iPhone SE (2016) iPhone SE (2020)

[TDDM]

So the absolute earliest would be September 2020 or whenever iOS 14 launches. The people who thought SE2 Plus was coming soon are unfortunately setting themselves up for disappointment as there is nothing credible to support that.

I was thinking it would drop soon because Prosser said something to that effect. From what I’ve seen from him, it was supposed to launch simultaneously with the 9, but there was a delay because they haven’t finished production yet.

(Again, I’m basing this on Prosser having a good track record, he seems trustworthy at the moment)

 

[44267547]

I think those thinking it won’t sell well are in for a surprise, remember just how well the original SE was selling even last year in the Apple clearance section, it sold out almost immediately when inventory was added each day.

The difference being, the iPhone SE didn’t launch during a pandemic. Even if you take the keynote out of the equation, any iPhone that launches during this time frame, isn’ Expected to ‘sell out’, especially This is the worst economic conditions that are ahead of us for months to come for millions of ‘non-essential’ workers. So what’s my point? I don’t care if it’s about an iPhone SE or any Apple product for that matter, the tech sector is going to suffer greatly for 2020 long-term, even though I do think the ‘SE’ phone will be successful, But certainly not without its challenges when carrier Stores are primarily closed and marketing will primarily will be relied through TV only.

 

[micha10589]

What is the likelihood that Apple will make the announcement / remote presentation at their usual Apple time, followed by the new SE going on sale? Will there even be an official release? Trying to gauge if some of us on the East Coast will need to be up early as we normally do on order day, or if this launch will be in the afternoon.

I would expect them to do it early in the morning so that it will reach a larger number of potential customers on the same day. The iPad Pro/MacBook Air announcement was I believe (difficulty with the difference at the time in European/US DST) made at 8 a.m. Eastern time (1 pm in Europe at the time pre DST). So I would actually expect the iPhone announcement to come at the same time. Check Joanna Stern’s tweet with the announcement for the time in your area:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1240248383769640960

 

[oVerboost]

The difference being, the iPhone SE didn’t launch during a pandemic. Even if you take the keynote out of the equation, any iPhone that launches during this time frame, isn’ Expected to ‘sell out’, especially This is the worst economic conditions that are ahead of us for months to come for millions of ‘non-essential’ workers. So what’s my point? I don’t care if it’s about an iPhone SE or any Apple product for that matter, the tech sector is going to suffer greatly for 2020 long-term, even though I do think the ‘SE’ phone will be successful, But certainly not without its challenges when carrier Stores are primarily closed and marketing will primarily will be relied through TV only.

Tech is recession proof. The last one proved that. People are still going to need phones, and a cheaper option is a great one.

A lot of people are still getting the majority of their wage over here in the UK, and they will be going back to work. Those that have lost jobs should be able to get new ones when companies reopen or get bought out by others.

Yes it’s a testing time, but people (somehow) always find money for technology.

 

[micha10589]

That's why a small design change would have been a good thing. Nothing too drastic but something that would give it a physical difference. Maybe thinner bezels or a dual camera, new colors... Something. Because again, the iPhone 8 is still great, the SE will look identical to it and mainstream consumers don't really know about the internals like that. But I guess since it's replacing the iPhone 8 that still sells
well it should be just fine.

Agree, some noticeable design change would be really welcome. But I’m afraid it won’t get anything better than this:

Apple iPhone SE 2 (iPhone 9) Key Specifications Revealed

According to the ongoing leaks, the upcoming iPhone SE 2 (iPhone 9) will look somewhat like iPhone 8 while some design elements of the smartphone will be

news.maxabout.com

Which would at least be something and a small nod to the current design language.

 

[glambutnerdy]

I'm sure others will disagree with me of course. But I think that maybe a little twist to the design would have made it more exciting? And honestly I do not see this sell very well, covid19 situation aside.

The whole point of keeping the old internals is to cut down on price, giving it a twist will place it as expensive as the rest of the line up and it would defeat the whole purpose.

Look at the original SE, it sold fairly well and that was based on an old design. Some consumers are stubborn and prefer to stick to the older designs, I know a lot of people still with 6/6s/7’s who this would be perfect for.

 

[ericwn]

This is an iPhone 8. I truly don't find it exciting to say the least.

In the same way the first SE was an iPhone 5. Same shell as the old model, different interiors.

 

[snipr125]

That's why a small design change would have been a good thing. Nothing too drastic but something that would give it a physical difference. Maybe thinner bezels or a dual camera, new colors... Something. Because again, the iPhone 8 is still great, the SE will look identical to it and mainstream consumers don't really know about the internals like that. But I guess since it's replacing the iPhone 8 that still sells
well it should be just fine.

Thinner bezels would have been nice like what Apple did with the 2019 entry level ipad(9.7 to 10.2 screen). I doubt this will happen though to lower cost. The only design change will be the centred Apple logo on the back and maybe slightly different colours to differentiate it from iphone 6/6s/7/8.

 

[barondebxl]

Tech is recession proof. The last one proved that. People are still going to need phones, and a cheaper option is a great one.

A lot of people are still getting the majority of their wage over here in the UK, and they will be going back to work. Those that have lost jobs should be able to get new ones when companies reopen or get bought out by others.

Yes it’s a testing time, but people (somehow) always find money for technology.

"People are still going to need phones"

People already have phones. This is not going to sell well during this pandemic. Millions have filed for unemployment and the stimulus check coming up is already spent before arrival for a lot of ppl. Again, ppl have their phone in hand already so a new one isn't a necessity. Whatever happened before can't be compared to the situation going on in the world today. Add to that that it looks nearly identical to the iPhone 8 all the way back to the iPhone 6....ppl are not going to buy it like that, it's just not going to happen.

 

[barondebxl]

The whole point of keeping the old internals is to cut down on price, giving it a twist will place it as expensive as the rest of the line up and it would defeat the whole purpose.

Look at the original SE, it sold fairly well and that was based on an old design. Some consumers are stubborn and prefer to stick to the older designs, I know a lot of people still with 6/6s/7’s who this would be perfect for.

Oh I'm sure some are excited about the updated internals in a smaller body/with touch id design etc... and when I say a twist to the design, it doesn't even have to be anything drastic. Heck Maybe just adding a wide angle camera would have been enough for me.

 

[ian87w]

Because it would be similar to iPhone 8 rather than iPhone 11. And iPhone 8 uses Qualcomm Modem.

That's the outside. The internals will follow the design of the A13, which uses only Intel modem.

 

[oVerboost]

"People are still going to need phones"

People already have phones. This is not going to sell well during this pandemic. Millions have filed for unemployment and the stimulus check coming up is already spent before arrival for a lot of ppl. Again, ppl have their phone in hand already so a new one isn't a necessity. Whatever happened before can't be compared to the situation going on in the world today. Add to that that it looks nearly identical to the iPhone 8 all the way back to the iPhone 6....ppl are not going to buy it like that, it's just not going to happen.

We will see won’t we... maybe over in the US you’ve got no money, majority in the UK are in 80% wage with no mortgage payments until things get back to normal. Personally, I have money for a new phone as do a lot of friends and family who are interested in the upcoming device.

People have phones all the time, they still buy a new one. When they have a carrier contract over here, they’ll be offered probably a “free” phone that is bundled in, and there monthly payments will be the same or actually less if they are coming from an older contract.

Financing the phone with the upgrade program will be a small amount each month as well.

Just because people have something that works, they still upgrade or change or downgrade. Not everyone’s situation is bad. I appreciate many will encounter hard times, and I genuinely feel for them but even now, online sales of tech are booming! Nintendo Switches are sold out here and selling for inflated prices on eBay etc! iPad sales are up as well, as are other games consoles. People will justify a phone purchase if they can justify those things!

 

[oVerboost]

Oh I'm sure some are excited about the updated internals in a smaller body/with touch id design etc... and when I say a twist to the design, it doesn't even have to be anything drastic. Heck Maybe just adding a wide angle camera would have been enough for me.

A double rear camera would have been a nice touch, especially if they are already relocating the Apple symbol on the rear but I guess you’d then need to manufacture new rear glass to go with it, and being a budget device people will want to re-use their existing cases from the 8/7 devices. Plus Apple can sell the cases they already have that way too.

 

[ian87w]

"People are still going to need phones"

People already have phones. This is not going to sell well during this pandemic. Millions have filed for unemployment and the stimulus check coming up is already spent before arrival for a lot of ppl. Again, ppl have their phone in hand already so a new one isn't a necessity. Whatever happened before can't be compared to the situation going on in the world today. Add to that that it looks nearly identical to the iPhone 8 all the way back to the iPhone 6....ppl are not going to buy it like that, it's just not going to happen.

This will be offered free upfront with installment plans or contract.

 

[hipnetic]

Apple's online store shows 4/17-4/21 delivery date for iPhone 8. Seems a bit odd that they're taking orders for that with a quick delivery timeframe if the 9/SE is about to be released today or tomorrow. Thoughts?

 

[snipr125]

We will see won’t we... maybe over in the US you’ve got no money, majority in the UK are in 80% wage with no mortgage payments until things get back to normal. Personally, I have money for a new phone as do a lot of friends and family who are interested in the upcoming device.

People have phones all the time, they still buy a new one. When they have a carrier contract over here, they’ll be offered probably a “free” phone that is bundled in, and there monthly payments will be the same or actually less if they are coming from an older contract.

Financing the phone with the upgrade program will be a small amount each month as well.

Just because people have something that works, they still upgrade or change or downgrade. Not everyone’s situation is bad. I appreciate many will encounter hard times, and I genuinely feel for them but even now, online sales of tech are booming! Nintendo Switches are sold out here and selling for inflated prices on eBay etc! iPad sales are up as well, as are other games consoles. People will justify a phone purchase if they can justify those things!

Amazon UK has completely sold out of practically all ipads at time of writing which shows people need their tech, especially during lockdown to watch streaming services etc. Glad i got my ipad air 3 literally days before lockdown!

 

[tubular]

Some consumers are stubborn and prefer to stick to the older designs

Not stubborn about most Apple things, but this is one. My phone is my phone, not my iPad micro. My iPads are my iPads, not my iPhone Humongo. An SE form factor with upgraded internals would be just right. Although I'm not in the market right now, having a spare still-in-cellophane SE to fall back on if this one blows a gasket.

That is to say, given a choice of old form and new guts, I'll stick with the old form. Something I can actually get into and out of my pocket.

 

[Freida]

And yet that is what excites me. I really don't need new design. I hate the design of 11 Pro.
So iPhone 8 design with latest A chip etc. is pretty much an amazing upgrade for me.
Not everyone is spoiled and needs new shiny thing each year.
Plus TouchID ftw!

This is an iPhone 8. I truly don't find it exciting to say the least.

 

[oVerboost]

Apple's online store shows 4/17-4/21 delivery date for iPhone 8. Seems a bit odd that they're taking orders for that with a quick delivery timeframe if the 9/SE is about to be released today or tomorrow. Thoughts?

Those dates are there to put people off ordering, or the phone will automatically get updated to the new device and the customer will be contacted. Much like what happened with the iPad Pro for anyone who ordered when the new one came out, if it’s cheaper the customer will get the difference refunded.

In most places, shipping for the 8 is actually a lot longer.

 

[TDDM]

This is an iPhone 8. I truly don't find it exciting to say the least.

I’m mostly tired of the old design as well, but there are a few benefits that make it completely worth it IMO (This only applies to the 9+):

1. The 8+/9+ body is slightly wider than the 11. It may not be by much, but it’s enough to be noticeable & it makes the 8+ more comfortable to use in portrait.

2. 403 PPI vs 326 PPI. At least for me, it’s a very obvious difference in quality when the screen is that large. Not to say the 11’s screen is bad, but the 8+ style screen looks gorgeous.

3. This is a highly specific point to myself and a few others. For some reason, the new liqud retina screens (XR, 11, iPad Pro 2018/2020) give us eye strain, so we’re stuck on the 8 or 8+. A non-liquid retina display on a phone with 2019-ish specs is a godsend for us.

 

[rui no onna]

"People are still going to need phones"

People already have phones. This is not going to sell well during this pandemic. Millions have filed for unemployment and the stimulus check coming up is already spent before arrival for a lot of ppl. Again, ppl have their phone in hand already so a new one isn't a necessity. Whatever happened before can't be compared to the situation going on in the world today. Add to that that it looks nearly identical to the iPhone 8 all the way back to the iPhone 6....ppl are not going to buy it like that, it's just not going to happen.

Because phones last forever, of course. They never malfunction. They never break. They never get lost or stolen.

Yes, the situation's pretty bad for millions of people. That said, this is going to be ~$15/mo on installment or possibly free after monthly credits on postpaid. That's easier to cash flow than, say, a $549+tax out-of-warranty repair on an iPhone X.

Heck, the OOW repair cost for the XR is $399 - the same as the expected pricing for the SE2 without benefit of 0% APR 24-30 month installment.

 

[barondebxl]

Because phones last forever, of course. They never malfunction. They never break. They never get lost or stolen.

Yes, the situation's pretty bad for millions of people. That said, this is going to be ~$15/mo on installment or possibly free after monthly credits on postpaid. That's easier to cash flow than, say, a $549+tax out-of-warranty repair on an iPhone X.

But when someone has a perfectly working phone, spending $15 a month during a pandemic isn't something they're looking for especially when the device looks identical to the one they have in hand.

 

[oVerboost]

But when someone has a perfectly working phone, spending $15 a month during a pandemic isn't something they're looking for especially when the device looks identical to the one they have in hand.

Your speaking from a personal view... you don’t know that everyone won’t be spending $15 or whatever it will cost each month on a new phone. You have nothing to base your claims on, other than your personal opinion.

Surely the replies many have made to your comment saying no one wants it, and no one agreeing, should tell you that perhaps people are going to buy this phone?!

Besides, this pandemic isn’t going to last forever like I said, and a return to normality will be a struggle for some in terms of income, for many it’s simply an inconvenience. That’s the reality. Banks are supplying interest free loans, deferring payments for businesses and governments are funding wages for the vast majority in countries other than the USA.

And International sales as a whole is probably a larger buying audience than America is anyway!
- Just checked, and yes 62% of the market is outside of the US. In the UK market, 49.2% of the smartphones in people’s hands are iPhones. And probably a good percentage, if not over half have the older devices.
If Apple don’t provide a cheap option in the market for these people, they will leave and buy a cheap android alternative. For Apple that’s business suicide!

Besides, the phones are made, they are sitting on pallets no doubt in warehouse. Apple can’t get this far to not put them into the market, one sale is better than no sales from a product that customers don’t have the option of buying.

 

[Freida]

Same was for iPhone 11 Pro etc. I've checked that last week. Its just coincidence

Apple's online store shows 4/17-4/21 delivery date for iPhone 8. Seems a bit odd that they're taking orders for that with a quick delivery timeframe if the 9/SE is about to be released today or tomorrow. Thoughts?

 

[rui no onna]

But when someone has a perfectly working phone, spending $15 a month during a pandemic isn't something they're looking for especially when the device looks identical to the one they have in hand.

I expect the people in the market for a 4.7" TouchID iPhone (regardless if it's 8 or SE2) have 6/6S/7 or even older that are already exhibiting issues (either performance, battery or hardware related).

The SE2 isn't a device that will garner fanfare or set sales records on release weekend. It's one that would sell reliably over a long period to people who need a no-frills replacement for their old or defective iPhones.