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iPhone SE Now Over 1,000 Days Old as New Model Edges Closer

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Apple's third-generation iPhone SE, introduced on March 8, 2022, has now reached the milestone of being over 1,000 days old.

iphone-se-3-stage.jpg

The iPhone SE debuted in 2016 as Apple's answer to customers who wanted a more affordable iPhone without sacrificing key features. The first SE model was based on the design of the iPhone 5s but packed the then-flagship A9 chip and latest camera technology. Subsequent iterations followed a similar formula: the second-generation iPhone SE in 2020 adopted the iPhone 8's design and added the A13 Bionic chip, while the third generation launched in 2022 with another leap in processing power thanks to the A15 Bionic chip. Over the years, the SE line has become synonymous with classic design paired with modern internals.

When the third-generation iPhone SE was unveiled, it brought significant upgrades over its predecessor, including the A15 Bionic chip—the same processor used in the iPhone 13 lineup—longer battery life, and 5G connectivity, which extended high-speed wireless access to Apple's budget-conscious customers. However, the exterior design was starting to show its age even upon the device's unveiling in 2022. The third-generation SE retained the 4.7-inch Retina HD display and thick bezels of the iPhone 8, a design that effectively first debuted in 2014 on the iPhone 6. Likewise, its LCD screen felt out of step with Apple's more modern OLED displays. Face ID was also noticeably absent.

iphone-se-2.jpg

As the iPhone SE 3 crosses the 1,000-day threshold, there are a vast array of corroborated rumors about its successor. Expected to launch in the spring of 2025, the fourth-generation iPhone SE is shaping up to be a significant upgrade. Unlike its two predecessors, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to abandon the iPhone 8's design entirely in favor of a modern aesthetic inspired by the iPhone 14.

The new model is expected to feature a larger 6.1-inch OLED display to provide deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved energy efficiency. Face ID is also set to replace Touch ID, marking the end of the physical Home button on the iPhone and embracing the all-screen design that has become a hallmark of contemporary iPhones.

Under the hood, the iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to be powered by the A18 Bionic chip, the same processor from the iPhone 16 lineup, along with 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence. Another major change will be the adoption of USB-C, following Apple's broader transition away from the Lightning connector. Camera upgrades are also on the horizon, with the SE 4 likely to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a dramatic improvement over the 12-megapixel sensor in the SE 3. Despite these substantial upgrades, Apple is reportedly committed to keeping the iPhone SE 4 priced below $500, maintaining its appeal as an affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem.

For those considering the iPhone SE 3 today, the advice is clear: wait. While the iPhone SE 3 remains a capable device, it is difficult to justify its purchase when a redesigned, feature-packed successor is on the horizon. The dated design and hardware limitations of the current model make it markedly less future-proof compared to Apple's other offerings. With the iPhone SE 4 expected to deliver a more modern design with a larger display, OLED technology, Face ID, faster performance, and other improved features at a similar price point, holding out for its release in 2025 is by far the smartest choice.

Article Link: iPhone SE Now Over 1,000 Days Old as New Model Edges Closer
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/03/iphone-se-now-over-1000-days-old/
thejadedmonkey said:
My mom desperately needs a new phone, but I told her to wait. The fact that they haven't even updated this phone to use a USB-C port at this point is just sloppy on Apple.

This and the iPhone 14 are (AFAIK) the only two products that Apple still sells with a lightning connector.
Click to expand...
Why would they upgrade just the SE’s port? It makes sense that they left it with lightning. Besides, an old style iPhone with usb-c would be super confusing for someone who doesn’t even know that lighting is the name of the connector and not “iPhone charger” (i.e. most teens and old people, who would be buying the SE3.)
 
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There is a part of me saying I should buy the SE3 while I still can. On one hand I don't know if I want a display that small. On the other hand it would have rounded sides which I desperately want. I don't care about the other specs, I just want the rounded sides so I can have a phone that is comfortable to hold again.
 
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Just bought a new one a couple of weeks ago because the speakers went bad on the old one. :)

Probably my last iPhone due to sensitivity to Apple's newer screens. :(
 
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Andy_2341 said:
Besides, an old style iPhone with usb-c would be super confusing for someone who doesn’t even know that lighting is the name of the connector and not “iPhone charger” (i.e. most teens and old people, who would be buying the SE3.)
Click to expand...
You mean like the difference between the iPhone 14 and 15? I don't think most people find it that confusing. I just want my mom to be able to use a charging cable, and not have to worry if it's a phone charging cable or a tablet charging cable or a laptop charging cable or an emergency solar/battery lamp charging cable.
 
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DesertNomad said:
The 4SE is likely to get rid of the physical SIM which is an important feature if you travel a lot. In many places, it is not possible to get a short-term eSIM as a visitor.
Click to expand...

But probably oh so profitable to force travelers to choose what is often the lone eSIM provider. Notice who is eSIM capable in mighty America vs. the many, cheaper options who are not.*

And who runs iPhone commercials in America to help sell iPhone? I wonder if the foreign partners most like Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile also happen to be the lone ones with eSIM service offerings? 💰💰💰

*update: I've since be knowledge updated that a number of cheap American players have gone eSIM. I haven't looked in a while and assumed it was mostly still just a few "most profitable", dominant players... as I suspect it is in other countries where the cheap "traveler" options via SIM probably aren't also offering eSIM. But that's speculation too based upon 💰 instead of checking each country to know for sure.
 
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Not convinced this is staying under $500 with all the features listed.

I see this as replacing the iPhone 14 in the lineup at $599, perhaps with the iPhone 14 being dropped to $499.

If this launched at $499, who in their right mind would buy an iPhone 14 for an extra $100?
 
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thejadedmonkey said:
My mom desperately needs a new phone, but I told her to wait. The fact that they haven't even updated this phone to use a USB-C port at this point is just sloppy on Apple.

This and the iPhone 14 are (AFAIK) the only two products that Apple still sells with a lightning connector.
Click to expand...
They aren’t updating the port until the new model. They where not going to add it to the old one
 
My wife almost got duped into getting an SE when she took her beloved 12 mini into the Apple store and asked for the smallest iPhone available to replace it. Thankfully she checked it with me after getting that "advice."
 
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swrobel said:
My wife almost got duped into getting an SE when she took her beloved 12 mini into the Apple store and asked for the smallest iPhone available to replace it. Thankfully she checked it with me after getting that "advice."
Click to expand...
Well, I have had every SE model and was not duped into the transactions. Fortunately I did not have to check with you. What "expert" advice did you offer your wife?
 
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kiranmk2 said:
Not convinced this is staying under $500 with all the features listed.

I see this as replacing the iPhone 14 in the lineup at $599, perhaps with the iPhone 14 being dropped to $499.

If this launched at $499, who in their right mind would buy an iPhone 14 for an extra $100?
Click to expand...

If past SE launches are any guide, the iPhone 14 will very likely be discontinued once the new SE 4 comes out. When the original iPhone SE launched in March 2016, the iPhone 5S on which it was largely based was discontinued. When the second generation iPhone SE launched in April 2020, the iPhone 8 on which it was largely based was discontinued.

As far as pricing of the next generation SE, that may depend on how the tariff situation plays out next year.
 
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rappr said:
Ah...the iPhone SE. The iPhone everyone conveniently forgets about when complaining about how iPhones cost over $1000.
Click to expand...

Indeed, and they always forget the regular current model iPhone @ $799.

I have a company-provided SE 2022; it does just fine and I'd have no problem with it being my main phone. My sister is running the 128gb version and loves it, with no interest in upgrading.
 
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HobeSoundDarryl said:
But probably oh so profitable to force travelers to choose what is often the lone eSIM provider. Notice who is eSIM capable in mighty America vs. the many, cheaper options who are not.

And who runs iPhone commercials in America to help sell them? I wonder if the foreign partners most like Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile also happen to be the lone ones with eSIM service offerings? 💰💰💰
Click to expand...
There are many cheap wireless (MVNO) providers in the U.S. that support eSIM: Mint Mobile, Visible, Tello, US Mobile, Ting, Red Pocket, Cricket, H2O Wireless, Ultra Mobile, etc.

And quite a few of them as well as the major telcos (T-Mobile, Verizon, US Mobile, Visible, Cricket, etc) also offer free 14-day to 30-day trials. So international travellers to the U.S. can actually get free service while they're visiting.
 
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ab2c4 said:
There is a part of me saying I should buy the SE3 while I still can. On one hand I don't know if I want a display that small. On the other hand it would have rounded sides which I desperately want. I don't care about the other specs, I just want the rounded sides so I can have a phone that is comfortable to hold again.
Click to expand...
It is a small display when you have a newer iPhone to compare it to, but as someone with huge hands, it isn’t horrible. I actually enjoy using the SE from time to time. The small screen still looks great. If you get one, try Tracfone if in the US. They have them for $189, and they are easily unlocked.
 
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kiranmk2 said:
Not convinced this is staying under $500 with all the features listed.

I see this as replacing the iPhone 14 in the lineup at $599, perhaps with the iPhone 14 being dropped to $499.

If this launched at $499, who in their right mind would buy an iPhone 14 for an extra $100?
Click to expand...
To be honest… who on earth buys an iPhone SE for the price it is selling right now. There are so many other options available for a fraction of the price. A more modern overhaul of the SE should’ve happened years ago. Let’s also be honest… for $ 499 you can get a very well specked modern mobile phone these days.
 
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