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Report: iPhone SE 2, New iPad Pro in Early 2020

If the latest report is to be believed, we'll be getting a smaller, cheaper iPhone SE 2, an iPad Pro with a 3D time-of-flight sensor, and an AR headset early next year.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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The iPhone 11 looks to be the iPhone to buy right now, but if you're still undecided it might be worth waiting until early next year as Apple is apparently planning to launch an iPhone SE 2.

As 9To5Mac reports, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is predicting that the iPhone SE 2 will arrive in the first quarter of 2020. This isn't the first time we've heard such a prediction. We're expecting the iPhone SE 2 to be a 4.7-inch device based on the design of the iPhone 8 and reverting back to Touch ID for secure access.

It's still possible to purchase an iPhone 8 from Apple for $449, so hopefully the iPhone SE 2 is a replacement for it and can retain the same price point. For comparison, the iPhone XR is $599, the iPhone 11 is $699, and the iPhone 11 Pro is $999.

For the iPad Pro, Kuo believes a new model will include a rear-facing 3D time-of-flight sensor allowing the tablet to collect accurate depth data. In so doing, the Pro would become a much-improved augmented reality device, which in turn leads nicely into Kuo's next product prediction: an augmented reality headset.

Apple is expected to rely on third-parties to help roll out multiple AR headsets, but we don't know what form these will take yet. Apple prefers small, clean designs, suggesting we're going to see AR glasses rather than headsets such as those offered for virtual reality. It's also expected that any AR device would rely on an iPhone or iPad for most of its processing and communication features.

The takeaway from all of this is to wait if you still think the latest iPhones are too big for your hand or pocket, and if augmented reality is something you want to embrace, hold off on that iPad Pro purchase just now.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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