Andrew O'Hara
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.
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 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.
Time will tell
An updated iPhone SE has been rumored for years — literally every year since launch — and Apple has yet to deliver. Based on the bevy of rumors, it seems a new low-end model is likely — but months away from a possible launch, nothing is guaranteed.
Wesley Hilliard
Marko Zivkovic
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Amber Neely
14 Comments
Why does Apple need to change the size and chassis of the SE and make it huge size? No need to upsize it at all! Another stupid Apple move that will limit it appear. It is bad enough that Apple leaves out the current camera technology and OLED screen but now they upsize it to overvsize too! Ugh! I know people who buy it with current technology of the 11 Pro inside for $500 more then that of the 11 Pro!
One of the attractions of the iPhone 5/SE is the size. That should not change.
Can someone tells me why it is called SE2 when there seems no resemblance to SE ? This one looks more like iPhone 8+1 = 9.
I’m just frustrated that we never got iPhone SE X...
The name 'iPhone SE 2' is the perfect placeholder name until we get the official reveal.
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.