone relevant for at least five years.
Next steps for you:
- Check your trade-in value: Apple usually boosts trade-in credits right when a new SE drops.
- Hold off on buying a used iPhone 13 or 14: Their prices will plummet the second the new SE is announced in February.
- Audit your iCloud storage: If you're upgrading from an old 64GB SE, you're going to want the 128GB base model of the new one to handle the larger photo files.