Good news for those who have been eagerly awaiting the iPhone SE 3 - it is on track to launch early next year. However, if you were expecting a phone that looks different from the iPhone SE 2020, you may be disappointed.

According to MyDrivers, which cites sources within Apple's supply chain, the next Apple budget phone is about to go into test production. As one might imagine from the name, the prototype is still in the testing phase of a new product design. Since this will take place before mass production begins, it will still be some time before we see the new iPhone SE ready to make its debut. However, this is still a strong sign of progress.

MyDrivers reports that the mold for the phone will remain the same as the current model, and we will still get a phone with a 4.7-inch display and Touch ID home button. However, the camera sensor will likely change, and expect to see upgrades such as support for night mode photography. Reportedly, there is still only one sensor on the back, rather than the typical two or three sensors found on mid-range phones.

We expect the new phone to cost around $400 like its predecessor. However, it will likely feature a new chipset to set it apart from its Android competitors, and perhaps the iPhone 13's A15 chip will provide 5G compatibility for the iPhone SE. MyDrivers also reports that RAM may increase from 3GB to 4GB. MyDrivers also reports that RAM may increase from 3GB to 4GB.

It is unclear where the iPhone SE Plus rumor remains. A larger, redesigned SE (possibly based on the iPhone XR) is expected in 2024, and another in 2023 before that, but it is claimed that this new model could be called Plus, even if it is the same size as before.

Rumors suggest that the expected release date for the iPhone SE we will get will be at the end of the first three months of 2022. This would likely mean a March launch, a bit earlier than the April debut the last iPhone SE received in 2020.