iPhone SE 4th gen, and how Apple discontinues iOS support by screen size

[mectojic]

Apple always tries to optimise the ecosystem by reducing the number of screen sizes it needs to develop for.

iOS 9 was the last release for iPad 2 and iPad Mini 1st gen – the last 2 devices without Retina displays (and both equally 1024x768). It was also the last release for iPhone 4S, the last 3.5-inch device.

iOS 15 was the last release for both the iPhone SE 1st Gen and the final iPod touch – the last 4-inch displays.

Based on this, there are some more sizes Apple will want to eradicate – iPad 6th gen (iOS 18?), the 4.7-inch iPhone SE size, and the 5.8-inch iPhone X/11 Pro. Then they might simultaneously stop supporting all remaining devices with home buttons – iPad 9th gen, iPhone SE 3rd gen. Around that time, the iPhone Minis will lose support.

All this is to say that the iPhone SE 4th gen will very likely use a 6.1-inch panel, despite complaints. It just makes the software too convenient for optimisation. They were able to still justify the 3rd gen, as the iPhone 6/7/8 series displays still had support, but iOS 17 has killed those all off.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Apple always tries to optimise the ecosystem by reducing the number of screen sizes it needs to develop for.

iOS 9 was the last release for iPad 2 and iPad Mini 1st gen – the last 2 devices without Retina displays (and both equally 1024x768). It was also the last release for iPhone 4S, the last 3.5-inch device.

iOS 15 was the last release for both the iPhone SE 1st Gen and the final iPod touch – the last 4-inch displays.

Based on this, there are some more sizes Apple will want to eradicate – iPad 6th gen (iOS 18?), the 4.7-inch iPhone SE size, and the 5.8-inch iPhone XR/11 Pro. Then they might simultaneously stop supporting all remaining devices with home buttons – iPad 9th gen, iPhone SE 3rd gen. Around that time, the iPhone Minis will lose support.

All this is to say that the iPhone SE 4th gen will very likely use a 6.1-inch panel, despite complaints. It just makes the software too convenient for optimisation. They were able to still justify the 3rd gen, as the iPhone 6/7/8 series displays still had support, but iOS 17 has killed those all off.

Did you mean the 5.8' iPhone X/11 Pro? XR has a 6.1' display..

 

[mectojic]

Did you mean the 5.8' iPhone X/11 Pro? XR has a 6.1' display..

Yep, true. The 5.8 X is discontinued now with iOS 17, but the 11 Pro is still going probably for 2-3 years.

 

[Reverend Benny]

I must say that Apple support more screensizes and resolutions than ever before which does complicate things for developers. Add to that the possibility to increase font size.
I think its a good thing that they do try and cut down on the different screensizes dropping support for them in newer iOS releases, its a bit of a mess as it is today.

 

[mectojic]

I must say that Apple support more screensizes and resolutions than ever before which does complicate things for developers. Add to that the possibility to increase font size.
I think its a good thing that they do try and cut down on the different screensizes dropping support for them in newer iOS releases, its a bit of a mess as it is today.

I counted 5 supported iPhone sizes now? 4.7-inch, 5.4, 5.8, 6.1, 6.7

 

[Reverend Benny]

I counted 5 supported iPhone sizes now? 4.7-inch, 5.4, 5.8, 6.1, 6.7

Sounds abut right, but there's also differences even if they are the same size.

The notch has changed, 12 has one size, 13 another and 15 has the oval shape.
Resolution can also differ even if the screens are the same size.

iphone 14 iphone 14 plus iphone 15 iphone 15 plus

Resolution

2,532 x 1,170 at 460ppi

2,778 x 1,284 at 458ppi

2,556 x 1,179 at 460ppi

2,796 x 1,290 at 460ppi

 

[Reverend Benny]

iOS Resolution // Display properties of every iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch Apple ever made

There you have all of them, you can sort by phone if you want.