Everything that has been said so far about Apple's 'iPhone SE 2'
As the year winds down, the rumors about the "iPhone SE 2" are heating up. Let's take a look at the latest rumors about it, and when we may see it finally come to market.
A rumored design of the "iPhone SE 2"
It was also set up with a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 1.2MP front-facing camera, a 12-hour battery life, and Apple's A9 processor.
Those specs weren't bad at the time, and remain passable today. Luckily, based on recent rumors, the second-generation iPhone SE will remedy some of that.
Ming-Chi Kuo also stated that he believes the new device will feature a design based on the iPhone 8, rather than the iPhone 5. The new design is expected to include a glass back that will allow wireless charging, though that will make the device more fragile compared to the all-metal design.
By taking on the iPhone 8 design, the display will increase to 4.7 inches rather than 4. Those who loved the SE for the minute footprint may balk at this increase.
Otherwise, much of the device will stay the same. It won't adopt Face ID, sticking with Touch ID. Other retained features include an LCD panel instead of OLED, and a 12MP camera.
The original iPhone SE
The most recent rumors are pegging release for early 2020, specifically Ming-Chi Kuo says by March. Apple released the iPhone SE in that timeframe previously, and has executed two iPad releases in recent years then, so the timeframe predicted seems reasonable.
As far as the name, "iPhone SE 2" is the most common refrain. Some analysts that specialize in supply chain rumors have thrown out "iPhone 9" as a possible moniker.
As far as pricing goes, the iPhone SE was Apple's low-cost iPhone of the day. We expect the same the second time around. Right now, we're expecting the price point for the new phone to be around the same place the iPhone SE started, in the sub-$500 range.
Whether or not you like "iPhone SE 2" as a name depends on what you think the best feature of the iPhone SE was. If the best feature was the price, then you're not bothered. If the small form-factor was vital, then it's an issue.
A rumored design of the "iPhone SE 2"
The original iPhone SE
iPhone SE originally launched back in 2016, adopting the iPhone 5-era design with a 4-inch display and an all-metal body. It unlocked via Touch ID, and the small size made it quite popular for those who found Apple's newest phones far too big.
It was also set up with a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 1.2MP front-facing camera, a 12-hour battery life, and Apple's A9 processor.
Those specs weren't bad at the time, and remain passable today. Luckily, based on recent rumors, the second-generation iPhone SE will remedy some of that.
A new design for the "iPhone SE 2"
Internally, Apple is expected to replace the A9 processor with the much more capable A13 -- the same as found on the new iPhone 11 line. Additionally, 3GB of application RAM is likely to be included.Ming-Chi Kuo also stated that he believes the new device will feature a design based on the iPhone 8, rather than the iPhone 5. The new design is expected to include a glass back that will allow wireless charging, though that will make the device more fragile compared to the all-metal design.
By taking on the iPhone 8 design, the display will increase to 4.7 inches rather than 4. Those who loved the SE for the minute footprint may balk at this increase.
Otherwise, much of the device will stay the same. It won't adopt Face ID, sticking with Touch ID. Other retained features include an LCD panel instead of OLED, and a 12MP camera.
When is the "iPhone SE 2" going to be released?
The original iPhone SE
The most recent rumors are pegging release for early 2020, specifically Ming-Chi Kuo says by March. Apple released the iPhone SE in that timeframe previously, and has executed two iPad releases in recent years then, so the timeframe predicted seems reasonable.
As far as the name, "iPhone SE 2" is the most common refrain. Some analysts that specialize in supply chain rumors have thrown out "iPhone 9" as a possible moniker.
As far as pricing goes, the iPhone SE was Apple's low-cost iPhone of the day. We expect the same the second time around. Right now, we're expecting the price point for the new phone to be around the same place the iPhone SE started, in the sub-$500 range.
Whether or not you like "iPhone SE 2" as a name depends on what you think the best feature of the iPhone SE was. If the best feature was the price, then you're not bothered. If the small form-factor was vital, then it's an issue.
Comments
Every rumour about it seems to hit the right notes. From price range, alternative (non-FaceID) biometric, processor etc.
More importantly, the rumoured release date makes a lot of sense from a lot of perspectives.
In spite of the 'oldish' look, there are iPhone users who want an affordable phone and, while it would have an impact on the higher specced iPhones, that aspect will help to keep things in check.
I think this could be a great move. Apple has shunted pricing down on many models, it has added long overdue features, added more models and even made a bigger effort on shell finish. This would be a very welcome addition to the list of changes since late 2017.
What would be really funny is if apple called it the SE-10 after 20 years of OSX and iphone X and whatnot.
And the situation hasn't got any better since.
This ^. I've seen that said before and I've said it since. Call it the SE8 until Apple formally announces the iPhone 9.
No, it's not at all. SE8 would be much closer to perfect. The phone will be the size and have the appearance of an 8, not an SE, and will have a little more grunt that an 8, and certainly more than an SE.
I would like to see a proper SE2— an SE with the usual spec bumps approaching current tech, and a better and slightly bigger screen similar to the X and 11 phones.
Realistically, I don't see that happening because that would probably be a $900 phone. But even at $500, it could still have far more current tech and still be viable for three or four years. My 5S was good for 5.5 at least. I'd gladly sacrifice the wall-to-wall screen to get an SE2 the size of an SE.
As Tim has thrown the 'simplified inventory' concept out the window, an SE2 could easily pave the way for an additional tier of a Pro SE SML. Give it the wall-to-wall display, 512G storage, and other bells and whistles to take it to a $900-$1000 price point. Just keep the SE size.