Apple Discontinues iPhone SE, iPhone 6s and iPhone X

[nburwell]

We knew the X was going to be discontinued, but the SE comes as a shock.

I'm using my SE currently in Europe since it's GSM unlocked, and I have essentially fallen in love with this device all over again. While I love my X as well, the SE will always have a special place in my heart.

Also, I have noticed that a lot of people in Europe still use the 5s/SE device. I have seen more of those devices out in the wild than the X.

 

[decafjava]

No more SE? Sad. Shorthsighted. Maybe they will release a new small phone? With the new Mac Mini and Pro.

When?
ad calendas graecas

 

[boswald]

You're a MacRumors regular and you knowingly bought an iPhone X a month before new iPhones were coming out? Like they have every September since 2012?

And why are you angry about it? Your phone will be supported in iOS updates for years to come; they're just not making the phone anymore.

That's true, so I guess I chose the wrong word. I bought one because my old 6S was having serious issues, and I wasn't willing to be stuck with a refurbished 6S for the rest of my contract. Anyway, I'm sure you don't care, but that's my case.

 

[Dented]

We knew the X was going to be discontinued, but the SE comes as a shock.

I'm using my SE currently in Europe since it's GSM unlocked, and I have essentially fallen in love with this device all over again. While I love my X as well, the SE will always have a special place in my heart.

Also, I have noticed that a lot of people in Europe still use the 5s/SE device. I have seen more of those devices out in the wild than the X.

Anecdotally - I’m a middle class, middle aged male in the UK, I use an SE (and am very happy with it) and of my many peers with iPhones almost all are also touting SE’s. That includes my boss, who happens to be pretty wealthy and could probably own a cupboard full of X’s if he wanted.

I think the SE is just in a perfect sweet-spot of price/performance/size that’s very attractive to people here - it’s not showy, it fits in any pocket, but it does 99% of everything you’d expect from any iPhone and never feels like an old or slow device - in fact on iOS 12 it just runs better than ever.

I have a year to run on my contract and I’ve no doubt the SE will serve me well for that. Afterwards - right now nothing in the lineup is very appealing. The cost/benefit of upgrading to any of the new models is very heavily weighted in favour of just hanging on to the SE.

 

[Steve121178]

We knew the X was going to be discontinued, but the SE comes as a shock.

I'm using my SE currently in Europe since it's GSM unlocked, and I have essentially fallen in love with this device all over again. While I love my X as well, the SE will always have a special place in my heart.

Also, I have noticed that a lot of people in Europe still use the 5s/SE device. I have seen more of those devices out in the wild than the X.

The 5s was a big seller and on the continent they are a lot more frugal with their money so they tend to use their devices for many years, so it's not a surprise you saw a lot of them still in use.

 

[Lancetx]

Why would you buy a new iPhone just days before they announce the new lineup, before the existing phones have been reduced in price? There's a buyers guide here for a reason.

Because I strictly wanted the Product RED iPhone 8 (unlocked sim-free model direct from Apple) which is now no longer available to order. Last year the RED iPhone 7 was discontinued immediately after the September iPhone event, so I was correct in my assumption that the same would happen this year with the 8 too. I was already able to get the $100 difference refunded by Apple as well.

 

[eplchamps]

That's the problem, most people can't. We have invested our lives to Apple... HomePods, iPads, Apple TV, iPhone, Macbooks, Watches. Being critical of a company is not hate. Apple is not free from criticism, it is how companies grow and do better.

Then keep the phone you have for as long as you can. Apple can’t satisfy each person.

 

[nt5672]

I think the value and pricing makes complete sense. You talk about the iPhone like it’s a low-tech corded phone yet most people consider it their most important computing device... or any device for that matter.

iPhones are pushing the envelope with things like Face ID, the latest camera tech, 7nm CPU, latest glass tech, higher density and higher quality displays, etc. all packed into something that fits in the palm of your hand vs a laptop that uses older tech like LCD’s and biometric tech that was used in iPhones several generations ago. There’s no question, the iPhone is the more sophisticated and advanced piece of technology.

And yet most use this new technology to snapchat, tweet, or post selfies, all of which can be done on an SE. Big phones are popular because of the bling factor. Since the 5 Apple has not made a small form factor phone with premium features, so how does anyone know they are not popular.

The real strategy is to force migrate small phone users to Apple watch. Its not quite there yet, but in 5 years all most people will need will be an Apple watch, where all input will be voice and you'll be able to post selfies and snapchat 100 percent of the time without even holding your phone.

 

[decafjava]

And yet most use this new technology to snapchat, tweet, or post selfies, all of which can be done on an SE. Big phones are popular because of the bling factor. Since the 5 Apple has not made a small form factor phone with premium features, so how does anyone know they are not popular.

The real strategy is to force migrate small phone users to Apple watch. Its not quite there yet, but in 5 years all most people will need will be an Apple watch, where all input will be voice and you'll be able to post selfies and snapchat 100 percent of the time without even holding your phone.

I like the bigger display on my 7 plus since I like watching video on the go and gaming - otherwise I see why so many like the smaller phone.

 

[iShater]

Apple officially don't sell any iPhones with headphone jacks. Truly, RIP.

Yep, and of course they haven't been putting the refurbished 6s on their stores for a while now. Third party sites have new 6s for around $350

 

[Amazing Iceman]

iPhone Xs = Xs-sively priced iPhone.

 

[Matthew.H]

Because I strictly wanted the Product RED iPhone 8 (unlocked sim-free model direct from Apple) which is now no longer available to order. Last year the RED iPhone 7 was discontinued immediately after the September iPhone event, so I was correct in my assumption that the same would happen this year with the 8 too. I was already able to get the $100 difference refunded by Apple as well.

I might go to my local Apple Store tomorrow to see if they still have any Product RED 8's. Would be a nice upgrade over my 6S and the price isn't silly. I can afford the XS but can't justify the price for what I use my phone for.

 

[Freakonomics101]

I really never use the smart stuff when i leave my house, i only use messaging, calls, maps and my camera.

Now that I think about it, neither do I. I also use social media but I don’t game on my iPhone 10 or anything. Even on my iPad where I used to game all the time, I’m rarely doing that, even. My iPad is now my replacement MBA 11”. The only time I’ll need that is if I need iTunes.

The video gaming that Apple presented on their keynote yesterday bored the crap out of me.

 

[Freakonomics101]

To force people to purchase one of these disasters as soon as possible. Sorry, not going to happen. Nor do I apparently need to purchase any other of their devices. Better move on to a company that actually innovates instead of pushing last decade technology with three times the price. 5W charger? Get real.

But that’s the thing. Like others have mentioned, a lot of us are stuck. I have an iPhone SE that mainly works off my main device, the iPhone 10. Texts are based on it. Same with my iPad. Only time my iPhone SE uses its actual phone number is if I use it for phone calls. The iPad I have now will be an iPad that I will keep for another 2-3 years as the 10X will have a long line of support and excellent performance. Same with the 10. iPhone SE is still kicking along too. Feeling like iOS 9 performance on iOS 12. Apps never refresh on it. Battery life is pretty similar.

I have no reason to upgrade and Apple will eventually realize that as time goes by with these new devices.

 

[the johnmc]

I am in Sweden, and I SE everywhere. Ok, mainly women, but they are popular in my surroundings too.

Ah, but that's because it's your country code.

 

[Henk Poley]

It's about ergonomics. I want a phone that fits in the palm of my hand.

I have an iPhone SE because it's got a 4-inch screen. I have never upgraded any further because I do not want a phone that is any larger than 4 inches. Price and affordability have nothing to do with it for me. It's ridiculously simple. I want a phone that fits in my shirt pocket, because that's how I choose to carry my phone.

[..]

-> https://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

Also, your SE will (probably) get security updates for the coming 4 years. You'll have to see after that.
[doublepost=1536859742][/doublepost]

But they just built a new plant in India to build the SE? Does this mean they will continue to sell the SE in other markets, or that they new plant will be repurposed to build something else?

"Just" in May 2017, so.. last year. They switch manufacturing lines around each year, when new iPhones are released.

Src: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/17/apple-begins-manufacturing-iphone-se-in-india.html

 

[Black Diesel]

I created a poll to see how many people prefer the smaller phones. Go cast your vote here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/poll-which-phone-size-do-you-prefer.2137263/

 

[Henk Poley]

[..] 3 years ago my 6S started at 599....for the newest latest and greatest iPhone. Today the iphone 8 (last years low end new iphone ) starts at the same price of 599. And now the latest and greatest starts at 999. Yes this is what apple has become sadly. [..]

You have to understand that the support life cycle (security and major updates) has been stretched. You don't need to buy an iPhone every 2 years anymore.

For example with their prices during that year (in euros, but you get the message):

iPhone 5S 32GB (2013), 6 years of support, € 799 / 6 = € 133
iPhone 6S 16GB (2015), 7 years of support, € 749 / 7 = € 107
iPhone 8 64GB (2017), 8 years of support, € 809 / 8 = € 101
iPhone 8 64GB (now, 2018), 7 years remaining, € 689 / 7 = € 98
iPhone XR 64GB (2018), 8 years of support, € 859 / 8 = € 107

iPhone X 64GB (2017), 8 years of support, € 1159 / 8 = € 145
iPhone XS 64GB (2018), 8 years of support, € 1159 / 8 = € 145

 

[Spendlove]

Use the Apple Store App on the phone and it will walk you through it.
I already registered for mine.

OMG *rushes to apple store app*. Hmmm looks like I have to hand in my existing iPhone. Can I not keep

Have you made at least 12 payments? You can't upgrade until then. When you order, the website will ask you if you are a member and then lookup your upgrade eligibility .

No only 11. It says I can upgrade 14/09/18 at 08:01am..... the exact same time as the rest of the world are trying to do the same.

FML.

 

[Lioness~]

The article forgot the iPhone 6s Plus model being discontinued as well.

Thank goodness I got mine when i needed too.

Why not just get a Nokia 3315 ?

I'll be fine with my SE for another ~2 yrs
So I'm not worried for now. See what happens during this time?
I might even buy another SE, just in case, before it's too late.

 

[Henk Poley]

This ALL DAY LONG. A phone about the side of an iPod Nano would be the ideal smartphone for me.

That's called an Apple Watch

 

[L-Viz]

Seriously? Done. I had to use the broken iPhone I found because I actually like the iPhone SE and use it as my daily driver. Just because I like the phone doesn't mean I presume to know what a dead CEO would do.

View attachment 780987



Thanks, I don't know what I was thinking; Apple has never produced any packaging like that cover before.

View attachment 780990

Proof. You did hold that big phone and dropped it. That is why it is broken, now for the picture, you hold it again like this, probably drops right afterwards. However I would be convinced, if You would put a video on youtube, holding the all glass newest bigger iPhone XS Max like that while watching a full episode of Mythbusters or something...

And that iMac package font is not the same like the one You used. Steve was very fond of fonts. Several biographies mentioned that already. This whole iOS redesign was Jony's idea. Minimalism may be great in exterior design, but if you take it down to the software, you take the soul out of the phone.

Steve would have never allowed this.

 

[Saturn007]

How about this scenario?

Apple has dropped the iPhone SE -- for now -- to tap into the early adopter market and make sure buyers do NOT go low. ("When we go HIGH, we don't want buyers to go LOW!").

They want to see how many of the new higher-end phones it can sell. Apple hopes that people wanting a new SE will buy one of the new bigger phones -- or, at least, an iPhone 7 or 7+.

After a few months, once the dust settles on upgrades, new buys, etc., they will quietly introduce an iPhone SE 2.

In the meantime, look for hugely discounted sales on iPhone SEs and pick one up!

 

[Banglazed]

Apple strategy to drop the cheaper iPhone to raise the lowest price to $450 compared to $400 (originally SE) and expand price range $450-1099. Genius.

Economies of scale less sales so make those models less viable.

 

[Saturn007]

The tears in this thread are delicious. Apple didn’t make something specifically for you, boo hoo. Find another manufacturer that fits your needs if Apple isn’t it any longer.

LOL! Have you read the definition for condescension or patronizing recently?! They could use your sentences as examples of it.

I cracked up over the line "didn't make something specifically for you, boo hoo."

What you should have written was, "Apple didn't make something that millions of users specifically want!"