iPhone SE (2016) This totally sucks. How do we convince Apple to keep making a 4" phone?

[Lowhangers]

I had an 8 Plus, and it was a great device. But I got tired of carrying it around, and having to use two hands.

I love my SE and I'm not going back to a bigger phone. I love the size but also the design of this phone. It does everything I need a phone to do, and it fits in my hand and pocket comfortably. I do not need or want a giant phablet, and I will never buy one.

As far as the Xs phone goes, it's ugly and I hate the notch and soap dish design. I'm not buying a mini version of that either.

If Apple is smart it will keep the SE design and upgrade it every few years. I would be quite content with that and I bet many other people would be too. The people who want gigantic phablets can buy them, more power to them. But I'm not buying another one, I want a phone with a great design that can be easily used one-handed.

I'll be sticking with my SE until it simply does not work any more. At that point, I'll switch to a traditional flip phone or something like that, and Apple will lose my phone purchase as well as various iOS apps and service revenue.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

As far as the Xs phone goes, it's ugly and I hate the notch and soap dish design. I'm not buying a mini version of that either.

Dude... Seriously? You wouldn't buy a mini XS version? Because I sure the hell would, in fact I would take your place and buy two!

If Apple is smart it will keep the SE design and upgrade it every few years.

Sadly that wasn't and isn't the case anymore. The SE seems like it was a one time thing. An anomaly, a sendoff, a "let's make this phone to get rid of excess parts and sell it to emerging markets." The SE was a budget phone for emerging markets more than a budget phone for people who like small phones.

According to the article published today, Ming-Chi Kuo said that the 2019 iPhones will be spec upgrades to the line of iPhones Apple have this year which include the XS/Max and XR. Only three big premium phones and no other indication or sign of a smaller one.

The iPhone 7/8 are the last small, lightweight phones Apple still have for sale. They seem like they're the last of their kind. My heart wants a refreshed SE, but my mind is telling me it isn't going to happen. Apple put their minds into their products more than they do their hearts.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Have to admit that I'm pretty bummed seeing that tiny new Palm that was announced.

(because I want one that runs iOS and also that isn't tied to VZW as a 2nd device only)

I really wish Apple would do something cool and innovative - but small (SE sized or even smaller).

 

[Lowhangers]

Dude... Seriously? You wouldn't buy a mini XS version? Because I sure the hell would, in fact I would take your place and buy two!


Sadly that wasn't and isn't the case anymore. The SE seems like it was a one time thing. An anomaly, a sendoff, a "let's make this phone to get rid of excess parts and sell it to emerging markets." The SE was a budget phone for emerging markets more than a budget phone for people who like small phones.

According to the article published today, Ming-Chi Kuo said that the 2019 iPhones will be spec upgrades to the line of iPhones Apple have this year which include the XS/Max and XR. Only three big premium phones and no other indication or sign of a smaller one.

The iPhone 7/8 are the last small, lightweight phones Apple still have for sale. They seem like they're the last of their kind. My heart wants a refreshed SE, but my mind is telling me it isn't going to happen. Apple put their minds into their products more than they do their hearts.

Well why did Apple bother to build an entire factory to manufacture SE phones in India? Seems odd to me to spend the money and time, then junk it or switch it to something else. Why bother in the first place?

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/17/apple-begins-manufacturing-iphone-se-in-india.html

You can have my XS mini, I held both of the current ones in the store and they are hideous. The aspect ratio sucks and the phones feel like slippery weights. Just absolutely atrocious design on Apple's part.

 

[solarguy17]

I personally it is very clear the SE/5 design is dead at this point. Now, you MIGHT see an iPhone SE2 and I would assume it will be the same innards as the iPhone 8. It will have the same screen resultion and set up as the iPhone XR so developers don’t need to do anything major their apps. Due to cost it will NOT include FaceID. It include TouchID but on the back of the phone like some Android phones and will be a sensor like on the iPhone 7/8.
The notch will be there simply to preserve the screen setup and will not be able to include FaceID goodness due to the smaller size of the notch.

This is my prediction.


Note - I wouldn’t buy one or an SE at all. Love the XS!

 

[Hater]

I know it's not Apple related, but I noticed this:

https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/15...hone-android-lifemode-time-well-spent-verizon

Forget the Verizon/"companion" crap, the EggHeads at XDA will have it working standalone surely.

Could it be the start of a revolution? 95% sure it'll be a flash in the pan device that's never heard of again once it launches, but there is hope yet...

 

[Greenmeenie]

There’s not a damn thing you can do. Apple gonna do what Apple gonna do. I want them to update my beloved iPad mini. Does Apple care what I want? Nope. Lol.

 

[subjonas]

There’s not a damn thing you can do. Apple gonna do what Apple gonna do. I want them to update my beloved iPad mini. Does Apple care what I want? Nope. Lol.

Well, one can always vote with their wallet. Customers do have that ultimate power.
[doublepost=1539655041][/doublepost]

I know it's not Apple related, but I noticed this:

https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/15...hone-android-lifemode-time-well-spent-verizon

Forget the Verizon/"companion" crap, the EggHeads at XDA will have it working standalone surely.

Could it be the start of a revolution? 95% sure it'll be a flash in the pan device that's never heard of again once it launches, but there is hope yet...

That’s pretty cool! If it’s still around when my se dies I’ll definitely check it out. Hopefully by then we can use it standalone. Paying an extra $10/month so that I can use my phone less... I don’t understand the upside down math Verizon seems to be using.

 

[Greenmeenie]

That’s true. But most people will just adapt. I wish Apple would update the iPad mini, but if they don’t(and it looks like they won’t)...I am not going to boycott Apple, I will buy one of the new iPad pros. I am an Apple user. I am not going to abandon them cause they don’t do what I want. And I am not going to switch to Samsung. I am deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. I won’t hurt myself or my workflow in the hopes Apple does what I wish. I think most Apple users will do this. It is what it is. Sometimes you just gotta let go and accept reality.

 

[subjonas]

That’s true. But most people will just adapt. I wish Apple would update the iPad mini, but if they don’t(and it looks like they won’t)...I am not going to boycott Apple, I will buy one of the new iPad pros. I am an Apple user. I am not going to abandon them cause they don’t do what I want. And I am not going to switch to Samsung. I am deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. I won’t hurt myself or my workflow in the hopes Apple does what I wish. I think most Apple users will do this. It is what it is. Sometimes you just gotta let go and accept reality.

Sure, we each have to weigh our options and go with whatever we think will work out best for us.
I’m almost all in the Apple ecosystem myself. It’s a big pain to break away from it, but sometimes it’s less painful than staying in it. It’s a case by case.

The other thing one can do is buy a non-ideal Apple product second hand. That way at least your money doesn’t go to Apple directly.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

Well why did Apple bother to build an entire factory to manufacture SE phones in India?

So that they can penetrate emerging markets with a cheap yet capable phone and not pay taxes for manufacturing and selling the phone locally.

The aspect ratio sucks and the phones feel like slippery weights.

That's an odd experience as glass back phones are more grippy than aluminum phones. The iPhone 6 and 7 series (aside from the Jet Black model) are super slippery and always feel like you're holding a bar of soap when using them. Even the SE is slippery but because it's much smaller, your whole hand can keep it clutched and secure.

The iPhone 7 Jet Black model, iPhone 8 series, and iPhone X series feel great in the hand and aren't slippery at all because of their grippy glass back.

 

[cornerexit]

So that they can penetrate emerging markets with a cheap yet capable phone and not pay taxes for manufacturing and selling the phone locally.


That's an odd experience as glass back phones are more grippy than aluminum phones. The iPhone 6 and 7 series (aside from the Jet Black model) are super slippery and always feel like you're holding a bar of soap when using them. Even the SE is slippery but because it's much smaller, your whole hand can keep it clutched and secure.

The iPhone 7 Jet Black model, iPhone 8 series, and iPhone X series feel great in the hand and aren't slippery at all because of their grippy glass back.

Yet irrelevant to many as they use some kind of case, holster, etc. I’ve never broken, scratched, dented, etc an iPhone or IPad because they are in cases. Bare, I would have replaced half a dozen phones and 3-4 IPads.

I think what we can agree upon is Apple devices are worth money when you trade up. The same cannot be said for many competitor’s products.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

Bare, I would have replaced half a dozen phones and 3-4 IPads.

Well you must be clumsy then.

 

[JPack]

Well why did Apple bother to build an entire factory to manufacture SE phones in India? Seems odd to me to spend the money and time, then junk it or switch it to something else. Why bother in the first place?

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/17/apple-begins-manufacturing-iphone-se-in-india.html

You can have my XS mini, I held both of the current ones in the store and they are hideous. The aspect ratio sucks and the phones feel like slippery weights. Just absolutely atrocious design on Apple's part.

That factory only serves India. Besides, it's not as if the factory can't be easily retooled. The parts still are manufactured in China for assembly in India.

 

[Lankyman]

I'll be sticking with my SE until it simply does not work any more. At that point, I'll switch to a traditional flip phone or something like that, and Apple will lose my phone purchase as well as various iOS apps and service revenue.

I too think the SE is a classic design. However, I'm sorry to say that history is not on your side in this matter. Apple will not be bringing back this phone and given 2G is also on borrowed time a flip phone won't be much use to you either.

 

[44267547]

I too think the SE is a classic design. However, I'm sorry to say that history is not on your side in this matter. Apple will not be bringing back this phone and given 2G is also on borrowed time a flip phone won't be much use to you either.

I think its obvious the current SE will not return from what it once was, but it doesn’t mean Apple Won’t ressurect the SE into a 5” form factor or something similar. We can’t dismiss what we don’t know, and given how Apple is completely unpredictable, a refresh Very well could be a reality in 2019.

 

[cornerexit]

Well you must be clumsy then.

Nope. I just don’t treat my devices like they are made out of unicorn penis.

 

[Lankyman]

I think its obvious the current SE will not return from what it once was, but it doesn’t mean Apple Won’t ressurect the SE into a 5” form factor or something similar. We can’t dismiss what we don’t know, and given how Apple is completely unpredictable, a refresh Very well could be a reality in 2019.

Well a 5 inch form factor would hardly qualify as a small phone as it would actually be larger than an iPhone 8?

 

[white4s]

I was the biggest supporter of the 4 inch but eventually even I let go lol. I'm not heavy into the smartphone life but I am over using a phone this small.

I already have my case for the XR so it's wild to see how big the difference really will be.

 

[EugW]

Given the direction of iOS and mobile websites, 4.7” 16:9 iPhones and my hypothetical future 5.2” 19.5:9 notched LCD iPhone represent the new small size.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

Given the direction of iOS and mobile websites, 4.7” 16:9 iPhones and my hypothetical future 5.2” 19.5:9 notched LCD iPhone represent the new small size.

Now that I think about it... It kind of makes sense!

The XR is replacing the 8 Plus and the potential/eventual XRs? would replace the 8.

Two premium phones in two sizes (XS/Max), and two “budget” phones in two sizes (XR/XRs?).

A smaller XR could be the new and only smaller phone we could get. Who knows, it could be a surprise/stealth announcement some time next year, or saved for the next year iPhone event.

 

[cardfan]

All I know is my wife and daughter have no interest in bigger phones. iPhone XR doesn’t interest them in the least. Even the XS is too big. So they keep iPhone 7 or 8 and apple doesn’t get their money.

It’s not about price either. Personally I see the value in paying a HIGHER price for a smaller premium device. An XR is cutting corners. Give me an SE sized XS. Heck I’d pay an extra hundred for it over the current XS.

Maybe next year. Obviously the smaller the phone the bigger the pain the notch is. Perhaps apple goes smaller if they can get rid of notch.

 

[sracer]

That’s true. But most people will just adapt. I wish Apple would update the iPad mini, but if they don’t(and it looks like they won’t)...I am not going to boycott Apple, I will buy one of the new iPad pros. I am an Apple user. I am not going to abandon them cause they don’t do what I want. And I am not going to switch to Samsung. I am deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. I won’t hurt myself or my workflow in the hopes Apple does what I wish. I think most Apple users will do this. It is what it is. Sometimes you just gotta let go and accept reality.

We all must do what is best for each of us.

And this is why Apple will keep doing what they want regardless of what customers want. Customers will continue to buy their products regardless of how well (or not) it fits their needs.... because ultimately it's not about the hardware specifically but about the ecosystem.

I am not an Apple user, but a consumer that uses Apple products... and I accept reality. When I needed to replace my iPhone SE, I wasn't going to go along with the flow and buy a model of iPhone that doesn't suit my needs (headphone jack, small form-factor). I switched back to Android. I didn't do it to "send a message to Apple" but because I want a device that meets my needs. Does this Android phone meet ALL of my needs? No. But it serves my purposes better than the currently available iPhones.

The same with the iPad Mini. I'd love an updated Mini that includes Pencil support. Apple is not producing one so, no more iPads beyond the Mini 4 and 2018 iPads I currently own. (unless my needs change or Apple produces something like that later on)

 

[RudySnow]

We all must do what is best for each of us.

And this is why Apple will keep doing what they want regardless of what customers want. Customers will continue to buy their products regardless of how well (or not) it fits their needs.... because ultimately it's not about the hardware specifically but about the ecosystem.

I am not an Apple user, but a consumer that uses Apple products... and I accept reality. When I needed to replace my iPhone SE, I wasn't going to go along with the flow and buy a model of iPhone that doesn't suit my needs (headphone jack, small form-factor). I switched back to Android. I didn't do it to "send a message to Apple" but because I want a device that meets my needs. Does this Android phone meet ALL of my needs? No. But it serves my purposes better than the currently available iPhones.

The same with the iPad Mini. I'd love an updated Mini that includes Pencil support. Apple is not producing one so, no more iPads beyond the Mini 4 and 2018 iPads I currently own. (unless my needs change or Apple produces something like that later on)

I’m confused... you’re not an Apple user, but you own Apple products?

 

[sracer]

I’m confused... you’re not an Apple user, but you own Apple products?

Correct. I own and use devices from different manufacturers, most of those devices are from Apple. "Apple User" in the context to which I was replying, is someone who has their workflows and use cases dependent upon Apple products. For them Apple products are the center. (not in a mindless sort of way, but because the "Apple Way" is compatible with "Their Way")