Apple is expected to release a low-cost 5G iPhone

 A billboard promoting the Apple iPhone SE was seen in Mumbai, India, On April 26, 2016. Image Credit - Reuters. 

Analysts expect that Apple Inc. would reveal a new low-cost version of its iPhone SE with 5G capabilities during its annual spring product announcement event on Tuesday.

At the event, Apple is expected to announce a new version of the iPad Air as well as a high-end Mac Mini.

The iPhone SE is presently available for $399. If the pricing of the next edition remains the same, CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino believes Apple will be able to attract more price-sensitive customers.

"If Apple leaves that pricing point unchanged, it may potentially bring upside to our unit iPhone prediction for 2022," Zino added. "The iPhone SE really caters to a lot of first-time consumers in the iPhone ecosystem, who may be younger individuals whose parents are out there buying that gadget."

The new phone would be the first in two years to update the iPhone SE model, and it is expected to include a better camera and a better processor.

According to IDC analyst Ryan Reith, the top markets for iPhone SE sales in recent years have been the United States, Japan, and Western Europe. After the planned arrival of the third-generation iPhone SE, Reith believes these regions will likely remain the top markets.

"We probably won't see huge geography movements," Reith said, adding that following the launch, he expects the new iPhone SE to account for 10% of total iPhone shipments worldwide.

Apple has been focusing on 5G capabilities for its flagship product, with the iPhone 13 showing off unique 5G antennas and radio components for quicker speeds as users seek more powerful devices with better connectivity.

However, several analysts continue to point out the global limitations of 5G technology.

"Currently, that (5G) technology isn't good enough to create a unique and differentiated experience in most countries around the world," Canalys research analyst Runar Bjrhovde said. "The fact that the iPhone SE comes with 5G is more of a way to enable users to leverage 5G when that technology evolves over the next year or two."

Zino said he doesn't expect any services or accessories to be announced at the Tuesday event, but anything might happen in the services industry.

Every year, Apple holds three product launch events, beginning in the spring and announcing the arrival of its current iPhone line shortly before the holiday shopping season.

Apple announced on March 1 that it has halted all product sales in Russia in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Apple also said that it has halted all shipments to Russia and has curtailed Apple Pay and other services in the country.

Outside of Russia, the Russian official media outlets RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download via the Apple Store.

Reuters