iPhone SE (2016) iPhone SE - Are we at the end?

[jasjeet]

It’s sad since I simply dreaded the 6S, my hands hurt and my wrist ached. I sold it for the SE that I still own today. One handed use with pinky under the phone is what I’m used to and after using the 6s for a few months I couldn’t get used to it. It’s very uncomfortable to hold the phone in the middle and I have to adjust my grip to use the entire screen.
I will just get a proper screen replacement and new battery for my SE and keep going. The screen quality is pretty bad but it does the job for browsing and casually viewing photos or videos. I have an OLED for movies and a PC for gaming. Phone is just for reading and writing text, calls, photos conveniently, on the go.

I couldn’t find an Android equivalent.

 

[fuchsdh]

To all my fellow SE devotees, I have to ask...are we getting concerned that we are at the end?

It would appear from the leaks and rumors over 2018 that perhaps there was a time when Apple was close to pulling the trigger on an SE2 of some variant and they decided against it.

It gets concerning when you couple that with what we hear about a "budget 6.1 inch phone", which likely is to address the foreign markets currently targeted by the SE and not doing great, where they want cheap but also big screens...

So..

Do we think we are cooked and there will never again be a sub iPhone X physical size new/updated iPhone model?

(or at least no time in the foreseeable future I mean)

Yes. Maybe. I dunno.

Keep in mind that the SE was a 4-inch phone that packed most of the features and power of the then-current generation iPhone 6S into a phone that retailed for $250 less. It didn't show up until nearly half a year into the 6S' run.

Apple clearly knows that lots of people want bigger phones, and are willing to pay for it. Doesn't make much sense to produce another $350–400 SKU and release it at the same time as the new iPhones to undercut their ASP, especially if you assume that they've more or less reached market saturation.

So if we are getting an SE2, it's not going to be this year.

I hope they produce it, because as an iPhone 6 owner I always found the size slightly larger than I wanted. A 4.5ish or 4.7" screen in an iPhone X-style case would be smaller and the best of both worlds for small size/screen real estate people like me. Clearly there is a demand for smaller phones—the SE selling better than Apple predicted shows as much. But we will have to see if Apple will continue to cater to that (substantial, but likely niche) group.

 

[nutmac]

It’s sad since I simply dreaded the 6S, my hands hurt and my wrist ached. I sold it for the SE that I still own today. One handed use with pinky under the phone is what I’m used to and after using the 6s for a few months I couldn’t get used to it. It’s very uncomfortable to hold the phone in the middle and I have to adjust my grip to use the entire screen

Since replacing iPhone 5S with iPhone 6, then iPhone 7 Plus, I have learned to use Apple Watch as a "one handed use" assistant.

Some of the successful use cases:

• Airport: Apple Watch can get notifications (e.g., gate, incoming messages, email from VIP contact), present a boarding pass, and check the time
• Grocery shopping: I use Reminders app as a grocery list, marking item as they are added to the shopping cart, and often even pay with Apple Pay
• Listening to music or podcast: Now Playing screen to change volume, pause, remind, fast forward
• Walking on the street: Maps can give me turn by turn direction

Only frequent use case where Apple Watch was not able to replace iPhone 5S: in an elevator or train holding onto something and wants something to read.

 

[jasjeet]

Since replacing iPhone 5S with iPhone 6, then iPhone 7 Plus, I have learned to use Apple Watch as a "one handed use" assistant.

Some of the successful use cases:

• Airport: Apple Watch can get notifications (e.g., gate, incoming messages, email from VIP contact), present a boarding pass, and check the time
• Grocery shopping: I use Reminders app as a grocery list, marking item as they are added to the shopping cart, and often even pay with Apple Pay
• Listening to music or podcast: Now Playing screen to change volume, pause, remind, fast forward
• Walking on the street: Maps can give me turn by turn direction

Only frequent use case where Apple Watch was not able to replace iPhone 5S: in an elevator or train holding onto something and wants something to read.

It’s a neat idea but a watch can’t be used to browse the forums or quickly check a tutorial video, Reddit etc
The most uncomfortable times were using the phone to read articles in bed, a lot of strain.
I only read 1 line at a time, and that doesn’t need a 10” screen.

 

[nutmac]

It’s a neat idea but a watch can’t be used to browse the forums or quickly check a tutorial video, Reddit etc
The most uncomfortable times were using the phone to read articles in bed, a lot of strain.
I only read 1 line at a time, and that doesn’t need a 10” screen.

Using a larger phone is rarely a problem for me (with respect to smaller iPhone) when both of my hands can be used.

I am not sure where 10” screen comes from but having a larger screen means less scrolling and less squinting, which makes it for more pleasant reading experience.

 

[jasjeet]

Using a larger phone is rarely a problem for me (with respect to smaller iPhone) when both of my hands can be used.

I am not sure where 10” screen comes from but having a larger screen means less scrolling and less squinting, which makes it for more pleasant reading experience.

It’s just a line of text, what’s there to squint about. The line of text looks almost exactly the same on SE vs X except the overall resolution/sharpness.

I was being sarcastic about 10”. The phones got much bigger trying to be the best at things like gaming but really the usability of the core functionality got worse as soon as the one handedness was lost, imo of course. My hands hurt, my eyes did not care between devices.

 

[EssModelsRule]

Consumer preference has definitely shifted away from 4” screens. Apple can make a 4.7” phone at the $350 price point if they want to, and price sensitive customers would gladly go for that. The rest of us clamoring for an SE2 want a full screen phone that’s smaller than the X. I’d pay flagship money for a 5” premium iPhone.

 

[actcyclist]

When I need to replace my iPhone SE, buying a new iPhone that's bigger will be a grudge purchase. I can totally understand why all those consumers in eastern markets want big phones as they're often their only device. But for someone who has a MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, CarPlay and Homepod- a large screen iPhone isn't desirable.

As the SE is still on sale, I'll consider buying one and keeping it unboxed and ready to replace my SE when it dies.

I suppose the other option would be to join everyone else, which means I'll likely get rid of some other apple devices- especially the iPad and MacBook.

 

[turbineseaplane]

When I need to replace my iPhone SE, buying a new iPhone that's bigger will be a grudge purchase. I can totally understand why all those consumers in eastern markets want big phones as they're often their only device. But for someone who has a MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, CarPlay and Homepod- a large screen iPhone isn't desirable.

As the SE is still on sale, I'll consider buying one and keeping it unboxed and ready to replace my SE when it dies.

I suppose the other option would be to join everyone else, which means I'll likely get rid of some other apple devices- especially the iPad and MacBook.

That is what's amazing to me about how things have gone..

With the direction Apple has chosen with the Mac tradeoffs/feature choices and the iPhone sizes, Apple is quickly moving away from me as a customer. It honestly puts the entire halo at risk and if I jump from iPhone (forced really) - I can easily see myself going straight to owning nothing from Apple in any product space.

 

[Lioness~]

When I need to replace my iPhone SE, buying a new iPhone that's bigger will be a grudge purchase. I can totally understand why all those consumers in eastern markets want big phones as they're often their only device. But for someone who has a MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, CarPlay and Homepod- a large screen iPhone isn't desirable.

As the SE is still on sale, I'll consider buying one and keeping it unboxed and ready to replace my SE when it dies.

I suppose the other option would be to join everyone else, which means I'll likely get rid of some other apple devices- especially the iPad and MacBook.

I think that's exactly why SE will be around. We all love to have many devices, for different occasions.
Tim Cook knows this, and loves it the most. It's only a win win for Apple

If they remove the SE and I would have to buy a phablet-phone then I would have no reason to buy an iPad Mini, which I want to replace my iPad Air2 with, together with the new MacBook Air.

 

[nutmac]

It’s just a line of text, what’s there to squint about. The line of text looks almost exactly the same on SE vs X except the overall resolution/sharpness.

I was being sarcastic about 10”. The phones got much bigger trying to be the best at things like gaming but really the usability of the core functionality got worse as soon as the one handedness was lost, imo of course. My hands hurt, my eyes did not care between devices.

To me, having a larger screen means I can increase the font size.

When my iPhone was being repaired few months ago, I got iPhone SE as a loaner. The screen looked distinctively worse than 7 Plus, particularly the viewing angle and contrast (looked more washed out).

But if your eyes are straining in the dark, you may want to avoid OLED based iPhones. In the dark, high contrast text tends to strain your eyes more.

 

[jasjeet]

To me, having a larger screen means I can increase the font size.

When my iPhone was being repaired few months ago, I got iPhone SE as a loaner. The screen looked distinctively worse than 7 Plus, particularly the viewing angle and contrast (looked more washed out).

But if your eyes are straining in the dark, you may want to avoid OLED based iPhones. In the dark, high contrast text tends to strain your eyes more.

The screen quality is crap on the SE. But it’s more than usable.
I have an OLED TV so I’m completely aware of display tech. I use that for movies, not on a phone.

There’s a certain point for me when it becomes way overdone, a a paper plate to a plate is a big deal, to a gold plated dinner plate? No point.

A small resolution bump and modern LCD screen tech would be sufficient on an upgraded SE.

When you have the phones side by side it is extremely apparent, but that’s all...

 

[PDXTabs]

In the US, iPhone 6S is the cheapest 4.7" model, retailing at $450. Hypothetically, if Apple offers both 4.7" and 4" iPhone SE models at the same exact price, I don't think 4" would be nearly as popular as loyalists would like to believe. I believe a vast majority purchase SE for one thing: price.

I was an Android loyalist until I couldn't get a ~$400 nexus device. I hopped over to the iPhone SE for the price, but I stayed for the beautiful design and battery life. I really hope that we see an update this year.

 

[Falhófnir]

Yes it sounds like they ended up pulling the plug on what they were going to replace it with for whatever reason - I think it's quite likely the current model will stick around a while yet though - even if it disappears from Apple's official lineup. They still make and sell the 6 through third party channels only, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the SE persist in a similar way even if 'discontinued' when the new models launch.

 

[EM2013]

SE is dead and the iPad mini is dead. It’s no longer 2012.

 

[karatekidk]

I'm determined to hold onto my SE (rose gold, 64GB) as long as I can. I hope the rumor about iOS 12 enhancing older devices' performance is true.

 

[actcyclist]

It honestly puts the entire halo at risk and if I jump from iPhone (forced really) - I can easily see myself going straight to owning nothing from Apple in any product space.

I wouldn't switch because of it, I still far prefer Apple's software, device longevity and support. However if I have to spend hundreds on an iPhone that I don't like as much, I'm less likely to spend more on apple products. Probably good in a way, Apple has had far too much of my income in the last few years.

Another thing that could happen could be the Apple Watch takes over from my iPhone for music/podcast playback and I could get a real camera. Then I could just leave my iPhone at home.

 

[turbineseaplane]

SE is dead and the iPad mini is dead. It’s no longer 2012.

The SE came out in 2016
[doublepost=1535758175][/doublepost]

I wouldn't switch because of it

For me it's a bit more precarious..
I vastly prefer macOS, but the hardware situation and tradeoff choices they are forcing with the MacBooks puts my business squarely at risk...

If I had to buy a brand new MacBook Pro right now - I wouldn't, I'd buy another 2015 15"....but that train will run out at some point.

 

[ayres]

Funny, that’s why I went from the 6s to the 8 plus. I get tired of every photo being wide angle. I don’t like the large size, and I’ve more or less been disappointed with the 56mm quality compared to the 30mm. But every so often, I get an okay shot with it - as happened on a recent trip to Alaska. And then I tell myself, ‘man, I love having the standard lens!’ You can jump past the unnecessary foreground and frame something.

I have used an iPhone SE since it came out, finding everything else to be too big, and just loving the classic feel and design of my 5s-esque baby. Still, this year I am jumping in the deep end and forgoing my small phone, for either size of the XS! I think it will ultimately be beautiful, as I think the reason why I’ve stuck with the SE is my resistance to change. If I can let go of that, and embrace a large phone, I believe I can be happy! I am so desperate for the telephoto lens!

,

 

[fadingxvampire]

I've lost hope that an updated iPhone SE will be released. I regret so much going from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 8 plus. I just hate how big it is! It's so impractical. I personally prefer having a smaller phone.

Like a few others have mentioned, if Android were to release a smaller 4 inch phone, I'd probably make the switch to Android.

 

[44267547]

The SE came out in 2016.

We know that. The point was, @EM2013 was referring to when the iPhone 5 form factor and Mini were more dominant six years in 2012 compared today, where larger phones and bigger iPads have dominated the market.
[doublepost=1535797427][/doublepost]

I'm determined to hold onto my SE (rose gold, 64GB) as long as I can. I hope the rumor about iOS 12 enhancing older devices' performance is true.

I suspect the SE will still perform optimally for iOS 12, it’s always difficult to say anything past the betas what iOS 13 will hold. But the A9 processor still does fairly well for performance.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Sadly, I believe the SE in the form-factor that we know and love has come to an end. It will probably continue to sell, unchanged, for quite some time, but I don't think we'll see something with a similar form-factor and upgraded internals.

There are too many aspects of the current SE that go against the Apple grain... headphone jack, crazy battery life (at least until the battery starts to fade), tried-and-true design that has stood the test of time, price/value.

Some years back, (2012, one poster mentioned, this was well before that), I used to use clamshell phones: I love them - gorgeous form factor, and wonderful ease of use.

When I graduated (reluctantly) to the world of smart phones, I purchased (after an awful lot of thought), an iPhone SE. I love it.

The iPhone SE is a beautiful piece of equipment; it looks good, is easy to use, and the size is very comfortable.

Cost may be one thing, but the ergonomics, ease of use and small size, are, - I would argue - of far greater relevance.

I have a MBA; I used to have an iPad (which I never liked), and, in my most recent post, I was given a hideous large phone (a Samsung, I think) which I used as seldom as possible - it didn't fit in a pocket, was too large and uncomfortable to use, so was left in my briefcase.

When I need to replace my iPhone SE, buying a new iPhone that's bigger will be a grudge purchase. I can totally understand why all those consumers in eastern markets want big phones as they're often their only device. But for someone who has a MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, CarPlay and Homepod- a large screen iPhone isn't desirable.

As the SE is still on sale, I'll consider buying one and keeping it unboxed and ready to replace my SE when it dies.

I suppose the other option would be to join everyone else, which means I'll likely get rid of some other apple devices- especially the iPad and MacBook.

Excellent post.

 

[Mac'nCheese]

To all my fellow SE devotees, I have to ask...are we getting concerned that we are at the end?

It would appear from the leaks and rumors over 2018 that perhaps there was a time when Apple was close to pulling the trigger on an SE2 of some variant and they decided against it.

It gets concerning when you couple that with what we hear about a "budget 6.1 inch phone", which likely is to address the foreign markets currently targeted by the SE and not doing great, where they want cheap but also big screens...

So..

Do we think we are cooked and there will never again be a sub iPhone X physical size new/updated iPhone model?

(or at least no time in the foreseeable future I mean)

Yup. I was actually thinking of getting whatever new 4 inch phone they came out with and selling back my 8. Just trying to lay off electronics and figured a smaller phone would be easier to help with that.

 

[nviz22]

I think Apple should keep the SE going. However, they need to streamline their lineup into three models imo:

iPhone SE, iPhone XS, iPhone XS+.

iPhone SE w/ a 18:9 aspect ratio in a 4" SE sized body if possible. XS as the $700 offering w/ 5.8" display. $800 for the XS+ for the power users and big screen preferences.

By retaining the 7, 7+ along with the 8, 8+, X, XS, 9, XS+? It muddies up the iPhone lineups and creates confusion quite a bit. Leave all the redundant models to Samsung and Motorola.

 

[Le Big Mac]

LOL! Yes, that will teach Apple a lesson for sure!

Yeah, yeah. One guy's refusal to purchase doesn't matter at all to a trillion dollar company. We get that.

That said, Apple has lost sales from me too - I had regularly upgraded and would do so again, but held on to my 5S while waiting for a "new" SE, and then gave up and bought a used SE, which I'll hold onto for a while yet.

Every little bit matters, and sales of phones are flattening, especially at the high end.