San Francisco (AFP)

Apple is releasing a new entry-level smartphone this week, despite the health and economic crisis that is knocking consumers off at home, and in the midst of uncertainty about its timetable for its future models with 5G.

The new iPhone SE, successor to the device of the same name released in 2016, will see the light of day without fanfare or queue in front of stores.

The giant of high-end electronic devices contented itself with a press release published Wednesday, revealing its technical characteristics and its price: 399 dollars or more, half the price of its flagships.

In appearance, it is smaller than the average and looks like the iPhone 8 (launched in 2017), but it has certain technical characteristics of the trilogy number 11, presented at the end of 2019, in terms of graphic definition in particular.

It does not include facial recognition, but a digital sensor for identification and advanced computer capabilities for the single photo lens (compared to 3 on the latest models).

"The first iPhone SE was a success with many customers who liked its unique combination of a small size with peak performance and an affordable price. The new second generation SE builds on this idea and improves it in all areas, "said Phil Schiller, marketing manager for the California group.

- Calendar hazards -

The design and production of the phones to go on sale this year began long before the pandemic.

But the launch of the iPhone SE was delayed from March to April, according to some experts, due to production delays in Asia, where the new coronavirus appeared at the start of the year.

"Today we present our most affordable iPhone (...) Here is a fantastic new option to help you stay connected, informed and entertained," tweeted Tim Cook, the boss of the group.

"Apple had a difficult decision to make but ultimately they gave the green light in the hope of an undoubtedly moderate, but immediate success," comments Daniel Ives of Wedbush.

"Given the underlying demand and our data on the previous SE, we believe that the flow of around 20 to 25 million from the new iPhone in 6 to 9 months is a realistic target," he adds.

"Chance does things well," says Bob O'Donnell, analyst at Technalysis Research.

"This is exactly the phone that many people want. They do not imagine spending $ 1,200 on a smartphone in the current economic climate, but they still depend as much on their phones and many want a newer model."

- What about 5G? -

The apple brand could generate revenue while waiting for its new star, the iPhone 12, which should be its first handset with 5G, well after its competitors.

It should have been released in the fall, but "it seems extremely unlikely to us," says Daniel Ives, "because of the continuing difficulties in the Asian supply chain."

Even though factories are gradually returning to the speed levels expected by their customers, demand remains a big unknown as the Covid-19 pandemic precipitated the world into recession.

"Consumers are worried about their health, food shopping, jobs, the shortage of hydroalcoholic gel ... (These subjects) come before the purchase of a new iPhone that will be worth at least 1,000 dollars", notes the expert .

South Korean market leader Samsung released several new smartphones last week. One of them includes the possibility of using ultra-fast 5G waves and costs less than $ 500.

Google could follow suit with the two main manufacturers. The American giant generally launches its new devices at its annual developer conference, which was scheduled for May, before the containment measures lead to its cancellation.

It could release the Pixel 4A, to succeed the previous model at a reduced price.

© 2020 AFP