A new lower-cost “iPhone SE 2,” which is expected to resemble the iPhone 8 on the outside but boasting updated internals, has long been rumored. However, recently there have been concerns that the release date of the much-rumored device may be impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak.
However, in a new research note by Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (shared by MacRumors), the well-connected analyst says the new iPhone is still expected to launch during the first half of this year, despite the production complications presented by the coronavirus outbreak.
Kuo made mention of the new lower-cost iPhone in a larger report about smartphone camera lens suppliers, in which Kuo notes the “iPhone SE 2” will not include a 7-element plastic (7P) lens, and so will not contribute toward shipments of those advanced lenses.
This is unsurprising, as Apple will be looking to keep production costs as low as possible on the new device, due to its expected low pricing. Especially since the internals of the new device are expected to include improved technology, including the same A13 chip as found in the iPhone 11 lineup.