iPhone SE (2016) iPhone SE 2 in 2018?

[GeekishlyGreek]

I hope the madness of bigger and more expensive phones will end. I´m happy with my iPhone SE and MacBook Air. And yes, the 12,9 iPad Pro has become my new best friend. Why the big expensive phones?
I recently found a good phone, the Samsung galaxy a3 4,7. Now it turns out that samsung has cut this model out, it seems they only sell 5 inch and bigger. The madness continues.

You know how it goes, as they're always trying to add new things each year, they're running out of where to pout them, so it's either cut stuff out, or make them bigger. Would be lovely if the bigger model meant we were getting the headphone jack back in the new model, (but somehow I doubt it!)

I totally know what you mean though about the SE sized phone. for me this is the perfect size for my main phone that I bring with me everywhere, so I hope they stay making models either like that (or at least close to it), without removing any of the important stuff in place of things I'm not too crazy about. May be too late for that though with some things. TouchID and the headphone jack's were, are, and remain two of my most favorite useful features, and I have a bad feeling in my bones that we'll never see the likes of them again on future iPhone models. Let's hope I'm wrong though and pleasantly surprised!

 

[brofkand]

I am happy with my SE, but if an SE2 was announced this week with some nice upgrades I'd consider it.

I have Macs, iPads, and other screens around me all the time - if I need a bigger screen, I can get to one quickly. For my phone I want a small device that is easily portable and most importantly - is easily operable with one hand.

 

[Mac'nCheese]

I am happy with my SE, but if an SE2 was announced this week with some nice upgrades I'd consider it.

I have Macs, iPads, and other screens around me all the time - if I need a bigger screen, I can get to one quickly. For my phone I want a small device that is easily portable and most importantly - is easily operable with one hand.

And the rumors are saying that the cheaper phone will be the mid sized one. Should be the smallest one, IMHO

 

[brofkand]

And the rumors are saying that the cheaper phone will be the mid sized one. Should be the smallest one, IMHO

I'm happy with my SE, I hope they keep it around.

Consumers seem to prefer bigger phones nowadays, I suppose many people are using them as their main device. I don't blame Apple for this, they're simply giving consumers by and large what they want.

I do hope that they'll continue to update the SE, sort of like how they continue to (admittedly very infrequently) update the Mac mini. I think it serves a need in the marketplace. It's the only iPhone you can buy brand new for under $500. I bought mine from Cricket for $159. Cost is secondary to me to an extent, I just prefer a smaller phone.

 

[bluecoast]

I’m hopeful that the ‘scaled down, easy to build iPhone 7’ rumour is going to be real.

I suspect that it’s going to be same size as the 7 & all we’ll get is ‘here’s the cheapest version of the 7 series that we could build’.

However, I’m hopeful it’ll be the size of the SE but with no 3D Touch.

Roll in next March when we’ll likely find out the future of the SE.

 

[44267547]

However, I’m hopeful it’ll be the size of the SE but with no 3D Touch.
.

Probably not including 3D Touch, because 3D would just add to the manufacturing cost, but it also appears Apple might be moving away from 3D Touch, at least for the 6.1 LCD iPhone, to include a simulated version of 3D Touch.

 

[dj1891]

I think that boat has sailed. The se has been scrapped. Not even any rumours about it anymore.

 

[dcpmark]

I think that boat has sailed. The se has been scrapped. Not even any rumours about it anymore.

Well, that’s not true....there was an new rumor about the SE2 here in my office just today.

I didn’t get too excited about it, though, because it was just the same fake rumor about a new SE2 I started in my office last week.

 

[Beenblacklisted]

I am a HUGE HUGE IPhone SE fan and I will not let it go until Apple completely no longer supports it.
However, I had been stumbling on articles that speculates that Apple will be launching a new version of the SE called SE-2?

http://www.techradar.com/news/iphone-se-2
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/25/iphone-se-plus-concept/

Like I said, I will stick with my current SE until Apple decides that it will not update it anymore. Period.

With that said, does anyone know when Apple will drop support for the iPhone SE models?

Thanks

The SE was only made due to extra internals of 6s and additional molds of 5s.

 

[neoelectronaut]

It's crazy to me that the smallest "new" phone that Apple is (apparently) offering in 2018 will be sporting almost a 6" screen. That's just bonkers.

 

[subjonas]

The SE was only made due to extra internals of 6s and additional molds of 5s.

How do you know? And were those the only extra internals and casings Apple ever had?
[doublepost=1536609486][/doublepost]

It's bonkers to me that the smallest "new" phone that Apple is (apparently) offering in 2018 will be sporting almost a 6" screen. That's just bonkers.

I feel like the world has gone insane—in many ways but especially phone sizes.

 

[Beenblacklisted]

How do you know? And were those the only extra internals and casings Apple ever had?
[doublepost=1536609486][/doublepost]

I feel like the world has gone insane—in many ways but especially phone sizes.

Just trying to help you, if your gonna be sarcastic in your replies, people will be less likely to help you. Best of luck, Hope you are able to find the info you need.

 

[nutmac]

I am happy with my SE, but if an SE2 was announced this week with some nice upgrades I'd consider it.

I have Macs, iPads, and other screens around me all the time - if I need a bigger screen, I can get to one quickly. For my phone I want a small device that is easily portable and most importantly - is easily operable with one hand.

If Apple is keeping SE in the lineup and intends to update it, I seriously doubt Apple will pour resources to improve the design in any significant way.

So taking that into consideration and let's suppose Apple merely spec bumps iPhone 6S-era SE to iPhone 8 components as follows:

• A9 with A11
• Second generation Touch ID
• Improved rear camera (f/2.2 4K 30 fps replaced with f/1.8 4k 60 fps camera)
• Improved front cameras (1.2 MP f/2.4 replaced with 7MP f/2.2)
• New cellular modem with more LTE bands

New buyers holding off for update will no doubt welcome the spec bump. But I am not sure existing SE owners would be clambering to upgrade from what they have (unless their phone is dying and in need of replacement).

I think it would take some of the iPhone 8 features, such as the following, to get significant SE customers to upgrade (all of which would be too expensive):

• Static home button with Taptic Engine
• Better screen
• Qi wireless charging
• Optical image stabilizer

 

[jasjeet]

If Apple is keeping SE in the lineup and intends to update it, I seriously doubt Apple will pour resources to improve the design in any significant way.

So taking that into consideration and let's suppose Apple merely spec bumps iPhone 6S-era SE to iPhone 8 components as follows:

• A9 with A11
• Second generation Touch ID
• Improved rear camera (f/2.2 4K 30 fps replaced with f/1.8 4k 60 fps camera and optical image stabilization)
• Improved front cameras (1.2 MP f/2.4 replaced with 7MP f/2.2)

New buyers holding off for update will no doubt welcome the spec bump. But I am not sure existing SE owners would be clambering to upgrade from what they have (unless their phone is dying and in need of replacement).

I think anyone who bought it for being 4” would buy what you describe. Maybe over all of that, just a slightly better screen, TouchId 2, newer cpu and better cameras.

Maybe the ones who buy it for being cheap wouldn’t, can’t speak for that case as it’s a very personal choice.

 

[dcpmark]

They won’t do this, but here’s what I wish Apple would do.....go ahead and put out a “cheap” phone to satisfy the price-conscious, whether it’s the “budget” LCD 6.1 or another cheap ip7-based model, then ALSO make a small phone having all or most of the higher-end specs in an SE body with a bezel-less display. Call it the “XS Mini” and charge an arm and leg for it, for which I and others would gladly pay.

 

[subjonas]

Just trying to help you, if your gonna be sarcastic in your replies, people will be less likely to help you. Best of luck, Hope you are able to find the info you need.

I think you’re confusing me with the person you replied to. In any case, I don’t think stating your opinions as facts is going to help him/her.

If Apple is keeping SE in the lineup and intends to update it, I seriously doubt Apple will pour resources to improve the design in any significant way.

So taking that into consideration and let's suppose Apple merely spec bumps iPhone 6S-era SE to iPhone 8 components as follows:

• A9 with A11
• Second generation Touch ID
• Improved rear camera (f/2.2 4K 30 fps replaced with f/1.8 4k 60 fps camera)
• Improved front cameras (1.2 MP f/2.4 replaced with 7MP f/2.2)
• New cellular modem with more LTE bands

New buyers holding off for update will no doubt welcome the spec bump. But I am not sure existing SE owners would be clambering to upgrade from what they have (unless their phone is dying and in need of replacement).

I think it would take some of the iPhone 8 features, such as the following, to get significant SE customers to upgrade (all of which would be too expensive):

• Static home button with Taptic Engine
• Better screen
• Qi wireless charging
• Optical image stabilizer

Can’t improve upon perfection!

I would upgrade from my current SE for any significant camera improvements or increase in storage. Any other additions would be bonus. Speed-wise it’s fine for now.

 

[nutmac]

Can’t improve upon perfection!

I would upgrade from my current SE for any significant camera improvements or increase in storage. Any other additions would be bonus. Speed-wise it’s fine for now.

You are not alone in thinking that way. Many of my friends think iPhone 5 was the best iPhone design.

But you pointed out the most significant point. iPhone SE is not lacking performance. Faster Touch ID and better camera would certainly be appreciated by more discriminating SE owners, but most people would see spec bumped SE and discounted original SE and go with discounted SE. Or better yet, they would probably prefer "new SE" based on iPhone 8, cost reduced to bring the price level down to existing SE level (e.g., no 3D Touch and Qi charging, cheaper LCD).

 

[BiggAW]

It's crazy to me that the smallest "new" phone that Apple is (apparently) offering in 2018 will be sporting almost a 6" screen. That's just bonkers.

Yes! I think the iPhone SE form factor has run it's course, but they should retain an iPhone 6/7/8 form factor, or maybe even on slightly smaller but still larger than the SE for people who like normalish-sized phones.

 

[MartyvH]

iPhone 6/7/8 form factor, or maybe even on slightly smaller but still larger than the SE

Something in between the SE and the 6/7/8 I would love to see. This necessitates a new exterior housing, but they can just enlarge the SE housing like they did with the upcoming iPad Pro. It looks like a really big SE.

A bigger SE, slap in a 4.7" screen but in the X style, 8 internals and done. My next buy. This would firm me up as a buyer when I'm wavering about one of the future X models.... and I'm not buying the 6/7/8.

 

[apolloa]

If they do revamp the SE it could potentially be the only new model they offer with 128GB!!

 

[44267547]

It's crazy to me that the smallest "new" phone that Apple is (apparently) offering in 2018 will be sporting almost a 6" screen. That's just bonkers.

But look at the competition around Apple, they are almost all offering 6 inch smart phones at a _lower_ price point under the iPhone X. Apple is trying to broaden that spectrum by competing in that segment, that’s why they’re likely offering to 6.1 LCD iPhone, then of course if they do lower the price of the 5.8 X from $999 to $899 as suggested, then there obviously they are trying to gauge the market in both form factor and cost to the consumer.

 

[GeekishlyGreek]

They won’t do this, but here’s what I wish Apple would do.....go ahead and put out a “cheap” phone to satisfy the price-conscious, whether it’s the “budget” LCD 6.1 or another cheap ip7-based model, then ALSO make a small phone having all or most of the higher-end specs in an SE body with a bezel-less display. Call it the “XS Mini” and charge an arm and leg for it, for which I and others would gladly pay.

It gets my vote! Would pay for it gladly too! Where do I sign?
I'll be honest though. I don't even care about the bezel-less. It's not a deal breaker, but for what it's worth, personally I actually prefer having parts of the phone I can hold it by without accidentally triggering things on the touch screen!
(just sayin'!)

 

[bluecoast]

Something in between the SE and the 6/7/8 I would love to see. This necessitates a new exterior housing, but they can just enlarge the SE housing like they did with the upcoming iPad Pro. It looks like a really big SE.

A bigger SE, slap in a 4.7" screen but in the X style, 8 internals and done. My next buy. This would firm me up as a buyer when I'm wavering about one of the future X models.... and I'm not buying the 6/7/8.

This would be great, the problem with it is that the Face ID module would bump up the price.

It's really hard to work out where they're going to go with the 4 inch phone next - if at all.

Either they believe in the 4 inch form factor - if so I think that we could expect an upgrade to (some) 7 era components and still keep the price down.

Or they don't...

And if so - and I suspect that they don't - I think that we'll get a retooled iPhone 7 (iPhone 7S?) where they've made it as cheap to make as possible i.e. no 3D Touch and likely a better battery.

Then Apple's strategy would be to just sell 2-3 year old phones in developing markets and make everything about them as value for money as possible but absolutely with no recent components that make people consider their cheaper phones over the Face ID phones.

 

[BiggAW]

Something in between the SE and the 6/7/8 I would love to see. This necessitates a new exterior housing, but they can just enlarge the SE housing like they did with the upcoming iPad Pro. It looks like a really big SE.

A bigger SE, slap in a 4.7" screen but in the X style, 8 internals and done. My next buy. This would firm me up as a buyer when I'm wavering about one of the future X models.... and I'm not buying the 6/7/8.

There's a lot of ways they could go about doing it. I was thinking more a shrunken 6/7/8, but you could go about it the other way around too. I had a 1st Gen Moto G, and I think the 4.5" form factor is a good one, with a normal aspect ratio, as opposed to the super-tall SE.

And if so - and I suspect that they don't - I think that we'll get a retooled iPhone 7 (iPhone 7S?) where they've made it as cheap to make as possible i.e. no 3D Touch and likely a better battery.

Then Apple's strategy would be to just sell 2-3 year old phones in developing markets and make everything about them as value for money as possible but absolutely with no recent components that make people consider their cheaper phones over the Face ID phones.

That's actually a really interesting idea. They should upgrade the LTE bands in it though. Buying a year-old design that was behind in LTE tech when it was released is not a smart move. Really, Apple should refresh the whole line every year. Samsung and Moto and many others release fresh, new, updated $100, $250, $400, etc, phones every year, so I don't think it's too much to expect Apple to release a new $350 and $550 phone every year, and retire the old models each year.

 

[bluecoast]

There's a lot of ways they could go about doing it. I was thinking more a shrunken 6/7/8, but you could go about it the other way around too. I had a 1st Gen Moto G, and I think the 4.5" form factor is a good one, with a normal aspect ratio, as opposed to the super-tall SE.



That's actually a really interesting idea. They should upgrade the LTE bands in it though. Buying a year-old design that was behind in LTE tech when it was released is not a smart move. Really, Apple should refresh the whole line every year. Samsung and Moto and many others release fresh, new, updated $100, $250, $400, etc, phones every year, so I don't think it's too much to expect Apple to release a new $350 and $550 phone every year, and retire the old models each year.

Yeah definitely re the 4g modem. I could see a ‘7s’ phone getting an updated modem, losing 3D Touch & getting (hopefully) a slightly bigger battery.

All other components I’d expect to stay the same.

The savings on just being able to use a standard good quality lcd screen - without the 3D Touch layer - are going to be significant, you’d imagine.

Maybe - just maybe - we’d see a version of this scaled down to fit a smaller 4 inch phone, but I’d imagine that they’d have issues fitting in the Taptic Engine into the very packed space of a 4 inch phone.

And if they did, I’d expect just one speaker and no stereo jack.

You can imagine that making a retooled 7 (ie similar to the retooled 5s SE) is way way easier than doing a ‘7s SE’.

Especially as I’d imagine that Apple has research to say that most people like the bigger 4.7 screen - it’s just that they’re not prepared to pay the price.

So if Apple could start the 7s at $399, you might look at a lot of take up here.

But I’d still be sad about losing the 4 inch screen. I think that was the best size by far & with the home button, the esiest smart phone for ‘regular’ people to operate.

EDIT: maybe, like the regular iPad this phone will simply be called ‘iPhone’ and it’ll be Apple’s two years behind the cutting edge model for regular people who just want a new Apple phone at a reasonable price.