My thoughts are the iPhone SE was a one time offering and the four-inch form factor/smaller demographic for iPhones is extremely minimal, given where smart phones have grown proportionately larger. I think the iPhone SE is a great phone for reasons we all know, but it’s also a global phone that’s affordable for many other countries that can’t afford an iPhone like the X or iPhone 8, which was Apples real intent for introducing SE in the first place.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPhone SE (2016) Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE "don't buy"
- Thread starter wmf
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
My thoughts are the iPhone SE was a one time offering and the four-inch form factor/smaller demographic for iPhones is extremely minimal, given where smart phones have grown proportionately larger. I think the iPhone SE is a great phone for reasons we all know, but it’s also a global phone that’s affordable for many other countries that can’t afford an iPhone like the X or iPhone 8, which was Apples real intent for introducing SE in the first place.
I have a related question due to my lack of Apple knowledge and history. If they were to discontinue the 4" iPhone size altogether, would they announce it beforehand or would it potentially just no longer be available? I'd rather not spend the money right now to replace my phone (since it still works for me more or less) but if there won't be an opportunity to get a phone at that size when I need to replace this one then I'd rather spend the money now and know that I have a new small phone that will work for several years. Just curious on Apple's pattern with this. Thanks!
You asked why there was a "don't buy" recommendation and that was a simple and rather neutral explanation of the general perspective of this site and its readers.
If I went to a site that was geared toward video editors, I wouldn't start off by asking why they don't recommend a certain hard drive, get an explanation about why it's bad for video editors who are the site's audience, and then complain about how I wasn't "welcome".
What Apple would likely do, is during the iPhone Keynote in the fall, if they were to discontinue the SE, they would display An overall demographic of all the iPhones being updated and which iPhones are currently available in the lineup, which you would then know if the SE is continued or discontinued. Apple Won’t discuss why they discontinue certain iPhones, they would just display which iPhones are the most current in the lineup.
I am concerned about the current lack of availability of both the 32GB and 128GB and the four colours from carriers and retailers in Australia. At most sites, it's only the 32GB that is available and only in Space Grey. I wonder what that says about its status and what the carriers and retailers know about a discontinuation.
Probably more of an indication of local demand in Australia.
Most consumers buying the SE are looking for a no-nonsense low price phone. It makes sense to stock the 32GB in Space Gray.
Thank you, this is very helpful! If it were not in the lineup in the keynote is it at all likely that one would be able to purchase one at the Apple store until the supply runs out or do they typically remove them from the stores to prep for the announcement?
Once Apple removes an iPhone from their lineup during the Keynote announcement, it Will no longer be available for sale on their website once its updated or in store.
I think people will be mad if the SE2 becomes the LCD model rumored for $700-800.
I am interested in the 2018 iPhones, especially since the 2017 X comes down in price and the new updates normalize no home buttons and gesture based experiences. Though my ideal iPhone would be the regular X size because it has a large enough screen and nice size.
I am interested in the 2018 iPhones, especially since the 2017 X comes down in price and the new updates normalize no home buttons and gesture based experiences. Though my ideal iPhone would be the regular X size because it has a large enough screen and nice size.