Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Unlikely to Launch Larger iPhone SE 4 'Plus' Model, Despite Rumor

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
67,701
38,169


A new rumor suggests Apple might be developing a larger "Plus" version of the upcoming iPhone SE 4, but the claim appears highly dubious given previous reports and Apple's typical strategy for its budget iPhone line.

sketchy-iphone-se-4-plus-rumor.jpg
Alleged dummy iPhone SE 4 units via Mac Otakara​

Japanese blog Mac Otakara shared images of alleged iPhone SE 4 dummy units on Sunday, claiming there could be both 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models in development. The blog cites unverified sources from Alibaba for its information.

While the dummy units align with previous rumors about the iPhone SE 4's design – showing a device matching the iPhone 14's dimensions with a notched display and single rear camera – the claim of a larger model contradicts all prior reporting on Apple's plans. No other leakers or supply chain reports have mentioned a larger SE model.

Mac Otakara has provided accurate information in the past, but has also shared some claims that didn't pan out. The blog itself notes that the "final precision design and size expansion have not been decided," suggesting a degree of uncertainty even in their own reporting. Mac Otakara further underlined its lack of conviction by telling MacRumors: "It is possible that only the 6.1-inch model will actually be released."

Apple's plans can always change, but the idea of a larger model seems highly improbable based on current information, especially considering previous reports of poor sales of Plus models in its flagship smartphone lineup.

The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to launch in March 2025, and will likely feature Face ID instead of Touch ID, an OLED screen instead of LCD, an A18 chip, a new Apple-designed 5G modem, and a standalone 48MP main camera. More information on what to expect from the next iPhone SE can be found in our rumor roundup.

Article Link: Apple Unlikely to Launch Larger iPhone SE 4 'Plus' Model, Despite Rumor
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/10/21/sketchy-rumor-iphone-se-4-plus/
  • Like
Reactions: SFjohn
Yes, an SE mini would be perfect. Not only to stop people like me moaning on the forums, but to reduce the introductory price of the SE.

Lure them in with a $429 mini that only a few people want and upsell the 'normals' to a 6.1" at $499
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Shirasaki, iBreatheApple, AAPLGeek and 8 others
iZac said:
Yes, an SE mini would be perfect. Not only to stop people like me moaning on the forums, but to reduce the introductory price of the SE.

Lure them in with a $429 mini that only a few people want and upsell the 'normals' to a 6.1" at $499
Click to expand...
People who like small phones don't care about the price. The "mini" didn't sell well for several reasons, one of which was its marketing name. By making it 5.6" and dropping the nomenclature that fixes that problem and improves battery life. The other reason it didn't sell so well is some people wanted a smaller phone with pro features. 5.6" is the sweet spot for a small phone IMO, and there's room IMO for both a Pro and non-Pro model. Heck, they could make the non-pro iPhone in these three sizes: 5.6", 6.1" and 6.7" and a pro in these three sizes: 5.8", 6.3" and 6.9". Forget about an SE. No need at this point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shirasaki, JapanApple, azentropy and 1 other person
Mac Fly (film) said:
People who like small phones don't care about the price. The "mini" didn't sell well for several reasons, one of which was its marketing name. By making it 5.6" and dropping the nomenclature that fixes that problem and improves battery life. The other reason it didn't sell so well is some people wanted a smaller phone with pro features. 5.6" is the sweet spot for a small phone IMO, and there's room IMO for both a Pro and non-Pro model. Heck, they could make the non-pro iPhone in these three sizes: 5.6", 6.1" and 6.7" and a pro in these three sizes: 5.8", 6.3" and 6.9". Forget about an SE. No need at this point.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah I'd love a phone smaller than the current mini, whenever I pick up my old 5 or SE1 I bemoan how big phones have become. I wonder how much battery will be saved by that 0.2" shrinking though.

My thought about pricing was not for my own benefit of getting Apples cheapest phone, but just that Apple like to sell devices with some compromise (perceived or not) and upsell people to more feature rich ones. ;)
 
A plus would make a lot of sense.

There’s a lot of large screen cheap android devices out there.

The apple difference really isn’t too much a big gap nowadays to stop someone who wants a big screen to spend their $300-400 on a phone that is 6.7 (the norm now with android).

And a lot of older people have not so great eyesight - you’re not going to want a phone with a 6.1 inches screen if you can help it.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Jovijoker
Mac Fly (film) said:
People who like small phones don't care about the price. The "mini" didn't sell well for several reasons, one of which was its marketing name. By making it 5.6" and dropping the nomenclature that fixes that problem and improves battery life. The other reason it didn't sell so well is some people wanted a smaller phone with pro features. 5.6" is the sweet spot for a small phone IMO, and there's room IMO for both a Pro and non-Pro model. Heck, they could make the non-pro iPhone in these three sizes: 5.6", 6.1" and 6.7" and a pro in these three sizes: 5.8", 6.3" and 6.9". Forget about an SE. No need at this point.
Click to expand...
Yep, really the only benefit of the mini was the size. If you preferred any other feature more (battery life, better cameras, better display, pro motion, premium materials or even price) you didn't get a mini. I like your thinking, but I think our best hope is just one "smaller" pro model. Was hoping that the move up to 6.3 and 6.9 would make room for as you say a 5.8/5.9" model. With it being a pro model people wouldn't care quite as much about thickness since the camera bumps are big anyway and therefore could support a bigger battery.

I love my mini, but my two biggest complaints are of course battery life (wasn't good to begin and is of course now worse after ~3 years down to 93%) and that I wish the screen was just a tad wider. The change of the aspect ratio meant that even though the mini had a larger screen overall than the 6/6s/7/8/SE2/SE3 it sometimes fells smaller since it wasn't as wide.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MartyvH
First of all we definitely don't need two SE versions. Secondly, the Iphone "Air" sounds like it will be a big version of the SE anyways. Lastly, I agree with other comments made that most people that want an SE want a small phone either 13 mini or 11 Pro size.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shirasaki, JRSmith42 and Chuckeee
Mac Fly (film) said:
People who like small phones don't care about the price. The "mini" didn't sell well for several reasons, one of which was its marketing name. By making it 5.6" and dropping the nomenclature that fixes that problem and improves battery life. The other reason it didn't sell so well is some people wanted a smaller phone with pro features. 5.6" is the sweet spot for a small phone IMO, and there's room IMO for both a Pro and non-Pro model. Heck, they could make the non-pro iPhone in these three sizes: 5.6", 6.1" and 6.7" and a pro in these three sizes: 5.8", 6.3" and 6.9". Forget about an SE. No need at this point.
Click to expand...
There's also no need for McDonald's to offer a small soda and milkshake size as no adult in their right mind would consider those sizes given the extremely low value/$ if you compare the $/ounce of the medium, large or "Super Size" soda/milkshakes.

So why do the biggest, most profitable companies in the world sell these kinds of ultra-budget, ultra-low value products?

To lure potential buyers into "the store" and then sell them up, subsequently!

-Many smartphone buyers would, at a glance, flat out reject the idea of paying $799-$999+ for a smartphone altogether.

But having something in the product line-up that's not only selling at 50% less than the "medium" option but also undercuts most other brands will get many buyers to consider the budget option.

And once you have the buyer considering the low value of the budget option it naturally follows that they start comparing it to the medium and large option, both which offer multiples more value compared to the budget option.

And that's how you sell a mid-tier or Pro iPhone to a buyer who barely wanted to pay $429 for an SE.

It goes without saying, but this is the exact same reason why there'll never be a Pro iPhone retailing for a price lower than the standard or Plus mid-tier iPhones. Nor will there be a mini Pro as this would force Apple to price it lower or equal to the mid-tier Plus iPhone.

A new mini would only fit in the line-up with specs and price just below the $799 mid-tier. Everything else would destroy Apple's tried-and-true value ladder strategy.
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: MartyvH, Shirasaki, AppliedMicro and 1 other person
SactoGuy18 said:
I really doubt it, too. After all, it's designed as an entry-level phone, not a higher end model.
Click to expand...
The 6.7"-6.9" display and battery size of iPhone Plus and Pro Max are two of the most important selling points for all iPhones, altogether.

Offering a 6.7" Plus sized display and battery at a <$799 or <$899 price-point would cannibalize way too many mid-tier iPhone sales.

SE Plus is not viable for Apple's sales strategy, not happening.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MartyvH, Shirasaki, SactoGuy18 and 1 other person
I'm looking forward to the price.

I guess it will be more expensive (Europe, incl. taxes):
599€

I would wish for 499€.

For our child, it will be my old iPhone 13 mini with a new battery.
 
SE buyers want a smaller phone, not a larger one. Price is only a minor concern, given the difference of $300-500 or so.
 
bluecoast said:
A plus would make a lot of sense.
There’s a lot of large screen cheap android devices out there
Click to expand...
Our supreme ruler of margins and grand lord of noncannibalisation is never going to give in to that.
 
Last edited:
I would have been shocked if Apple released two separate SE products. There's just not enough volume to split the SE in two. Manufacturing would be incredibly expensive.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SactoGuy18
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back