Mark your calendars! iPhone SE 3 sale date has LEAKED already

iPhone SE 3 could hit the shelves from March 10, suggests a recent leak in the build-up to the Apple Event on March 8.

Apple iPhone SE 3 could go on sale from March 10, suggests a new leak. (Apple)

iPhone SE 3 is expected to be one of the stars of the Apple Event on March 8 alongside the new iPad Air and of course, the new MacBook models based on Apple's next generation M2 chip. But the focus is on the iPhone SE 3, since this will be the new entry-level iPhone in Apple's otherwise expensive line-up of iPhones, expectedly carrying a starting cost of around $300. While the launch is on March 8, a new leak suggests that Apple could be putting it on the shelves by March 10. 

Based on a recent report from iMore, the new iPhone SE 3 is said to have a “release date” of March 10. With the event scheduled for March 8, it seems the sale of this new iPhone SE may happen from March 10. The information was obtained after a Belkin Protective Glass film listing for the iPhone SE on Amazon Japan. Apple is yet to confirm or deny anything.

iPhone SE 3 sale date 2 days after launch

The protective glass film listing also hints about the new iPhone SE's front design, which is no different than the last generation iPhone SE 2020. Hence, the phone will have those retro-style bezels on the top and bottom, and a fingerprint sensor on the Home button. This complies with the previous rumours that suggest the iPhone SE to be a minor spec bump instead of a brand-new phone designed from the scratch.

The iPhone SE series ahs always recycled old designs in pursuit of a lower price tag. The current generation iPhone SE 2020 is almost identical to the iPhone 8 from 2017, save for the repositioned Apple logo and the new colours. Prior to that, the original iPhone SE was simply a repurposed iPhone 5S that used the same chipset as the iPhone 6S.

Going forward, it is expected that the iPhone SE 4 could end up borrowing bits from the old iPhone XR, or the soon to be discontinued iPhone 13 Mini. Recent leaks had suggested at a 5.7-inch display on this next-gen model. Given that the iPhone SE has always adhered to compact designs, it makes more sense for Apple to base it on the less popular iPhone 13 Mini.