First Impressions Roundup: iPhone SE and 9.7" iPad Pro

[ron7624]

Help!! What game was being played in the top video in the article. Its displayed on the iPad Mini in the iPad Mini section of the Apple website and was highlighted at their event last Sept.
Does anyone know the name of that game?

 

[splitpea]

I think the SE is great. Ok... so, anyone looking to sell their mint 5s for cheap?

Absolutely... just define cheap!
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The 4in phone market is probably pretty small these days
...

Let's be honest, this is a niche product.

Those are some huge assumptions. It's fair for them to sell a phone that is meant to validate or invalidate those assumptions, but it seems to have been wrapped up in a separate untested assumption that those who want a 4-inch phone don't care as much about having the latest tech as those who want larger ones.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Kinda disappointed that iPad Pro 9.7" is 599$ for 32gb. For a comparable "desktop replacement" computer, you'd need at least 128gb of space and a physical keyboard, which brings the end price to 900 USD. 900 bucks for lack of OSX, open file system, expansion ports, etc etc..

"Kinda disappointed"? You really buy into the idea that an iPad can replace a desktop for everyone? Apple would have you believe that (since they think that nothing really gets done on PC's).

Tim neglected to mention during the keynote yesterday that all that boring documentary was 100% completely created and produced on an iPad.

 

[coolfactor]

They really should've dropped the 16GB model for the Western markets just to avoid the negative press. If other markets, such as India, justify the 16GB model then fine, but I finally agree.. it's time to retire the 16GB size once you add 4K videos and 12MP photos. Space will fill up fast!

 

[jonnysods]

Pity there is no 3D touch, it's a well priced phone.

 

[Rigby]

Help!! What game was being played in the top video in the article.

AG Drive.

 

[bkaus]

Some of the jabs at Android and PC were so ridiculously comical that I'd have been embarrassed to have said them on stage, in front of millions of viewers. Very targeted, Apple must think their viewers are idiots. Marshmallow has 1% Android user base? Who knows. Who cares? Lollipop works great. Not sure why I would need Marshmallow. I'm sure there are improvements but I'm not clamoring for it. Apple forgot to mention when iOS 9 was released, it was fraught with issues, many were pretty bad, leading people to ask if Apple even tests these releases. To this day, I still have BT issues with iOS 9.2 that Apple seems reluctant to fix.

Phone encryption? Before all this FBI / Apple news, I bet 9 out of 10 smartphone users, when asked, would not know if their phone was encrypted or not. No one cared. No one shopped for phones based on encryption. Consumer to Best Buy phone rep--"Hi. I'm looking to buy an encrypted phone. What are my choices?". BB rep--Blank stare. No one cares.

Then the jab about how PC people are still using 5 year old computers? What's wrong with that? Oh, I know...Apple has designed forced re-purchase every couple years by gluing them shut and rendering them non-upgradable. It's BAD to keep a PC for 5 years? Maybe they should talk to their "new" Mac Pro users about rocking old computers? How about not a single Apple computer has a current gen Intel CPU in it? I can throw a couple hundred bucks every year at my PC to keep it relevant and meet my storage needs, how is that bad? Because I'm not handing Apple another $2500 to replace my Macbook that I've run out of storage?

Every jab at the competition was so hypocritical and hilarious I could barely stand it!!

Is there any other response from a BB rep regardless of the question?

 

[coolfactor]

"Kinda disappointed"? You really buy into the idea that an iPad can replace a desktop for everyone? Apple would have you believe that (since they think that nothing really gets done on PC's).

The iPad has become a computer replacement for many people that I know, so yes.

Tim neglected to mention during the keynote yesterday that all that boring documentary was 100% completely created and produced on an iPad.

The Apple crew were tired. They need a long and restful vacation.

 

[nfl46]

I can't wait to get this phone! Rose Gold baby! iPhone 5SE + Nexus 6P!

 

[1Zach1]

I still find it funny how many people call it the 5SE.

 

[ChrisCW11]

I think Apple is delusional about their "Pro" iPad lineup. They burned themselves by being arrogant and dismissive of Microsoft's hybrid tablet/laptop and so this has forced Apple to keep their MacBook and iPad divisions completely 100% separated from each other, and I think this is a real shame.

I don't' think anybody would disagree that a touch screen version of the MacBook Air with detachable screen would be a hit product. To be honest I think I would buy one in a heartbeat over Surface Pro. The ease and capabilities of the iPad for my "casual" workflow combined with the power and capabilities of the MacBook for "real" work is undeniably a win-win situation.

However while Apple quibbles about keeping OS X and iOS separate and never blending the two together they have promoted a mixed message of telling users that touch on a laptop screen is a poor user experience while promoting the idea of using the iPad Pro on a keyboard dock on a desktop as a "great Pro" experience that forces you to use touch only because there is no trackpad or mouse support in iOS; this is absolutely the fault of Apple's poor marketing of these product lines. How can something supposedly suck in one case but be forced on users in another case as the only option?

I think this is also a direct result of Tim Cook's poor leadership when it comes to product evolution and innovation.

So for me, the pro in iPad Pro stands for "proster", a "pro" product for hipsters that think they need a more expensive iPad in their life because they might dabble with some photo or video editing from time to time while spending more of their time flinging angry birds or crushing candies.

But seriously, anybody that pounds on a keyboard or wrangles a screen cursor as part of their professional career, the iPad Pro, at any size, is just not good enough.

Let's put it this way. When you can develop apps directly on the iPad it will finally be considered a REAL professional tool.

 

[lah]

Absolutely... just define cheap!
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Those are some huge assumptions. It's fair for them to sell a phone that is meant to validate or invalidate those assumptions, but it seems to have been wrapped up in a separate untested assumption that those who want a 4-inch phone don't care as much about having the latest tech as those who want larger ones.

It's about making a profit. If they put this phone out and realize it sells better than anticipated, then I guarantee there will be lots of number crunching up at Cupertino and eventually decide to release the latest and greatest iPhone in 3 sizes. This is a calculated move to satisfy some of their customers who were clamoring for a smaller phone with the latest technology, people who want an iPhone at a lower price point, and to possibly penetrate other foreign markets (think India, Brazil etc.) without dedicating the cost of R n' D to develop a brand new 4in iPhone that frankly will not sell as well as a larger model. Also, the only thing really missing from the SE is 3D touch (and screen size obviously).

 

[jamezr]

"The good news: The iPhone SE gives you everything great about the iPhone 6s for $250 cheaper."

Does this confirm it has 2gb ram? That's one of the major features of the 6s.

My thoughts too....where is 3D Touch?

 

[Mac 128]

I haven't moaned yet, but it isn't about the old design. My issue is that they seemed to have thrown Apple Pay and a A9 in a 5S and said "we listened, woo!" They didn't. What they really did was provide some two year old tech at a slightly less premium price. I wanted a flagship device with a 4" screen. I want the high end cameras, extra ram, and brighter displays that can fit comfortably in my hand.

You say it's not about the old design, but then you say it's two year old tech. It's a two year old case, but the tech is almost all 6s (barely 6 months old). And what few things aren't 6s, are 6. It also improves over flagship performance in one major area -- battery.

And not only do you get all of the "flagship" features for $250 less than the 6s, you also get the few remaining upgrade features for $150 less than the 6. The 5s has an amazing screen, so I don't see that as a major issue, literally the only vestige of the 5s that doesn't appear on the 6 or 6s besides the design. I will completely agree the lack of a 128gb offering is a let down, but not a deal killer. I also wish it were a few millimeters thinner.

If I were planning on buying a 6s, and saw this phone with almost identical features and better battery life for $250 less, I'd be a lot more upset. Seemingly the only sacrifice is case design and screen size, both being entirely subjective, especially since you can do exactly the same things on a 4" screen as you can on a 4.7" screen.

The whole argument that the SE isn't a "flagship" 6s phone is misguided. The fact this phone costs an average of $200 less than any 6 series phone available is outstanding.

 

[LizKat]

Not really sure on the reason why there even is an iPhone SE...kind of a waste really. Why would you buy a 'brand new' phone that's as small as a 2-3 year old phone, and as powerful as last year's model?

Because one prefers the smaller one, and has a 5c?

BECAUSE ONE PREFERS THE SMALLER ONE (AND HAS A 5C).

Sorry to shout. It's about having an older phone to begin with, and then about personal preference for a smaller one on the upgrade. I'm ordering the 64GB and delighted Apple is offering the 4" option.

 

[4jasontv]

It has 2gb of ram , same a9 and the same 12mp camera and 5mp frontcamera as the 6s.
You are not well informed.

The A9 is old, the A9X is new. The old processor was used.
The 6s+ camera has better image stabilization.

You're not very nice.
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You say it's not about the old design, but then you say it's two year old tech. It's a two year old case, but the tech is almost all 6s (barely 6 months old). And what few things aren't 6s, are 6. It also improves over flagship performance in one major area -- battery.

And not only do you get all of the "flagship" features for $250 less than the 6s, you also get the few remaining upgrade features for $150 less than the 6. The 5s has an amazing screen, so I don't see that as a major issue, literally the only vestige of the 5s that doesn't appear on the 6 or 6s besides the design. I will completely agree the lack of a 128gb offering is a let down, but not a deal killer. I also wish it were a few millimeters thinner.

If I were planning on buying a 6s, and saw this phone with almost identical features and better battery life for $250 less, I'd be a lot more upset. Seemingly the only sacrifice is case design and screen size, both being entirely subjective, especially since you can do exactly the same things on a 4" screen as you can on a 4.7" screen.

The whole argument that the SE isn't a "flagship" 6s phone is misguided. The fact this phone costs an average of $200 less than any 6 series phone available is outstanding.

Some people don't care about price. Apple could charge $200 more. I care about function. Yes, I want a 4" screen with iPad pro hardware. 6 months is a long time, especially when Apple designs every aspect the hardware. What I don't want is to have to trade off quality for form. As far as battery life goes, of course it's better. It uses older hardware. 6 moths or 18 months, it's still old.

 

[erinsarah]

It's a huge upgrade from the 5S. You're viewing this from the wrong direction. This was never meant to be an upgrade from the 6S line. It's a hybrid of the 5S and 6S ... a phone with modern hardware in an older form factor that people do actually want because they prefer the size. Apple actually listened (well, mostly) and stuffed some 6S hardware into the phone, instead of the 5C which was just ... well I don't know what that was. This is a true upgrade to the 5S.

Not only that, but by stuffing it into the same form factor they seem to have recognized many of us have cases and accessories married to a certain form factor that we'd rather not replace. Not to mention permanently creased back pocket outlines in our jeans

As a family of 4, each of us with a 5s, I welcome this new phone. It's exactly what's needed the next time one of us demolishes a screen. And at the current price point it means not having to worry about buying a used phone on eBay.

Would have been nice to start at 32gb, though.

 

[splitpea]

It's about making a profit. If they put this phone out and realize it sells better than anticipated, then I guarantee there will be lots of number crunching up at Cupertino and eventually decide to release the latest and greatest iPhone in 3 sizes. This is a calculated move to satisfy some of their customers who were clamoring for a smaller phone with the latest technology, people who want an iPhone at a lower price point, and to possibly penetrate other foreign markets (think India, Brazil etc.) without dedicating the cost of R n' D to develop a brand new 4in iPhone that frankly will not sell as well as a larger model

But if some of us fail to buy because we're holding out for a 4" phone that's spec-equivalent to the larger phones, will they take that as evidence that there isn't demand for 4" phones at all?

Also, the only thing really missing from the SE is 3D touch (and screen size obviously).

And a decent front-facing camera. And newer Touch ID. And quite possibly sufficient RAM to keep up with newer models and newer OSes and apps. And a 128GB storage option. And probably several more things nobody's pointed out yet.

 

[Mac 128]

The A9 is old, the A9X is new. The old processor was used.
The 6s+ camera has better image stabilization.

I'm sorry, but comments like this make you seem even more out of touch. The A9X is only used in the iPad Pro. There never will be an iPhone with this chip. Arguably it's overkill and inappropriate for such a small device. And then you're talking about hardware image stabilization available only on Apple's largest phone, something that's not even available on the flagship 6s. Why on earth would anyone expect that to be available on a smaller phone!?

Some people don't care about price. Apple could charge $200 more. I care about function. Yes, I want a 4" screen with iPad pro hardware. 6 months is a long time, especially when Apple designs every aspect the hardware. What I don't want is to have to trade off quality for form. As far as battery life goes, of course it's better. It uses older hardware. 6 moths or 18 months, it's still old.

OK I get it. You're being completely unreasonable. Even the iPhone 6s Plus won't have the same specs as the iPad Pro, and arguably features that are totally unecessary, and many of which are just impossible (I suppose you'd like four speakers with the same quality as the Pro too).

The reality here is that if the 4" phone had been released in September with the 6s, with the exact same specs -- that 6 months later, you'd still only have the same tech available to you 6 months ago, and for the next 6 months. You realize that the iPad Pro was introduced a month after the 6s. You must have been livid that Apple screwed their customers so badly with an old A9 chip. And now 6 months later they still expect their customers to buy the same iPhone they were selling 6 months ago with an old chip, and have the gall to keep selling such old tech for 6 more months.

Sorry, but you're off the rails on this.

 

[4jasontv]

Not only that, but by stuffing it into the same form factor they seem to have recognized many of us have cases and accessories married to a certain form factor that we'd rather not replace. Not to mention permanently creased back pocket outlines in our jeans

As a family of 4, each of us with a 5s, I welcome this new phone. It's exactly what's needed the next time one of us demolishes a screen. And at the current price point it means not having to worry about buying a used phone on eBay.

Would have been nice to start at 32gb, though.

As someone who left the 5 series awhile ago I appreciate you bringing accessories to our attention. It's a very valid point, and completely out of character for Apple. I will be curious to see if 3rd party manufactures bring back any of their retired products. The best cases I ever used were for that generation of iPhone.

 

[ron7624]

AG Drive.

Thanks YOU! I've been looking for almost a year. 3.99 ain't bad.

 

[jujufreeze]

The iphone SE is NOT a new iphone! It's a repackaged iphone 5s with slightly upgraded specs and a 16 gigabyte option. More of Tim's regurgitation. Color me disappointed

 

[skinned66]

Not saying its not possible, but setting up a whole different manufacturing line to put less RAM sounds like a logistical mis-step.

You very well could be correct, but there are so many changes for this product that it could go either way IMO. Nothing Apple does to make a few extra bucks really surprises me anymore.

 

[baller1308]

Was hoping for a Macbook update, but since it's most likely just a speed enhancement they'll probably release it in April.

 

[4jasontv]

I'm sorry, but comments like this make you seem even more out of touch. The A9X is only used in the iPad Pro.

Thats because the iPad pro is the only device to launch since the A9X was first announced.

There never will be an iPhone with this chip. Arguably it's overkill and inappropriate for such a small device.

"No one needs more than 640k, I mean A9 processing power on their phone."

And then you're talking about hardware image stabilization available only on Apple's largest phone, something that's not even available on the flagship 6s. Why on earth would anyone expect that to be available on a smaller phone!?

Because its popular and was released nearly 2 years ago. Why on earth is it still only on the + series. It isn't exactly controlled with hydraulics.

OK I get it. You're being completely unreasonable.

Clearly. Yeah, I mean, who dares to want something more!

Even the iPhone 6s Plus won't have the same specs as the iPad Pro

(Thanks marketing department.) Of course not exactly the same, but the processor isn't a feature like screen size or battery size. It's completely reasonable to ask for the same level of quality.

, and arguably features that are totally unecessary

Ummm... What?

, and many of which are just impossible (I suppose you'd like four speakers with the same quality as the Pro too).

Yeah. I would. Are you suggesting that better audio is unnecessary or impossible?

The reality here is that if the 4" phone had been released in September with the 6s, with the exact same specs -- that 6 months later, you'd still only have the same tech available to you 6 months ago, and for the next 6 months.

What? But they didn't release them at the same time. Now, based on the extra time and economy of scale, they have the ability to improve the design. You know, for that product that wasn't released 6 months ago.

You realize that the iPad Pro was introduced a month after the 6s. You must have been livid that Apple screwed their customers so badly with an old A9 chip. And now 6 months later they still expect their customers to buy the same iPhone they were selling 6 months ago with an old chip, and have the gall to keep selling such old tech for 6 more months.

Honestly, I have no idea what you are saying. Are you suggesting that I am upset because they didn't use their newest processor in their newest devices? If so, yeah I am disappointed. Livid is a pretty strong word. I'm not quite that emotionally attached to a product I don't own. Are you emotionally attached to a product you don't own?

Sorry, but you're off the rails on this.

I am sorry. They flat out said one (of two) reasons people buy the iPhone 5s was due to size not hardware. They said people want a premium product with modern specs. I got excited and thought that was what they would announce. I should have realized when even Tim Cook was bored, that they were just providing lip service.

Do you have trouble differentiating between what Apple announced and what others had hoped for? Do you really think that its unreasonable for people to want Apple to update a product so that their preferred solution stays modern? You must really despise the MacPro people. This is a forum to discuss Apple, and this particular page is in response to a particular series of products released. Correct? So when other users have a fundamental problem with how products are being treated, they don't want to be told they are ignorant, they want to voice their disappointment in how their opinion is being ignored. I want 3 screen sizes with exactly the same internal hardware. I don't care that you could do more with a larger device. I don't want my choice to be burdened by more than one factor. That's my opinion, not my delusion. Apple used to give us what we wanted before we asked. They made purchasing devices easy, so that buyer remorse was minimal. That time has gone, and now we have to ask (as seen by the prior days announcements) or we will clearly never get it.