Other Prediction time: the SE 2 will have the 8 camera (OÍS) and A11 silicon

[Paddle1]

If the $199 iPod touch can launch with the latest chip then the SE 2 definitely could. iPad 6g is not a good comparison since they won't want to outpower the flagship Pros on the budget model.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Don’t get your reasoning at all...

Exactly as you say, the SE had an A9 in it when it launched, and the 6 and 6+ that it was sold alongside and priced under both had the A8. The flagship 6s and 6s+ had the A9 as well. How is this an argument against having the A11 this time around? It would be exactly the same scenario...

Also, what do iPads have to do with the discussion at all? The high end 15” MacBook Pro has a quad core i7 processor and 16GB RAM...what does that have to do with my phone purchase again?

They’ll probably drop the 6s and 6s+ from the line-up when they release the SE2, and the drop the 7 and probably even the 8 and 8+ when they release the 3 new models being rumored in the Fall. I feel the only reason the 6s series is still around is to give a cheap option for the + size phone...

No, it wouldn’t be the exact same scenario. If Apple wasn’t selling the 6 and 6s, then it would be.

I brought up the iPad Pros because of their cameras. It would make sense for Apple to use those cameras for economies of scale, since they’re also used in the 7.

 

[macfacts]

And Touch ID, and in place of a 3.5mm jack a beefier battery.

Sounds like a wish list, not a legit prediction.

 

[rui no onna]

The iPhone SE originally launched in the US for $399 (16GB) and $499 (64GB).

They later doubled the storage so that the SE cost $399 for the 32GB model and $499 for the 128GB model.

Finally, when the X dropped, they took $50 off each model so that the 32GB model was priced at $349 and the 128GB model was priced at $449.

I stand corrected then.

That said, iirc, when the SE was released, the devices available at the time were as follows:

iPhone SE (A9) 16GB/$399
iPhone 6 (A8) 16GB/$549
iPhone 6 Plus (A8) 16GB/$649
iPhone 6s (A9) 16GB/$649
iPhone 6s Plus (A9) 16GB/$749
[doublepost=1524523146][/doublepost]

No, it wouldn’t be the exact same scenario. If Apple wasn’t selling the 6 and 6s, then it would be.

I brought up the iPad Pros because of their cameras. It would make sense for Apple to use those cameras for economies of scale, since they’re also used in the 7.

Apple isn't selling the 6 anymore outside of subsidized prepaid kits.The current line up is SE, 6S, 7, 8 & X. By September, Apple will likely drop the 6S when new iPhones are released. Might be even earlier. The only refurb iPhones listed in their refurb store now is the 7/7+. Normally, when a device is out of stock, they just grey it out, not remove it altogether.

 

[Andres Cantu]

I stand corrected then.

That said, iirc, when the SE was released, the devices available at the time were as follows:

iPhone SE (A9) 16GB/$399
iPhone 6 (A8) 16GB/$549
iPhone 6 Plus (A8) 16GB/$649
iPhone 6s (A9) 16GB/$649
iPhone 6s Plus (A9) 16GB/$749
[doublepost=1524523146][/doublepost]
Apple isn't selling the 6 anymore outside of subsidized prepaid kits.The current line up is SE, 6S, 7, 8 & X. By September, Apple will likely drop the 6S when new iPhones are released. Might be even earlier. The only refurb iPhones listed in their refurb store now is the 7/7+. Normally, when a device is out of stock, they just grey it out, not remove it altogether.

That would be the ideal scenario. The 6 should have never been brought back, even for prepaid. Made no sense considering how much powerful the SE is (other than the larger screen).

 

[44267547]

If the $199 iPod touch can launch with the latest chip then the SE 2 definitely could. iPad 6g is not a good comparison since they won't want to outpower the flagship Pros on the budget model.

I would be willing to believe that A10 Fusion is just as equally viable for an iPhone SE 2 if it were to launch, not to mention, I would say the future of the iPod is rather glib at this point, even if it won’t be updated anything past than it currently is now. Ironically, the iPhone SE primarily consumed any other sales of the iPod, given someone could use the SE as an iPod touch if they wanted to, which has a stronger battery, faster processor and retains the four inch form factor.

 

[HarryWild]

I hope the new SE2 have the 2nd gen. Touch ID because it is 15% more accurate and is 50% faster.
[doublepost=1524525994][/doublepost]

I would be willing to believe that A10 Fusion is just as equally viable for an iPhone SE 2 if it were to launch, not to mention, I would say the future of the iPod is rather glib at this point, even if it won’t be updated anything past than it currently is now. Ironically, the iPhone SE primarily consumed any other sales of the iPod, given someone could use the SE as an iPod touch if they wanted to, which has a stronger battery, faster processor and retains the four inch form factor.

A11!

 

[MacDevil7334]

I think we are now to the point where we can make some reasonable predictions about the SE 2. I am about 90% sure this phone exists and will launch sometime between now and WWDC. We are now seeing multiple rumors and even a video showing a purported chassis with a glass back today. Even if the video turns out to be fake, this is exactly the kind of chatter we see as we near an iPhone launch. When you factor in the European regulatory filings, it makes a launch in the near future seem even more likely. Here are my predictions about features:

• Upgraded Processor (100% certain) - This is about the only thing that is certain about this phone. Even then, nobody knows for sure whether it will be A10 or A11. I think its about 3:1 in favor of A10. Even though Apple did put the most up to date processor in the original SE, it still considers it the budget phone and has a larger lineup today. Giving the SE 2 A11 would jump not one but two families of phones in its lineup. I just don't see that happening. Even A10 will be a nice boost. The processing power jump won't be huge. But that's not a big deal since A9 seems to be more than adequate in that department. The real benefit will be the battery savings coming from the two low power cores on the A10. This should push the SE's already solid battery life even further.
• Wireless charging support (70%) - Given that there have been several rumors on this now, I am leaning toward believing it will happen. Also, it would be odd for Apple to introduce new phones at this point that won't support its upcoming Air Power mat. This means the phone will almost certainly have a glass back.
• Water Resistance (60%) - This seems like a decent possibility at this point. If Apple is going to go through the effort of re-tooling this design with a glass back, they might as well add the rubber gaskets for the waterproofing while they are at it. I can't imagine it adds that much to the costs. If waterproofing happens, the headphone jack will almost certainly be gone.
• No Headphone Jack (60%) - Several rumors have indicated the headphone jack is going away, and I am inclined to believe it. It seems like they are moving to get rid of the headphone jack across the iPhone line this year. The 6S is going to be dropped in September, which would leave the SE as the only model still sporting one. I will say that, if wireless charging doesn't materialize, there is a good chance water resistance won't either and the headphone jack will stay.
• Upgraded Rear Camera (50%) - It seems like this would be a given. But, Apple just updated its budget iPad and left the camera unchanged. Given that Apple considers the SE to be its budget iPhone (even if many people love it because of its size), it is entirely possible it will leave the camera unchanged here too. The 12 MP sensor on the current SE is already adequate, so there isn't a pressing need to upgrade it. If the camera does get a bump, it will probably be to the module in the iPhone 7, which supports wide color capture (I have no idea if OIS would come along for the ride here too). Doing that would force Apple to upgrade the screen quality to display the full P3 gamut (otherwise you wouldn't see all the colors captured by the camera). This is why I think it's only a 50-50 chance this will happen.
• Upgraded Screen (50%) - This is the thing I want to happen most. I am pretty confident a resolution bump is not in the cards. But I'm hoping for an upgrade to the screen quality of the iPhone 7. That would mean a 1400:1 contrast ratio with wide color support and photo-alignment of the pixels themselves. That would be more than enough for me personally. If the camera gets upgraded, I expect the screen will as well.
• Touch ID 2 (50%) - This is another thing that I want to happen. But we don't have a ton of evidence that it will. I am hoping that, since Touch ID is on its way out anyway and the sensor prices are probably coming down, Apple will throw us a bone here and upgrade it.
• Upgraded Front Camera (40%) - Hard to say. We haven't seen any rumors about this, which is not a great sign. I am hoping it gets a bump to at least the 5 MP of the 6S front camera. But, Apple could also opt to not upgrade the entire front of the SE (which itself is exactly the same as the front of the 5S). That would mean same screen, 1.2 MP camera, and Touch ID version 1. That would be a real bummer, but I could easily see Apple continuing to use this as a way to save money. Apple could also upgrade those other components and still leave the front camera the same, again to save money.
• Solid State Home Button and Taptic Engine (20%) - Unlikely, since the solid state home button would require a Taptic Engine to work. I don't think there is room for the Taptic Engine in the SE shell without shrinking the battery. It's possible, but I suspect Apple will save money here as well and opt for a regular home button and vibration motor.
• 3D Touch (1%) - Almost certainly not. 3D Touch seems to be on its way out in general. Several rumors have indicated even the 6.1" iPhone X style model will not have it when it is launched later this year. Aside from 3D touching on the keyboard to move the cursor, there isn't much 3D Touch brings to the table that couldn't be accomplished with a long press (Apple even allows this with notifications and control center in iOS 11). The technology really never caught on with developers and it just adds cost to building the phones. I would be shocked if it showed up in the SE 2.

The last question is price. I think that depends on what ends up materializing. If all Apple does is put an A10 and a few minor upgrades into the same SE chassis we have now, I fully expect the price will remain the same. However, if the glass back and wireless charging show up, it is entirely possible the price increases by $50-$100 since this is a "new" design. In the outside chance Apple decided to treat the SE as more than just the "budget" iPhone and added A11 along with most of the stuff on this wishlist, it is possible the price could go up more.

Just my two cents! Looking forward to seeing what (if anything) materializes. I am seriously considering downsizing from my X.

 

[actcyclist]

My prediction.. based on nothing except wishful thinking.

Colours, like the iPhone 5C. They will then cancel the iPod touch line and this will be the fun device for kids, etc.

 

[Zwhaler]

I vote A10. Given the price of it's bigger siblings, I doubt they'll put anything top of the line in it.

 

[3:16]

Wireless Charging could be grateful.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

I think we are now to the point where we can make some reasonable predictions about the SE 2. I am about 90% sure this phone exists and will launch sometime between now and WWDC. We are now seeing multiple rumors and even a video showing a purported chassis with a glass back today. Even if the video turns out to be fake, this is exactly the kind of chatter we see as we near an iPhone launch. When you factor in the European regulatory filings, it makes a launch in the near future seem even more likely. Here are my predictions about features:

• Upgraded Processor (100% certain) - This is about the only thing that is certain about this phone. Even then, nobody knows for sure whether it will be A10 or A11. I think its about 3:1 in favor of A10. Even though Apple did put the most up to date processor in the original SE, it still considers it the budget phone and has a larger lineup today. Giving the SE 2 A11 would jump not one but two families of phones in its lineup. I just don't see that happening. Even A10 will be a nice boost. The processing power jump won't be huge. But that's not a big deal since A9 seems to be more than adequate in that department. The real benefit will be the battery savings coming from the two low power cores on the A10. This should push the SE's already solid battery life even further.
• Wireless charging support (70%) - Given that there have been several rumors on this now, I am leaning toward believing it will happen. Also, it would be odd for Apple to introduce new phones at this point that won't support its upcoming Air Power mat. This means the phone will almost certainly have a glass back.
• Water Resistance (60%) - This seems like a decent possibility at this point. If Apple is going to go through the effort of re-tooling this design with a glass back, they might as well add the rubber gaskets for the waterproofing while they are at it. I can't imagine it adds that much to the costs. If waterproofing happens, the headphone jack will almost certainly be gone.
• No Headphone Jack (60%) - Several rumors have indicated the headphone jack is going away, and I am inclined to believe it. It seems like they are moving to get rid of the headphone jack across the iPhone line this year. The 6S is going to be dropped in September, which would leave the SE as the only model still sporting one. I will say that, if wireless charging doesn't materialize, there is a good chance water resistance won't either and the headphone jack will stay.
• Upgraded Rear Camera (50%) - It seems like this would be a given. But, Apple just updated its budget iPad and left the camera unchanged. Given that Apple considers the SE to be its budget iPhone (even if many people love it because of its size), it is entirely possible it will leave the camera unchanged here too. The 12 MP sensor on the current SE is already adequate, so there isn't a pressing need to upgrade it. If the camera does get a bump, it will probably be to the module in the iPhone 7, which supports wide color capture (I have no idea if OIS would come along for the ride here too). Doing that would force Apple to upgrade the screen quality to display the full P3 gamut (otherwise you wouldn't see all the colors captured by the camera). This is why I think it's only a 50-50 chance this will happen.
• Upgraded Screen (50%) - This is the thing I want to happen most. I am pretty confident a resolution bump is not in the cards. But I'm hoping for an upgrade to the screen quality of the iPhone 7. That would mean a 1400:1 contrast ratio with wide color support and photo-alignment of the pixels themselves. That would be more than enough for me personally. If the camera gets upgraded, I expect the screen will as well.
• Touch ID 2 (50%) - This is another thing that I want to happen. But we don't have a ton of evidence that it will. I am hoping that, since Touch ID is on its way out anyway and the sensor prices are probably coming down, Apple will throw us a bone here and upgrade it.
• Upgraded Front Camera (40%) - Hard to say. We haven't seen any rumors about this, which is not a great sign. I am hoping it gets a bump to at least the 5 MP of the 6S front camera. But, Apple could also opt to not upgrade the entire front of the SE (which itself is exactly the same as the front of the 5S). That would mean same screen, 1.2 MP camera, and Touch ID version 1. That would be a real bummer, but I could easily see Apple continuing to use this as a way to save money. Apple could also upgrade those other components and still leave the front camera the same, again to save money.
• Solid State Home Button and Taptic Engine (20%) - Unlikely, since the solid state home button would require a Taptic Engine to work. I don't think there is room for the Taptic Engine in the SE shell without shrinking the battery. It's possible, but I suspect Apple will save money here as well and opt for a regular home button and vibration motor.
• 3D Touch (1%) - Almost certainly not. 3D Touch seems to be on its way out in general. Several rumors have indicated even the 6.1" iPhone X style model will not have it when it is launched later this year. Aside from 3D touching on the keyboard to move the cursor, there isn't much 3D Touch brings to the table that couldn't be accomplished with a long press (Apple even allows this with notifications and control center in iOS 11). The technology really never caught on with developers and it just adds cost to building the phones. I would be shocked if it showed up in the SE 2.

The last question is price. I think that depends on what ends up materializing. If all Apple does is put an A10 and a few minor upgrades into the same SE chassis we have now, I fully expect the price will remain the same. However, if the glass back and wireless charging show up, it is entirely possible the price increases by $50-$100 since this is a "new" design. In the outside chance Apple decided to treat the SE as more than just the "budget" iPhone and added A11 along with most of the stuff on this wishlist, it is possible the price could go up more.

Just my two cents! Looking forward to seeing what (if anything) materializes. I am seriously considering downsizing from my X.

I am with you here. I am VERY seriously considering downsizing from my X and pocketing a couple hundred bucks in the process! Upgraded rear camera, wireless charging and A11 would make it an immediate no brainer for me. With or without the headphone jack.

 

[44267547]

A lot of conflicting rumors, but it seems many are willing to believe the iPhone SE might be refreshed during WWDC during June. Not to be cynical, but I don’t believe this is the year for the iPhone SE to be updated at all. I know there are a lot of incremental changes Apple could make that would refresh the SE with the processor, camera, updated resolution, etc.

My prediction is that if the iPhone SE is not refreshed during WWDC 2018, then it certainly will not happen during the fall, with three other iPhones already slated to release and Apple is not going to allow a entry-level iPhone take away from those three iPhones launching at that time (Unless its just briefly
Announced), which launching four iPhone’s seems almost too much and convoluted.

I believe what Ming Kuo stated, 2018 is not the year for the SE.