Apple launches budget-model iPhone to prime sales ahead of first 5G model

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK – Apple Inc. unveiled the new iPhone SE, its first low-cost smartphone in four years, seeking to boost sales while consumers wait for the launch of new high-end models with 5G later this year. The new iPhone SE with a 4.7-inch screen will hit the market on April 24 in countries such as Japan and the United States. Pre-order will be available beginning Friday with a price tag starting at 44,800 yen ($399). That is several hundred dollars cheaper than the flagship iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro lines. To get to the lower cost, Apple is using an iPhone 8 design that debuted in 2017 along with a less advanced camera system, a smaller and older display and a Touch ID fingerprint scanner instead of 3-D facial recognition.