Apple's New iPhone Lineup: SE for $349, 6s for $449, 7 for $549, 8 for $699, X for $999

[visegripmikey]

The pricing issue is interesting. The 12" iPad Pro is cheaper than the iPhone. The argument that the iPhone should be more expensive because it's smaller doesn't add up. The display is likely more expensive for the size of the iPad. The battery is obviously more expensive in the iPad. The face ID tech would be more expensive on the iPhone but the pen-enabled screen on the iPad is more accurate. I can fit 4 iphones on the screen of the iPad.

Also is the SE cheap? One can buy cheap Android phones with better tech for $99. So is the OS worth 3.5 times the cost with lower end components?

How did we get to the point that we should be spending that kind of money every 2 years on a phone, yet not buy a new 50" TV with the same money every 2 years?

 

[PhillyGuy72]

Damn right,
FACE ID is sexy but impractical. How does it fare under poor lighting, or with your glasses on?

I thought more of an extreme situation... Lets say you're in a car accident, you bang your face against the steering wheel, fat lip, nose broken, maybe a black eye. 911 would not be locked...thats good.

You may want to call home, a parent. Now you need to unlock your phone with a busted face. now what?
Oh...and your fingers are broken, so trying to enter the PIN might be out of the question

I know..extreme. But hey, it COULD happen?

 

[zeesix]

Sadly, nothing really excites me that much here. I went from the 6 to the SE and have been happy with it, though I wish it had the latest tech and was considering upgrading this year.

The most interesting thing for me is the OIS in the 8 (the others are just too big), but I much prefer the SE design. Also it does lack the dual camera that the plus and X has which is a real pity. The removal of the home button in the X is clearly a step backwards from a usability standpoint. More awkward to get to home screen. More awkward to get the app switcher. Basically can't access control center one-handed. Also, isn't the benefit of smaller bezels that you can fit a bigger screen in the same form factor or, better yet, reduce reduce it? Why on earth would you actually make the phone bigger.

 

[vipergts2207]

Exactly!!!
[doublepost=1505274720][/doublepost]
It works just the same if you saw the keynote

What if you're wearing sunglasses? They said if your eyes are closed or you're not looking at it, it won't unlock. This means either one of two things, a giant security vulnerability in the system, or in the summer you have to take your sunglasses off every time you unlock your phone. Even worse for anyone who wears transitions lenses.

 

[GaryLasereyes]

Wow even Apple Care got a lot more expensive. 1550€ for the 256GB Version is just too much. Especially greedy now that the Euro is stronger again. Don't get me wrong: I like the phone and the idea of having the screen of the Plus and the size of the non-plus version, but it's not worth over 300€ to me.

It seems like Apple decided this year that they were going to raise prices on everything across the board. Didn't the same happen with MacBooks?

 

[B.A.T]

I'm still loving my 6+ and looking at these prices makes me hope that I can get two more years out of it. If I don't at least there are plenty of options for me to choose from. iPhone X is not for me but it's going to be a great phone for a lot of people.

 

[Viper2005]

https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht207123

Please tell me you are joking. They are just keeping old models in stock and selling them at lower prices. In what way is that "confusing" in the least? Anyone who finds that confusing won't be able to operate a modern smart phone anyway.

I will never understand that logic. "This business is giving me too many options! I'm so confused!" If I go to a car dealership, I'm not confused if they offer a 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 model of the same car. I don't ask the dealership to stop selling the 2015 model because it confuses me.

We are past the point where smart phones become outdated in 2 years, so there's no reason to discontinue phones so quickly. It's a good thing Apple still offers the older phones for people who don't need the latest and greatest. No need to overpay for the 8 when you can use a 6s and be just as happy.

Because EVERY decision Apple makes need to be questioned with "how would Steve have felt about this?".
Once you start doing this, all becomes clear.
We all know Steve loved streamlined product lines.

 

[Oridus]

What if you're wearing sunglasses? They said if your eyes are closed or you're not looking at it, it won't unlock. This means either one of two things, a giant security vulnerability in the system, or in the summer you have to take your sunglasses off every time you unlock your phone. Even worse for anyone who wears transitions lenses.

It's using IR. So unless your glasses block IR, they'll work, just like Samsung's Iris scanner works through sunglasses.

 

[gadgetgirl85]

Well, I am leaning more and more towards the iPhone 8 Plus, this alone would be a major upgrade from my iPhone 6Plus. Sure its the same size..but just so much faster, the better camera, and - for me - it will have "new features" that I missed with 6S, 7. Even the home button for me will be "new" I kinda think of it that way.

Me too.

 

[raybo]

Internals for the 5SE and 6S models are mostly the same, it makes sense for Apple to keep making both. I think the 6S is an amazing device, good enough for 80% of the people. If you need AR, get the X.

 

[Galatian]

It seems like Apple decided this year that they were going to raise prices on everything across the board. Didn't the same happen with MacBooks?

Yeah. 999$ is currently 840€. Add VAT and the Euro Price should be roughly 1 to 1. Now the iPhone x actually starts at 1149€. That's a tough pill to swallow and I have a feeling that apple will correct prices early next year, which would get me all pissed. Problem though: my 6S is running out of space. I need a bigger iPhone.

 

[GoodWheaties]

Hike on what, the 7/7+? They hiked iPad Pro $50 as well. Something about storage shortages.

Bro you sure like to post. Since you seem to be new I will explain. Previously, iPhones have started at $649 and now the the 8 starts at $699 (albeit with twice the storage but Apple has doubled it for free before). The Plus has also been moved up to $799 starting price from $769 ($749 before that). It seems to have snuck under the radar with the $999 starting price of the X.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Crazy levels of fragmentation

I follow apple news fairly closely and even I can't get my head around all the different options and price points. How is Joe public off the street going into an Apple store going to choose amongst all those mid tier options?

Fragmentation=/=segmentation

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

I upgrade every other year and $1000 for the low storage model is still absurd.

Just wait another five years from now. Apple will introduce the worlds first $10,000 iPhone! lol

 

[vooke]

yeah what happens if you wear contacts during the day,

then at night, take them out and wear glasses around the house for TV, book reading, or surfing?
Some people either need one or the other to see. "Honey, I can't unlock my phone!" "Turn it around, stupid!"

How do you program FID for the different you's, does it have a "Home," "Work" face option?

Sure use your 4 or 6 digit code, but that's not as convenient as good old Touch ID.

Agreed
FID being experimental (failed twice during the presentation) maybe should have been used alongside touch ID.

 

[PickUrPoison]

SE is the best deal.

While the SE is the most inexpensive, imo the 6S is the best deal (unless you don't like screens larger than 4").

 

[QCassidy352]

The 6s is still the best deal. Features on 7, 8 and X aren't really compelling enough.

I'd argue the SE is the best DEAL. I have a 5 month old iphone 7 which is in mint condition and I'm planning on keeping a long time, but if it got crushed by an elephant tomorrow, I'd probably buy a SE (which is what I had before my wonderful wife got me this 7).

Every step up from the SE certainly adds SOME value... but you get 90% of the experience with the very cheapest model. IMO.

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

When you realize you’re financing your life away lol.

 

[slooksterPSV]

While the SE is the most inexpensive, imo the 6S is the best deal (unless you don't like screens larger than 4").

Oddly I went from a 5" phone that had lots of room to a 4" phone and well... a lot of people I talk to really like the 4" phone, mainly cause they can use it one handed. The SE is as powerful as the 6S so the differences are minor (I think resolution is one), but great. Actually, I like the smaller size. I can text in one hand while holding my pug puppy when she's out on her walks.

 

[M2M]

I saw that iPhone 8/X and atv 4K now support flac according to the tech spec pages. Wonder if this is bound to that hardware only or will be generally available as of iOS 11 and the new iTunes. Anyone knows (from the latest GM maybe?)

 

[PickUrPoison]

Buyers of a new 6S beware. iOS 11 will
undoubtedly slow it down to the point where it will be annoying to use.... and you won't be able to go back to iOS 10 in the future. The useful life of the 6S is short it you are determined to hitch a ride on the iOS update train

Not true according to those who have been testing the beta. A9 and 2GB make the 6S a good platform still. Of course at some point, you will want to stop updating. OS 13?

 

[Westside guy]

For those complaining about price, how about keeping your phone for more than a year, and saving up for the next phone you want / need?

iPhones are not obsolete in a year.

I actually like the new pricing. I couldn't care a whole lot less about the upper tier, though - I decided about a year ago I was done spending what Apple, Samsung, Google and others are charging for their flagship phones.

I intend to keep my 6S for another couple years. It's a great phone, and works well. When it is time to buy a new one, I intend to spend "only" $400-500 to replace it. That'll probably mean a generation or so back on a (possibly refurbished) iPhone... but I'll also take a look at what's going on in the Android world at that time.

To those of you who are planning to drop $800-1200 on the latest phone: More power to you, I hope they make you happy - but I won't be joining you.

 

[Mr Staunton]

Maybe the XI.

 

[Voodoodisco]

Considering FaceID failed twice on stage today, I'm thinking I have serious doubts too.

False. Let's correct that untrue narrative. It "failed" once. Not twice.

"failed" because the phone itself seemed to be ready to use after a start up/reboot. More of a demo mistake and not software. You can see the text on the passcode screen. "Your passcode is required to use Face ID" no different when you reboot and need to use your code to use Touch ID.

You're welcome.

 

[KPOM]

This iPhone lineup reminds me of the large and fragmented Mac lineup of former Apple CEO Gil Amelio in 1997 that Steve Jobs was disappointed in and wanted to streamline soon after his return.

Probably a temporary situation. The X is delayed 6 weeks and is likely to be in short supply until 2018. Apple will quietly drop the 6s and will relegate the SE to emerging markets.