iPhone SE Display Parts Constrained, Apple May Do Full Device Replacements Instead of Repairs [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Display repair components for the iPhone SE are in short supply at Apple Stores right now, so customers who need their iPhone SE display fixed may receive a replacement device instead.

According to a retail source that shared the news with MacRumors, employees have been told that display parts are constrained until further notice, and it's not known how long it will be until display components are more widely available. Stores that have no display repair components on hand will outright replace iPhone SE models in need of repair.

The reason behind the component constraint is unclear, as Apple did not provide details to employees.

Supply constraints are not likely indicative of an imminent refresh because no new iPhone SE model is expected. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who often shares reliable information on upcoming Apple products, Apple will not introduce a new iPhone SE during the first half of 2017.

Apple also recently bumped up the storage space in the iPhone SE, offering the iPhone SE in 32 and 128GB capacities for $399 and $499, respectively.

It isn't yet clear if Apple is planning on introducing another 4-inch device, or if the SE was the last 4-inch phone Apple plans to produce. Kuo's information only covered the first half of 2017, so if another 4-inch phone is in the works, it could come later in the year.

Update: According to a second source, the serial numbers for the displays weren't added to Apple's system correctly, so the displays were unable to be validated. All affected displays were pulled and sent back to Apple, impacting much of the stock at most retail stores.

Some flagship stores have been getting rerouted shipments and will be able to offer repairs.

Article Link: iPhone SE Display Parts Constrained, Apple May Do Full Device Replacements Instead of Repairs [Updated]

 

[44267547]

If true, This is actually really good news for one of the best iPhones on the market for the current price point. Perhaps it cost more to repair it versus then it does replace it, being when you factor in the overall $400.00 cost of the iPhone SE.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

With the new budget iPad, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple continued updating the SE (or similar) line for the low cost market.

Edit: That being said I don't expect an imminent update. I would see this being on a spring, every other year cycle. Spring cause it gives that season a bump (and it can deliver the 6 month old processor at a bargain). Every other year, because people shopping for this device wouldn't typically upgrade yearly.

 

[LordQ]

Man, the rose gold SE looks very, very, very beautiful.

 

[arkitect]

It is.

I compared a 2016 RG to a 2017 RG and, to my eyes the 2017 is just a tad more copper coloured, a nice improvement.

 

[bladerunner2000]

Louis Rossmann breaks it down nicely about Apple and repairs;

 

[nwcs]

I'm hoping for an iPhone SE with 7s internals. That would be my new iPhone. Love my SE much more than I ever liked the iPhone 6.

 

[latweek]

Display repair components for the iPhone SE are in short supply at Apple Stores right now, so customers who need their iPhone SE display fixed may receive a replacement device instead.

device = another SE of the same color and model OR another version (non-SE, different color/moodel?)

 

[macTW]

Man. I get to use my hammer to get an iPad Air 2 instead of a fixed iPad 4, and now I can use it again to get a brand new iPhone SE?

I wonder if Apple has stock in hammers...

 

[rhondaleebaby69]

ugh....just seeing those bezels makes me want to hurl...

 

[mkoesel]

It isn't yet clear if Apple is planning on introducing another 4-inch device, or if the SE was the last 4-inch phone Apple plans to produce. Kuo's information only covered the first half of 2017, so if another 4-inch phone is in the works, it could come later in the year.

If demand for smaller easily-pocketable phones remains, I'd guess that a future (three years out, say) iPhone SE sized device will be offered with "iPhone 8"-like edge to edge 5" screen.

 

[itsmilo]

device = another SE of the same color and model OR another version (non-SE, different color/moodel?)

Highly doubtful to be what u suggest like 0% chance

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

Apple needs more suppliers? This may cost more.

 

[mattopotamus]

I think they keep the 4" device around. I am sure apple was shocked by the SE sales. There is still a ton of people, myself included, who want a phone. I shouldn't be limited to larger devices to have a new smartphone.

 

[Carmenia83]

Must've finally used up all those 5S display panels lol

 

[Wildhope]

With the new budget iPad, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple continued updating the SE (or similar) line for the low cost market.

Edit: That being said I don't expect an imminent update. I would see this being on a spring, every other year cycle. Spring cause it gives that season a bump (and it can deliver the 6 month old processor at a bargain). Every other year, because people shopping for this device wouldn't typically upgrade yearly.

I would hope so. It's a great little phone.

 

[keysofanxiety]

ugh....just seeing those bezels makes me want to hurl...

Personally a fingerprint scanner on the back of a phone makes me want to hurl. Each to their own, though; the difference is, you won't see us moaning about that on Android forums.

Regardless: welcome to the forum, Join date: Today, Messages: 1.

 

[fourfour44]

I really hope they keep something in that size. When my wife had an iPhone 6 she dropped in numerous times and had to get the screen replaced. When the SE came out we just replaced it with that and she's been fine with it, just as she was with the iPhone 5. I don't know what we're going to do if they don't keep a line of smaller phones, even if the internals are a few revisions behind.

 

[44267547]

ugh....just seeing those bezels makes me want to hurl...

Oh I know, right? Who would buy this iPhone with those horribly large bezels. What a travesty an iPhone. /S.

I think the iPhone SE proves otherwise for its popularity in size over bezels.

 

[hybrid_x]

I ❤️ my SE.

Bigger phones just don't add any value for me.

 

[nibfiledotcom]

ugh....just seeing those bezels makes me want to hurl...

Funny you should say that, because the lack of a bezel is far more likely to cause discomfort, as it can negatively impact your perception of visual information.

It's the same reason that we prefer to see pictures in frames... the visual separation between the image and its background makes it easier for the brain to process what it's seeing. It's probably not something that you'll notice in the first five minutes of looking at a bezel-free display, but it can definitely make your brain work harder to process what you're seeing.

Hopefully, Apple takes this into account, and re-adds that visual separation in software, within the UI of iOS and the layout of views in the SDK.

 

[5105973]

Louis Rossmann breaks it down nicely about Apple and repairs;

I don't have enough time to view that whole thing but I saw up to the part about the iPhone home button. It's quite eye opening. Thanks for sharing.

I can't say I've had any Apple products go bad prematurely until this year. I think my iPad mini 4 is acting up. My husband says my iPhone 7Plus may need a closer look, too. Sigh.

 

[iReality85]

Still one of the best looking iPhones Apple has made.

 

[latweek]

Highly doubtful to be what u suggest like 0% chance

Didn't "suggest", rather "inquired", thus the "?"

I was referencing the squishy word "device".

 

[nibfiledotcom]

Still one of the best looking iPhones Apple has made.

It's the best design Apple ever created for a "smartphone," per se. The width of that device was specifically chosen to be comfortable in, and operable with, the average human hand. The choice to make them bigger was purely market driven. The newer devices at larger sizes are better for watching video, reading books, and accommodating larger hands; but for general usage— making a phone call, using an app, sticking it back in your pocket— you can't beat that 4" form factor... it just feels awesome. I would also posit that it has a more "luxury" oriented aesthetic than the 6/7 design.