The biggest iPhone redesign in years just leaked

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The iPhone SE could finally get the makeover we've been waiting for

iPhone SE concept
(Image credit: Svetapple.sk)

Updated: A new report has the iPhone SE 3 once again tipped for an early 2022 release; we could be seeing the phone rather soon.

The iPhone SE has been sporting a puny 4.7-inch display since way back in 2016, so it's about time that Apple shake things up with its lowest-cost iPhone. And it looks like a radical redesign is on the way.

According to display analyst Ross Young on Twitter (as reported by Forbes), the iPhone SE will keep its 4.7-inch display in 2022 while likely adding sub--6GHz 5G support. That's the bad news. The good news is that the 2023 version will be getting a major upgrade. 

Just last month Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also said that an iPhone SE 3 should be on the way during the first half of 2022. He says the handset should feature 5G connectivity and a new chipset. which could be the iPhone 12's A14 Bionic at that point. 

However, the complete redesign of the iPhone SE likely won't be happening until the following year if Ross Young's note proves accurate. This 2023 model would grow from 4.7 inches to 6.1 inches while also offering a punch hole towards the top of the display. The large bezels around the iPhone SE was one of our only major complaints in our review, so this would be a very welcome change.

iPhone SE concept

(Image credit: Svetapple.SK)

Based on this leak, the iPhone SE 4 would likely not feature Face ID, as the TrueDepth camera tech may be too large to fit into a punch hold design. That would mean you should expect Touch ID, either integrated into the power button or the display itself.

The iPhone SE remains one of the best cheap phones around despite its aging design. That's because it packs a powerful A13 Bionic chip and solid cameras for less than $400. But it's clear that most users prefer a larger display. It's just too bad that Apple fans will apparently have to wait a couple of years to be the screen size and design they really want. 

Mark Spoonauer
Mark Spoonauer

Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.