Skip to main content

Who will buy the iPhone SE? Over 35% of iPhone users are still using a 4-inch device

Who will buy the iPhone SE? Data shows that over 35% of iPhone users are still using a 4-inch device…

Data from analytics company MixPanel shows that almost one third of iPhone users are still using a device with a 4-inch display. According to the data, as of today around 36.67% of active devices are still made up of 4-inchers including mostly the iPhone 5s (18.85%), followed by the iPhone 5c (4.98%), iPhone 5 (7.84%), iPhone 4S (3.86%), iPhone 4 (1.51%), and “older iPhones” (0.03%). 

A poll of our own audience showed similar figures with 35.32% saying they plan to upgrade to the new 4-inch device, 24.26% from a current 4-inch device and 11.06% from a larger iPhone. There were also an additional 12.25% of the sample group of almost 15,000 readers that said they’d upgrade if the new 4-inch device’s specs were on par with the larger flagship models.

And the data set compiled from apps using MixPanel’s analytics tools comes from users worldwide, not just in the US. So it does take into account the high number of 4-inch devices in emerging markets, which is often due to the lower cost compared to the high-end flagship models and not necessarily the smaller display.

That’s good perspective on just how big the current 4-inch market is, even if the data doesn’t show us exactly how many of those users are interested in upgrading to a new 4-inch device. And a less expensive larger iPhone 6 that will inevitably fall in price after next-generation iPhones are introduced this fall could make the market for 4-inch devices even smaller for customers mainly motivated by price and not the user experience of the smaller screen.

But with Apple planning on introducing a new 4-inch iPhone later today as an update to the aging iPhone 5S model it’s still selling, many are wondering what that means for the company’s overall iPhone lineup.

It’s Apple’s first time releasing a device with a smaller display than its current lineup after making the jump to the 4.7 and 5.5-inch screens on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and it’s also Apple’s first time introducing a “new” device as a lower cost option to its flagships at a mid-year event ahead of expected next-generation iPhones this fall.

It looks a lot like the device will essentially replace the current iPhone 5S as a lower cost option to the flagship lineup for enterprise and emerging markets. We reported previously that the device will mostly retain the iPhone 5S design and pricing, while featuring some upgraded camera specs alongside other new internals. But perhaps it will also be a solid option for anyone that just wants a great iPhone with a 4-inch display?

Check out our roundup of what to expect from the new 4-inch iPhone SE and other new product announcements planned for this afternoon’s event. And stay tuned for full coverage and analysis of the event later today. 

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. applenthusiast - 8 years ago

    Is moving from a larger to smaller phone really considered an “upgrade”?

    • just-a-random-dude - 8 years ago

      Yes, if the internal specs are better in the smaller phone than the larger ones. iPhone SE could be faster than iPhone 6/6+ for an example.

    • RP - 8 years ago

      Well, I haven’t gotten the 6 because I’ve always considered it a downgrade from my 5S

    • there was a good long period where tech getting smaller was *the* upgrade. we are now at a point where size is determined by preference not technical limitations, and thats a good thing!

    • Rich Davis (@RichDavis9) - 8 years ago

      All Apple’s doing is flip flopping when they announce a new iPhone and they want to serve three types of buyers. What this does is it allows them to increase their sales throughout the year since each new model has about 6 months of great sales before they start to drop. Right now, the 6S and 6S+ have gone through their 6 months of sales and this will just give them a boost in sales to carry them through before the 7/7+ are released in Sept. If they didn’t release the new 4inch model, they would just have a decline in iPhone sales. I think it’s a good strategy because 4inch models still sell.

      It’s not meant for 6/6+ owners to purchase, it’s for 5S, 5C, 5, and any 4S owners that still want to buy 4inch model phones with the latest guts.

  2. Alessandro Sorrentino - 8 years ago

    Whilst I won’t be (As I want the flagship 7 model and the fact that I’m on contract until the 7 comes out). I can see my parents upgrading their 5S to the SE as my mum loves the compact size of the 5S

  3. pdoobs - 8 years ago

    can you please change the “mock-up” photo for this post, it’s distractingly offensive to my eyeballs.

  4. just-a-random-dude - 8 years ago

    I’m curious to know if iPhone SE will be upgraded every year or every two years and if Apple will include it for the iPhone Upgrade Plan.

    450$ / 24 month is ~19 bucks a month, that’s probably doable for a lot of people, especially with 99$ AppleCare plan included.

    • tigerpork - 8 years ago

      Doubt it. They never updated the 5c and if they were planning to do a yearly update to the SE they wouldn’t be using old iphone 5s parts.

      • All rumors indicate that only the outer shell is reminiscent of the iPhone 5s. All the internals are from the iPhone 6S

  5. I’m still on the iPhone 5(not S!), and I’m interested in today’s announcement. But if it is not at least on par with the iPad mini 4(A8 & 2GB RAM), I’ll probably either resign myself to the 6S, or even the Nexus 6p. My hands aren’t very big, and even the 5 was what I considered to be a stretch at the time, but apparently I’m in the minority among people, so I guess I’ll have to give into the trend. Pricing is also a consideration, and considering that the Nexus 6p is for sale at $499 for a 32GB model, If Apple is selling a 16GB for the same price, I’ll likely switch. It’s 2016, flash storage is at record low and decreasing prices, it’s ridiculous that 16GB is still the default. I bought a 32GB Sony SD card for about $10, how the world you going to tell me Apple doesn’t have room in their margins to double the base model storage?

    • cdm283813 - 8 years ago

      If you’re still rocking a regular 5 I consider you to be a rare breed. You don’t upgrade for the same reasons that we do. Not saying that’s a bad thing.
      Me personally I want the fastest phone possible at any given time.

  6. Drew (@gettysburg11s) - 8 years ago

    Its very telling that 11% surveyed said that they are moving from a larger iPhone (4.7 inch or 5.5 inch) to the new version of the 4 inch iPhone. That amazes me. I could not imagine going down in size. I used to have an iPhone 5/5s, and thought it was a bit cramped. I will say that it was usable one handed, where my 6s is not so much.

    • twelve01 - 8 years ago

      I sometimes miss the pocketablilty (I know, not an actual word) of the 4 inch phones. That said, the extra screen real estate is a really important feature. I’d have trouble going back to the 4.7 inch, let alone the 4 inch.

      • taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

        I still think Apple was planning on releasing iPhones this year with reduced too and bottom bezels and why they didn’t release a 4″ phone in September.

        4.7″ screened iPhone with close to the iPhone 5’s footprint makes much more sense then going back to 4″. For once I agree with Gene Munster and see no sense of a making anew 4″ model.

      • Tom@L (@Wild_hunt_) - 8 years ago

        it means that smaller bezeled iphone is not happening later this year.

  7. patstar5 - 8 years ago

    The 4 inch iPhone is just way too small. I will never go back to ios anyways. My 64gb 5.5 inch oneplus one is still running great. I bough it for less than $400 in summer of 2014.

  8. Simon Potts (@simoncbp) - 8 years ago

    It is likely that one of the reasons which a lot of people are still using smaller phones is inertia and re-use. Many folks will not see upgrading as a necessity (not all contracts benefit regular upgrades – SIM only contracts can be common). Some people have the phone through their employer, so are limited to changing by the employer. And finally other people who are using a smaller phone today, aren’t the original purchaser of that phone when new but instead bought it used.

  9. philips9179 - 8 years ago

    Yes, and I’d bet a majority of the 35% are feeling pretty justified right now about hanging onto their smaller iPhones, and just a quick note to the author, and I can only speak for myself of course, actually prefer the user experience on my smaller iPhone 5s!!!

    • taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

      You wouldn’t rather have a 4.7″ model with close to the footprint of the iPhone 5?

      LG came close nearly 2 years ago with the G2 Mini. Apple should been able to reduce the physical size of the phones by now. Even without reducing or removing the home button they should been at least able to shrink the top bezel.

      • Tom@L (@Wild_hunt_) - 8 years ago

        the fact that this new 4 inch phone is coming means that reduced bezel and home button less phone is not happening.

      • taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

        Agree, but I think Apple did plan to do so this year or they would released the new 4″ device last September. All rumors see. To indicate it was ready for production last year.

        Apple could still do Pro tier iPhone with OLED and reduced bezels this year.

  10. Ahmad (@aelhkm) - 8 years ago

    Well, If the SE has the same design as iPhone 5s, I might go for it and give up 3D touch. I don’t giving up the speed as well; I have never had an issue with speed in all iPhones I had generally.

  11. Michael Grieco - 8 years ago

    Unless Apple develops a be better battery in a 4 or 4.7″ size , I’m done! It’s not price, functionality, or anything that seems to make it to the media…Its the battery life stupid!

  12. Paul Buckley - 8 years ago

    A bit off topic, but anyone know what iphone trump has?? I mean this 4″ might actually be the right size for his hands…

  13. James Stephen Edge - 8 years ago

    OTHER: Yes, I’m coming back to iPhone for the SE after the 6 series drove me away by only offering plus phones.

  14. David Harrison - 8 years ago

    Assuming the SE is all it’s said to be, don’t know what to do. Have the 5s and, though it isn’t the fastest phone now or filled with all the latest features, it more than meets my needs. But there’s the temptation — which Apple always wickedly feeds! — to have the latest device! I had a 6s for a bit and went back to the 5s, principally because of size. Is it better to have the best, or what meets your needs!?

  15. Simon Couperthwaite - 8 years ago

    In short “Enterprise” keep the 4″ iPhone going.
    Companies and organisation supply these 4″ iPhones to the workforce as they are the cheapest IOS devices available.

  16. Robert Wood - 8 years ago

    Can’t participate in survey because 4 out of 5 peole in family still on 4S/5/5S and ready to jump on SE upgrade. Thanks God. Apple convince for upgrade with SE and I am happy after upgrade all of them will start using ApplePay. Security is must in retail transaction.

  17. k0jeg - 8 years ago

    Keeping my 5S for now. Only thing that I don’t like is iOS 9’s redesign seemed to be geared to large screens. I find myself not hitting buttons because they’re much smaller than before, especially in the music and podcast apps, where the main player screen shrinks down when scrolling through the library.

  18. jiggerslovesthemapples - 8 years ago

    36.67% is MORE than one third, not “almost.” Pesky thing, this math thing, huh? 😂

  19. pdixon1986 - 8 years ago

    If they could reduce the bezel and fit a 5″ screen into the iphone 5SE — then that would be the ideal phone for me… 4″ is a little too small for me, but the design and body is ideal — im not a fan of the thin phones at all…having a silicon case on my iphone 6plus helps, but it just feels very unstable in my hands.

  20. Well to me , It doesn’t matter what Apple was in the past..Now, small is apparently good.It’s about choice and Apple catering to those that don’t want a large phone. I would also say , Only to every Android user, the iPhone 6s Plus has the better screen to body ratio that’s an opinion share by most iPhone users not just me. Janene Scavo – CEO at http://www.blendersreviewed.com/

Author

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.