In early 2022, anticipation was building for Apple's third-generation iPhone SE. Rumors suggested the device could launch at a starting price around $300 — roughly 25% lower than the previous model's $399 entry point. If accurate, that pricing would have put the new iPhone SE in direct competition with some of the cheapest Android phones on the market.
A Budget iPhone with 5G
Beyond the aggressive price point, the 2022 iPhone SE was widely expected to gain 5G connectivity, bringing Apple's most affordable handset in line with modern network standards. Combined with a processor upgrade — likely the A15 Bionic chip — the device promised flagship-level performance at a mid-range or even budget-tier cost.
What It Meant for the Market
A $300 iPhone with 5G and Apple's latest silicon would have reshaped the budget smartphone landscape. Android manufacturers had long dominated the sub-$400 segment with devices from brands like OnePlus, Samsung's A-series, and various Chinese OEMs. An iPhone at that price could have drawn buyers who previously saw Apple as out of reach.
The rumor mill pointed to a spring 2022 launch window, likely at Apple's traditional March or April event. While the final pricing and specs remained unconfirmed at the time, the prospect alone generated significant discussion among tech enthusiasts and industry watchers.