Will Apple Unveil 5G iPhone SE Next Week?

Apple is set to hold its first product unveiling of the year March 8, when it will likely showcase its first low-cost iPhone SE using 5G capabilities.

As Bloomberg reported Wednesday (March 2), the event will kick off what could be Apple’s biggest year yet for new devices, and will also include a new iPad Air and updated Macs with Apple-made chips.

The event — which will happen virtually, an approach Apple began during the COVID pandemic — will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific time and is set to be streamed on Apple’s website, YouTube and other social media platforms.

Read more: Apple Plans New 2022 Product Push After Lackluster 2021

This year’s product lineup could include the iPhone 14 line, up to three updated Apple Watch models, new Macs with custom chips, an upgraded iPad Pro and the possibility of a glimpse at the company’s mixed-reality headset.

Next week’s presentation will see Apple showcase its first iPhone SE update since 2020, with the company adding 5G networking to the design, along with a processor and camera upgrade. Bloomberg says Apple could also roll out its first update to the iPad Air in two years, giving that device 5G and a newer chip.

See also: Apple Services, Wearables, 5G Devices Drive Record Quarter That Defied Supply Chain Woes

As we noted earlier this year, the launch of 5G service has met with a number of roadblocks, but Apple’s track record in the next-gen device space indicates that consumers want better service and will be there when it’s ready.

“During December, we had a record number of upgraders and grew ‘switchers’ [to 5G service] strong double-digit,” CEO Tim Cook said during an earnings call in January.

And even though the iPhone 13 was the second product announcement that has 5G in it, he added Apple was “still really in the early innings of 5G.”

“If you look at the installed base and look at how many people are on 5G versus not — and we don't release those exact numbers but you can do some math and estimate them — we maintain a very optimistic view on iPhone long term,” Cook said.

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