Apple's iPhone SE Plus Reportedly Facing Launch Delays Due to Production Challenges

Apple has reportedly begun work on an iPhone SE Plus variant, though its release appears to be encountering production-related obstacles. Rumors about this model have circulated since March 2019, when iOS 14 code hinted at an SE Plus. Early speculation described a 5.5-inch display, Touch ID, dual rear cameras, and NFC support, with an expected debut alongside the 2020 iPhone SE. However, this did not materialize.

Recent updates from reliable tech leaker Jon Prosser suggest that while information about the SE Plus may soon surface, consumers should not anticipate an imminent launch. This implies the device is unlikely to appear in the near term.

Regarding specifications, two primary theories exist. The most widely discussed scenario envisions the iPhone SE Plus adopting the physical design of the iPhone 8 Plus but equipping it with newer internal components, mirroring the approach taken with the 2020 iPhone SE, which used the iPhone 8's body with updated hardware. Given that Apple has discontinued the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, this path seems plausible. Since the iPhone SE features the powerful A13 Bionic chip, it is reasonable to expect the Plus version to incorporate the same processor.

Alternatively, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has proposed a more radical design featuring a 5.5-inch or 6.1-inch full-screen display with a small notch for the front camera. This version would reportedly omit Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. However, such a redesign could increase production costs, potentially affecting the final pricing and making it less affordable than some users might expect.

As for the release timeline, the iPhone SE Plus is speculated to launch alongside Apple's iPhone 12 series later this year. If it follows this schedule, its expected price point would be around $499, translating to roughly NPR 61,000 in Nepal. However, ongoing factory shutdowns and supply chain disruptions may delay mass production, pushing the launch into early 2021. Some analysts also argue that Apple may choose not to release the SE Plus alongside its premium iPhone 12 lineup.

Consumers interested in Apple's latest offerings may also wish to review current pricing and availability for existing models such as the Apple Watch Series 5 and the full range of Apple iPhones in Nepal.