In 2016, Apple presented for the first time a cheaper version of their acclaimed smartphone. The so-called iPhone SE (Special Edition) appeared that year as an affordable alternative to the iPhone 6S. That didn’t hurt Apple, because the device flew over the counter. In 2018, Apple announced that it would end the iPhone SE. Since then it has been waiting for a successor and this so-called iPhone SE 2 seems to be getting closer.
Lately, more and more rumors appear that the announcement of the iPhone SE 2 is coming. That we already know what we can expect from the affordable iPhone is mainly due to Ming-Chi Kuo. When it comes to Apple he is one of the most reliable analysts. He now claims to know the necessary about the successor to the iPhone SE. We list everything.
iPhone SE 2 or iPhone 9?
With an affordable iPhone, Apple seems to want to serve a specific target group. Namely the group of users who want to use an iPhone, but are not willing to pay more than 800 euros for this. Now these people are forced to buy an older device with the risk that it will no longer be supported. Take for example the owners of an iPhone 6. They cannot upgrade to iOS 13. For these people, an iPhone SE 2 could offer a solution.
Or iPhone 9. The question is whether the successor to the SE will also be given the same name as its predecessor. According to reports, the affordable device could also be called the iPhone 9. Apple chose to go from 8 to X (10) and then to 11. The numerical gap that has been created as a result can now be filled. That is not unthinkable, because according to rumors, the device is excellent between 8 and X and 11.
There are various rumors that claim that the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 is similar in design to the iPhone 8. There are already renders who show that the devices will be almost identical. For now, the 4.7-inch iPhone SE 2/9 only seems to be about half a millimeter thicker and get a different back than the iPhone 8. Here is chosen for the matte glass as we see with the iPhone 11.
Portrait mode despite single lens
This also means that the home button including Touch ID will return. Whether you can also use Face ID in addition is still unclear, but it doesn’t seem like it. What is also striking is that, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, a camera system with a single lens was chosen. This choice was most likely made to reduce costs. As a result, there is doubt as to whether the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 will be made available with Apple’s widely acclaimed Portrait mode. This could be possible with a single lens with the help of software.
What Ming-Chi Kuo claims to know is in what colors we can expect the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9. In addition to Space Gray and silver, red will also be available. The latter color comes as a surprise after the success of the red iPhone 8. This appeared half a year after the release of the regular iPhone 8 and subsequently turned out to be a popular option.
Just as powerful as the iPhone 11
If we look at the specs, it seems that Apple is approaching the iPhone SE 2 in the same way as its predecessor. Just like in 2016, the affordable iPhone will have the most powerful hardware available. This means that when we unscrew the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9, we come across an A13 processor. This is the most recent and powerful processor from Apple that is also used in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
Yet the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 is not quite as powerful as its more expensive brother. According to rumors, the new device has to do with less RAM. 3GB instead of 4GB. The device delivers something in this area, but you will probably not notice much in normal use.
What will the iPhone SE 2 cost?
This brings us to perhaps the most important reason for buying an iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9: the price. What you have to lay down for the device will determine the success. According to Kuo, the American consumer will soon have to deposit $ 399 for the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9. For that amount you get the 64GB version. The 128 GB variant is said to cost between 449 and 499 dollars. Euro prices are not mentioned, but probably the dollar indication is simply replaced by a euro sign.
This pricing is likely to also affect the iPhone 8. The expectation is that it will out Apple’s line-up is going to disappear. The iPhone 8 is namely more expensive and less powerful than the newcomer and therefore unnecessary.
iPhone SE 2 appears in 2020
What remains is the question when the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 will come on the market. If we can believe Ming-Chi Kuo, it won’t be long. The analyst expects the new “budget device” to be announced in the first quarter of 2020. Somewhere in March is the most obvious. Apple has in the past often announced new products that month, including the original iPhone SE in 2016.
According to Kuo, Apple has a clear goal with the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9. That is to give iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users a new alternative. These older devices do not support iOS 13 and therefore no Apple TV + and Apple Arcade. These services are becoming increasingly important for Apple. It is therefore in their own interest that as many customers as possible have access to a new device. So also the people who are not willing to pay more than 800 euros.
High expectations
According to Analysts, the addition of an affordable and powerful device is a smart move. They predict that Apple will be able to sell 30 million iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 models before the end of this year. Do you think that Apple holds gold with this device? Let us know in the comments.
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