Great, but the point still stands. If you want a small phone, buy the 3rd Gen. SE
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Three Biggest Questions About the iPhone SE 4
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Would be nice if the mini could replace the SE yet still be at the entry level price.
While we already have some clear indications about what to expect from the fourth-generation iPhone SE, there are three major questions looming over the device at the current time.
Chinese site MyDrivers and and leaker Jon Prosser believe that the iPhone SE is set to move to an iPhone XR-like design in its next incarnation, which would involve eliminating the Home button and adding a "notch" cutout at the top of the display. The change seems likely since Apple's "SE" products have always used the designs of older devices.
The iPhone SE is likely to launch after the release of 2023's iPhone 15 lineup. The two standard iPhone 15 models are expected to feature the A16 Bionic chip from this year's iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, so it seems plausible that the iPhone SE could also get this chip – especially since the current iPhone SE already contains the A15 Bionic chip.
The device is not expected to launch until 2024, and insightful display analyst Ross Young recently said that Apple is mulling over multiple decisions related to the next-generation iPhone SE.
Display Size
According to Young, Apple is considering displays between 5.7-inches and 6.1-inches in size from two different suppliers for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. It is worth noting that the iPhone XR, the device that the next-generation iPhone SE is purportedly based on, featured a 6.1-inch display. Moreover, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said that Apple was working on an iPhone SE with this exact display size.
Both the 5.7- and 6.1-inch display sizes have been rumored in the past, and Apple not yet making a final decision explains why we continue to hear about two different panel sizes.
Display Technology: LCD or OLED?
In his most recent report on the matter, Young said that the 5.7- to 6.1-inch displays being considered by Apple feature LCD technology, just like the current iPhone SE, but the company is also weighing up simply opting for a 6.1-inch OLED display, the likes of which have been offered on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
The iPhone X launched in 2017 as the first OLED iPhone, and ever since the launch of the iPhone 12 in 2020, all of Apple's main iPhone models feature OLED displays. OLED display technology is more expensive than LCD, but it delivers better efficiency, "true" blacks, high contrast, and high dynamic range. It is possible that OLED panels have come down in price sufficiently for Apple to use them for the iPhone SE, which is positioned as an entry-level device, especially as it is not set to launch for over a year.
Touch ID or Face ID?
In moving to an all-screen design like the iPhone XR, there would presumably no longer be space for a capacitive Touch ID Home button in the iPhone SE's bottom bezel, so Apple seemingly has no choice but to offer a Touch ID Side button, under-display Touch ID technology, or Face ID.
The Touch ID button on the iPad Air
Multiple reports, including information from MyDrivers and Ming-Chi Kuo, suggest that Apple is planning to add a Touch ID Side button to the iPhone SE. The latest iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini models feature Touch ID integrated into their Top buttons, but no iPhones offer this functionality yet. As Apple's cheapest iPhone offering and to keep costs down, the iPhone SE has never had Face ID technology, sticking with a capacitive Touch ID Home button like older iPhone models. As such, it would make sense for the iPhone SE to be the first iPhone model to gain the newer Side button-style Touch ID implementation.
Since, according to Young, the iPhone SE is expected to feature a notch at the top of the display, it is also possible that it could bypass Touch ID and adopt Face ID instead. In 2024, Face ID will be seven years old, meaning that enough time may have passed to justify tricking the technology down to an entry-level device. Since not even flagship iPhone models offer under-display Touch ID technology as yet, this seems like the most unlikely option for Apple to introduce to its cheapest iPhone model. The authentication technology Apple will choose for the fourth-generation iPhone SE may become clearer if more information about the device emerges in the coming months.
Article Link: Three Biggest Questions About the iPhone SE 4
I love the SE and it is indeed compact, but no. With its wider, rounded edges and extensive bezel, it is notably more imposing and protrusive in one's (front) pocket than the 12/13 mini, which feels extra-compact with its smaller chassis⏤yet spacious as a result of its expansive screen.
Volume of iPhone 12 mini: 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 inches = 3.80 in³
Weight of iPhone 12 mini: 4.76 oz
Volume of iPhone 13 mini: 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.3 inches = 3.93 in³
Weight of iPhone 13 mini: 4.97 oz
Volume of iPhone SE (2022): 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches = 4.19 in³
Weight of iPhone SE (2022): 5.08 oz
The SE wins out in terms of value, though, and again: It is still a compact phone, and a great one at that.
But the iPhone 13 mini wins as far as features at a smaller size go, regardless of price.
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Hey Apple, please keep the iPhone 6 body, make it a little thicker so you can put in a bigger battery, remove the home button, and keep the LCD. That's all we need. Thanks
iPhone Mini fan here. Like others here, I appreciate being able to use my phone one-handed because I take public transportation to and from work every day. I actually bought an iPhone 13 earlier this year but returned it for a 13 Mini within a week because it was just way too big for me. It wouldn't even fit in the front pocket of some of my shirts!
I doubt Apple will add OLED to the next SE because they want to keep the price down and differentiate it from the rest of the lineup. And since they use old designs for the SE, I assume the next one will be a 6.1" XR in design.
So if it's between buying a slightly cheaper 6.1" SE XR with LCD or a 6.1" regular old iPhone with OLED...they've upsold me. I would go ahead and buy the latter.
Having said that, I wouldn't be too thrilled if it came down to that, so I would hold onto my 13 Mini for as long as possible.
In another thread, someone mentioned the possibility of Apple releasing the Plus and the Mini on alternating years. That would be a great idea!
I doubt Apple will add OLED to the next SE because they want to keep the price down and differentiate it from the rest of the lineup. And since they use old designs for the SE, I assume the next one will be a 6.1" XR in design.
So if it's between buying a slightly cheaper 6.1" SE XR with LCD or a 6.1" regular old iPhone with OLED...they've upsold me. I would go ahead and buy the latter.
Having said that, I wouldn't be too thrilled if it came down to that, so I would hold onto my 13 Mini for as long as possible.
In another thread, someone mentioned the possibility of Apple releasing the Plus and the Mini on alternating years. That would be a great idea!
Not only does the mini have reachability function, but it's also physically smaller than the SE 4.7" and has a larger 5.4" OLED display. It sits almost right between the SE1 and iPhone 7/8/SE2 size - also known as about perfect for a phone.
Ah. Well if I didn't already have the SE I think I'd be heading straight for the 13 Mini.
That’s what I was thinking too. Especially if it is going to adopt the form factor of the XR.
From my understanding I don't believe that's how it's going to work, as long as the device is released before late 2024 it can continue to be sold even after this law takes effect. Apple could technically keep Lightning on the iPhone until 2025, though it seems that's not the plan.
Many of my iPhone using peers "downgraded" to a 12/13 mini and love it. Ultra wide angle camera and battery life could be better but I'm totally okay with that if it means I can actually fit it in my pocket and use with one hand while on the run. The iPhone XR I got from work feels like it was handed to me on the top of the mountain from a deity and I can barely unlock it with my thumb because I have to change my grip and it feels like it wants to fall over backwards.
While we already have some clear indications about what to expect from the fourth-generation iPhone SE, there are three major questions looming over the device at the current time.
Chinese site MyDrivers and and leaker Jon Prosser believe that the iPhone SE is set to move to an iPhone XR-like design in its next incarnation, which would involve eliminating the Home button and adding a "notch" cutout at the top of the display. The change seems likely since Apple's "SE" products have always used the designs of older devices.
The iPhone SE is likely to launch after the release of 2023's iPhone 15 lineup. The two standard iPhone 15 models are expected to feature the A16 Bionic chip from this year's iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, so it seems plausible that the iPhone SE could also get this chip – especially since the current iPhone SE already contains the A15 Bionic chip.
The device is not expected to launch until 2024, and insightful display analyst Ross Young recently said that Apple is mulling over multiple decisions related to the next-generation iPhone SE.
Display Size
According to Young, Apple is considering displays between 5.7-inches and 6.1-inches in size from two different suppliers for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. It is worth noting that the iPhone XR, the device that the next-generation iPhone SE is purportedly based on, featured a 6.1-inch display. Moreover, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said that Apple was working on an iPhone SE with this exact display size.
Both the 5.7- and 6.1-inch display sizes have been rumored in the past, and Apple not yet making a final decision explains why we continue to hear about two different panel sizes.
Display Technology: LCD or OLED?
In his most recent report on the matter, Young said that the 5.7- to 6.1-inch displays being considered by Apple feature LCD technology, just like the current iPhone SE, but the company is also weighing up simply opting for a 6.1-inch OLED display, the likes of which have been offered on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
The iPhone X launched in 2017 as the first OLED iPhone, and ever since the launch of the iPhone 12 in 2020, all of Apple's main iPhone models feature OLED displays. OLED display technology is more expensive than LCD, but it delivers better efficiency, "true" blacks, high contrast, and high dynamic range. It is possible that OLED panels have come down in price sufficiently for Apple to use them for the iPhone SE, which is positioned as an entry-level device, especially as it is not set to launch for over a year.
Touch ID or Face ID?
In moving to an all-screen design like the iPhone XR, there would presumably no longer be space for a capacitive Touch ID Home button in the iPhone SE's bottom bezel, so Apple seemingly has no choice but to offer a Touch ID Side button, under-display Touch ID technology, or Face ID.
The Touch ID button on the iPad Air
Multiple reports, including information from MyDrivers and Ming-Chi Kuo, suggest that Apple is planning to add a Touch ID Side button to the iPhone SE. The latest iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini models feature Touch ID integrated into their Top buttons, but no iPhones offer this functionality yet. As Apple's cheapest iPhone offering and to keep costs down, the iPhone SE has never had Face ID technology, sticking with a capacitive Touch ID Home button like older iPhone models. As such, it would make sense for the iPhone SE to be the first iPhone model to gain the newer Side button-style Touch ID implementation.
Since, according to Young, the iPhone SE is expected to feature a notch at the top of the display, it is also possible that it could bypass Touch ID and adopt Face ID instead. In 2024, Face ID will be seven years old, meaning that enough time may have passed to justify tricking the technology down to an entry-level device. Since not even flagship iPhone models offer under-display Touch ID technology as yet, this seems like the most unlikely option for Apple to introduce to its cheapest iPhone model. The authentication technology Apple will choose for the fourth-generation iPhone SE may become clearer if more information about the device emerges in the coming months.
Article Link: Three Biggest Questions About the iPhone SE 4
The size of the first SE Gen is simply the best for me. A slightly larger screen with thinner bezels would be perfect.
As long i can, i use my first Gen SE….for other things i have my iPad and MacBook.
Apple should really consider a iPhone mini again.
It would be a punch in the face of consumers if Apple introduces under display Touch ID with the new iPhone SE.
It is possible after looking at Fn buttons and horizontal camera being exclusive for iPad. Not even the fanciest M2 iPad Pro could have those
It is possible after looking at Fn buttons and horizontal camera being exclusive for iPad. Not even the fanciest M2 iPad Pro could have those
LMFAO
People forgetting this is Tim's Apple and the SE is always used parts.
It'll be the XR with a 14 camera lens and chip, Face ID and same 6.1" LCD display.
It will have nothing new except colours, midnight and starlight.
People forgetting this is Tim's Apple and the SE is always used parts.
It'll be the XR with a 14 camera lens and chip, Face ID and same 6.1" LCD display.
It will have nothing new except colours, midnight and starlight.
Then… you don't actually want an answer to your question, because "not enough sales" is dead on.
Almost no smartphone maker makes small-sized ones. Why? Because they don't sell.
You have sales numbers for iPhones?
It would be nice to have 6 GB of RAM like all iPhone 14 models have, instead of the 4 GB in the iPhone 13 Mini.
We all spend a lot of time on these forums comparing apples with apples - pun intended - but a 'budget' phone is necessarily going to compare a lot more to Android phones.
If you look at $400-500 Android phones - your OnePlus Nord, Nokia etc. - 6.1 inches is now described as 'compact'. And it tends to be an OLED screen too, some of which even are 90hz refresh.
So on balance, I think that they'll go for a 6.1 inch screen phone.
And given that the XR/11 chassis was designed for an LCD screen, a redesign. They'll need to build in USB-C, 5G and presumably the clever internal 'opening' chassis of the 14 easier repairs.
Again, all of these suggest that it'll be easier to create a new chassis rather than to repurpose an old design.
And re. re-using designs: I think Apple's luck ran out when it bought out the SE 5G as it no longer seemed like a great bargain, but cynical profiteering from an ageing design.
Again, look at what $400-450 gets you in the Android world - phones which look modern with big edgeless screens, even if they have obvious flaws (slightly underpowered processors and only 2-3 years of updates, plastic on the phone body etc. etc.).
It'll be interesting though, how they can maintain the 'regular' iPhone at the price point that it is produce a competitive iPhone SE.
You have to imagine that the 120 hz display will make its way to the regular iPhone with the 60 hz moving to the SE only, for example.
Incidentally, I think that this explains the (apparently) not so great sales of the regular 14 and 14 plus. For that amount of money, you get a way better Android phone, for example.
I can see why many consumers will (presumably) save their money and get 13 or 13 pros (or move to Samsung).
If you look at $400-500 Android phones - your OnePlus Nord, Nokia etc. - 6.1 inches is now described as 'compact'. And it tends to be an OLED screen too, some of which even are 90hz refresh.
So on balance, I think that they'll go for a 6.1 inch screen phone.
And given that the XR/11 chassis was designed for an LCD screen, a redesign. They'll need to build in USB-C, 5G and presumably the clever internal 'opening' chassis of the 14 easier repairs.
Again, all of these suggest that it'll be easier to create a new chassis rather than to repurpose an old design.
And re. re-using designs: I think Apple's luck ran out when it bought out the SE 5G as it no longer seemed like a great bargain, but cynical profiteering from an ageing design.
Again, look at what $400-450 gets you in the Android world - phones which look modern with big edgeless screens, even if they have obvious flaws (slightly underpowered processors and only 2-3 years of updates, plastic on the phone body etc. etc.).
It'll be interesting though, how they can maintain the 'regular' iPhone at the price point that it is produce a competitive iPhone SE.
You have to imagine that the 120 hz display will make its way to the regular iPhone with the 60 hz moving to the SE only, for example.
Incidentally, I think that this explains the (apparently) not so great sales of the regular 14 and 14 plus. For that amount of money, you get a way better Android phone, for example.
I can see why many consumers will (presumably) save their money and get 13 or 13 pros (or move to Samsung).
Interesting. How does that happen? I have my migraines, but OLED is more relaxing than LCD to me. Even better adjustable too (iphone at least)
Yea I wonder if they killed the SBC because they didn't want the new iPhone to appear the battery lives stank because a SBC existed. I loved it
All the folks saying "should have TouchID like the iPad" are misunderstanding what every SE device is: an existing hardware design that is now extremely cheap for Apple to pump out, with an updated chip.
That's it. No SE has ever been released with a new feature, new camera, nothing. Maybe some new colors and I'm not even sure about that.
In fact this underlies the one possible reason why this rumor could be incorrect: the iPhone XR is not a product that Apple has been pumping out for years. Contrast that to the iPhone 7, which became the 8, then the SE 2, then the SE 3… that thing was never not a current model, in its own way. Same with the 5 / 5s / SE. The XR, on the other hand, was a one-off.
I do think the rumor is true, and it makes a ton of sense as a low-cost device for Apple to manufacture, and a bargain for consumers… but it will definitely be no more or less than a faster XR.
p.s. five years in and I think TouchID is vastly more convenient, would happily get an iPhone Pro with TouchID next year. But I'd also like a Mini Pro and that's not gonna happen either, life is full of disappointments
That's it. No SE has ever been released with a new feature, new camera, nothing. Maybe some new colors and I'm not even sure about that.
In fact this underlies the one possible reason why this rumor could be incorrect: the iPhone XR is not a product that Apple has been pumping out for years. Contrast that to the iPhone 7, which became the 8, then the SE 2, then the SE 3… that thing was never not a current model, in its own way. Same with the 5 / 5s / SE. The XR, on the other hand, was a one-off.
I do think the rumor is true, and it makes a ton of sense as a low-cost device for Apple to manufacture, and a bargain for consumers… but it will definitely be no more or less than a faster XR.
p.s. five years in and I think TouchID is vastly more convenient, would happily get an iPhone Pro with TouchID next year. But I'd also like a Mini Pro and that's not gonna happen either, life is full of disappointments
Yes especially if they move to Face on SE4. Wish they would ever come out with the SE+ they were saying from the start. Would want full screen either the same size or one up with touch ID on power.
I kept my 14 Pro and ended up selling my 12 mini after lots of back and forth. I’m still kind of regretting that decision, but I think if the next SE is in a mini body, I’d happily go back to it. One of the reasons I kept my 14 Pro was for the camera, but I’d rather still just use my DSLR.