Apple isn't done with the iPhone SE; regulatory filings hints new models

Apple might not be done with the iPhone SE, at least that's what the new Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) listing suggests. According to a report by MacRumors, Apple has filed for eleven new model numbers, each referring to an iPhone with iOS 11.

But hold on, before you get too excited, it's imperative to know that we aren't looking at eleven different iPhone models. The company usually gives different model numbers to the same handset to outline the country of sale and carrier. The ECC listing names five countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

If the rumors are to be believed, the iPhone SE 2 has been in works for quite some time. The smartphone will be cheaper compared to other Apple devices. Several reports claim that the device will feature a glass back and will support wireless charging. Unfortunately, it won't have iPhone X's 3D-sensing tech.

Apple has never followed an annual cycle for the iPhone SE as it does for its elder sibling. So, unlike the next flagship, the iPhone SE can drop any time.

Besides, Apple is expected to launch three new models this year, out of which two will be upgraded and cheaper variants of the iPhone X. There's isn't much information about the third phone available, but it is said to be the largest iPhone ever."

Apple wants to trim down the cost of the new iPhone X variants, considering the low demand for the current generation device.

After the iPhone X saw a decline in sales and demand, it has reportedly forced the company to lower the sales cost and cut down component orders from its suppliers, which also includes Samsung. To make things worse, Chinese manufacturers didn't move to OLED panels after the launch of iPhone X, as Samsung expected. This resulted in excess production capacity for Samsung.

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Samsung is said to manufacture around 200 million OLED panels this year, out of which 100 million panels will be bought by Apple for the iPhone X and its successor due for launch this year. The production of the OLED panels will kick off next month with the company producing around 2-3 million panels before doubling the number in June.