Apple Says Original iPhone SE is Now 'Obsolete'

[MacRumors]

Apple today added the first-generation iPhone SE to its obsolete products list, meaning the device is no longer eligible for repairs, battery replacements, or any other service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers worldwide.

Apple considers a product to be obsolete once seven years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. The original iPhone SE was discontinued in September 2018, so the device recently crossed that seven-year mark.

The original iPhone SE was released in March 2016. The device's design is largely based on the iPhone 5s, with key specs including a 4-inch display, a Touch ID home button, and an aluminum and glass frame with chamfered edges. However, the original iPhone SE is powered by a newer A9 chip from the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

"Everyone who wants a smaller phone is going to love iPhone SE," said Apple's former marketing chief Phil Schiller, in a press release announcing the device.

Apple went on to release second-generation and third-generation iPhone SE models in April 2020 and March 2022, respectively, with both of those devices having a similar design as the iPhone 8. In February 2025, the iPhone SE was entirely discontinued for the foreseeable future, after it was effectively replaced by the iPhone 16e.

Article Link: Apple Says Original iPhone SE is Now 'Obsolete'

 

[Zarniwoop]

The last awesome phone. Since then, phone sizes and prices have inflated by a lot.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Had one for my second line and loved it. Even had the Apple leather case for it. Oh, how times have changed.

Ironic that my Apple TV 4th gen is still getting updates.

 

[one1973]

It was a big mistake to discontinue the SE and mini ranges. I know many people, myself included, who love small phones.

 

[sw1tcher]

The last awesome phone. Since then, phone sizes and prices have inflated by a lot.

😂

Apple Introduces iPhone SE — The Most Powerful Phone with a Four-inch Display

www.apple.com

Pricing & Availability

iPhone SE will be available in space gray, silver, gold and rose gold metallic finishes in 16GB and 64GB models starting at $399 (US) from Apple’s retail stores, Apple.com, Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers.


It's successor, the iPhone 16e starts at $599.00 for 128GB. That extra $200 gets you 8GB memory vs 2GB, a much faster SoC, a bigger display, etc.


$399 in 2016 is approximately $540 today when adjusted for inflation, so in reality, you're paying $60 more for the iPhone 16e in 2016 dollars.

 

[turbineseaplane]

a bigger display, etc.

Not a "feature" we all want.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

That pink SE is one of the best-looking phones ever made. Fight me on this.

 

[xxFoxtail]

I miss my SE. I liked it so much, I bought it twice.

 

[sw1tcher]

Not a "feature" we all want.

Which is a completely different topic of discussion.

I was only addressing this notion that since the iPhone SE, iPhone "prices have inflated by a lot." That's not true.