An iPhone SE with a hole-punch camera? There's a concept for that!

Iphone Se Hole Punch Concept (Image credit: apple lab)

What you need to know

A new concept shows what an iPhone SE with a hole-punch camera could look like.
Display analyst Ross Young has previously said we could get this as soon as 2023.

We began hearing in April that Apple might be planning a new iPhone SE with a hole-punch design, skipping the notch completely. That rumor came courtesy of display analyst Ross Young and now we have a concept showing exactly what that iPhone SE might look like.

Spoiler: it looks good!

Created by 'apple lab' and shared to Twitter, the concept shows an iPhone SE in a range of colors – including some gorgeous purple and green options. Check them out and let me know which is your favorite color in the comments below.

iPhone SE (2023) in new Matte Purple finish with punch-hole Retina display

made by @aaple_lab | concept based on leaks and my opinion #iPhoneSE #iPhone2023 #iPhone13 #WWDC21 #Apple #aaple_lab #iPhone #AppleiPhone pic.twitter.com/HyxdbhkwUJiPhone SE (2023) in new Matte Purple finish with punch-hole Retina display

made by @aaple_lab | concept based on leaks and my opinion #iPhoneSE #iPhone2023 #iPhone13 #WWDC21 #Apple #aaple_lab #iPhone #AppleiPhone pic.twitter.com/HyxdbhkwUJ— Konstantin Konovalov (@aaple_lab) May 24, 2021 May 24, 2021

Of course, as great as this looks the suggestion that Apple would create a whole new design for its entry-level iPhone is an interesting one. It's also one that I'm not sure I can get behind, with Apple more likely to simply roll its older devices down the product lineup instead. With 2023 still a little ways away there's plenty of time for Apple's plans to become much clearer.

Speaking of Apple's plans, that same analyst report also suggested we could look forward to 5G in 2023 as well, making that iPhone SE quite the compelling product.

Apple LCD iPhone leak, we now hear the next LCD iPhone SE will remain at 4.7" in 2022. Some rumors that it may have 5G with Sub-6 GHz as well. Also hearing about a 6.1" version in 2023 with punch hole rather than a notch.Apple LCD iPhone leak, we now hear the next LCD iPhone SE will remain at 4.7" in 2022. Some rumors that it may have 5G with Sub-6 GHz as well. Also hearing about a 6.1" version in 2023 with punch hole rather than a notch.— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) April 1, 2021 April 1, 2021

For now though, the current iPhone SE is still a great option for those looking to bag an iPhone on a budget. Be sure to check out our collection of the best iPhone SE deals before you place your order, too!

Oliver Haslam has written about Apple and the wider technology business for more than a decade with bylines on How-To Geek, PC Mag, iDownloadBlog, and many more. He has also been published in print for Macworld, including cover stories. At iMore, Oliver is involved in daily news coverage and, not being short of opinions, has been known to 'explain' those thoughts in more detail, too.

Having grown up using PCs and spending far too much money on graphics card and flashy RAM, Oliver switched to the Mac with a G5 iMac and hasn't looked back. Since then he's seen the growth of the smartphone world, backed by iPhone, and new product categories come and go. Current expertise includes iOS, macOS, streaming services, and pretty much anything that has a battery or plugs into a wall. Oliver also covers mobile gaming for iMore, with Apple Arcade a particular focus. He's been gaming since the Atari 2600 days and still struggles to comprehend the fact he can play console quality titles on his pocket computer.