iPhone SE (2016) How futureproof is an iPhone SE now in terms of iOS updates?

[NewBench]

So Apple have stopped selling new iPhone SEs, and I'm disappointed that a new/updated smaller iPhone hasn't been released as yet by Apple. I have tiny hands and the SE size/form factor are perfect for me. I've used one for the last 12 months or so, but need to buy a new one due to losing mine yesterday.

Certain retailers here in the UK like Carphone Warehouse still sell new iPhone SEs in all colours, but only 32GB (which is fine with me).

My concern is that given this phone has the A9 chip found in the 6S (also no longer sold new by Apple), how much longer will the SE support iOS updates and run relatively smoothly with no major software/battery issues?

I know I don't have to update iOS but there are usually enough reasons to at some point (e.g. security fixes, certain cosmetic reasons, new apps, third party apps only supporting newer versions of iOS etc).

Really wish/hope Apple bring out an SE2.....would even be happy with the same form factor, just heavily upgraded internals.

 

[Reno Raines]

If I had to hazard a guess it will get iOS 13 and maybe 14 as it was just discontinued this year and still being sold by MNVO’s.

 

[44267547]

So Apple have stopped selling new iPhone SEs, and I'm disappointed that a new/updated smaller iPhone hasn't been released as yet by Apple. I have tiny hands and the SE size/form factor are perfect for me. I've used one for the last 12 months or so, but need to buy a new one due to losing mine yesterday.

Certain retailers here in the UK like Carphone Warehouse still sell new iPhone SEs in all colours, but only 32GB (which is fine with me).

My concern is that given this phone has the A9 chip found in the 6S (also no longer sold new by Apple), how much longer will the SE support iOS updates and run relatively smoothly with no major software/battery issues?

I know I don't have to update iOS but there are usually enough reasons to at some point (e.g. security fixes, certain cosmetic reasons, new apps, third party apps only supporting newer versions of iOS etc).

Really wish/hope Apple bring out an SE2.....would even be happy with the same form factor, just heavily upgraded internals.

Both the iPhone 6s an SE share the same A9 processor and two GB of RAM, so I would assume at least up to iOS 14 might be the final year for support.

 

[Ffosse]

It will get iOs14 but you may have trouble getting hold of a new one by then.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

Considering how speedy and fantastic the SE performs on iOS 12, even if Apple supported later versions of iOS for the SE I wouldn't want to upgrade.

 

[Thai]

As of today, Verizon (big phone carrier in USA) is still selling iPhone 6S new thru their website.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

It will be supported for quite a bit longer. I’d say iOS14 would be a minimum end point..

 

[nburwell]

The SE will definitely be supported up to iOS 14. I wouldn't say iOS 15 is a stretch, but if the SE were supported, I would imagine it wouldn't get all the features the newer iPhone's would get.

 

[tonybarnaby]

Considering the phone is dirt cheap, I would expect 2 more decent years from it and then plan on needing a replacement.

 

[darksithpro]

So Apple have stopped selling new iPhone SEs, and I'm disappointed that a new/updated smaller iPhone hasn't been released as yet by Apple. I have tiny hands and the SE size/form factor are perfect for me. I've used one for the last 12 months or so, but need to buy a new one due to losing mine yesterday.

Certain retailers here in the UK like Carphone Warehouse still sell new iPhone SEs in all colours, but only 32GB (which is fine with me).

My concern is that given this phone has the A9 chip found in the 6S (also no longer sold new by Apple), how much longer will the SE support iOS updates and run relatively smoothly with no major software/battery issues?

I know I don't have to update iOS but there are usually enough reasons to at some point (e.g. security fixes, certain cosmetic reasons, new apps, third party apps only supporting newer versions of iOS etc).

Really wish/hope Apple bring out an SE2.....would even be happy with the same form factor, just heavily upgraded internals.

To me the best indicator of planned obsolescence is the amount of RAM the device has vs the amount of RAM on the newest devices. The newest phones have 4 gigs of RAM, so with half that amount means less support long term. This is why I would never buy the XR with 3 gigs. That just means it won't be supported as long as the XS/MAX will be. Yes, even 1 GB will make a huge difference with later OS iterations, because iOS is very efficient and optimized.

 

[Shanghaichica]

It should get iOS 13 and 14. So support until the fall of 2021.