iPhone SE: Upgrades, design changes, 5G, and more

Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is out with a new investor note today in which he says that Apple is unlikely to release a new version of the iPhone SE until the second half of 2021 at the earliest. This comes as the iPhone SE introduced in April continues to sell well and as Apple focuses on the iPhone 12 lineup.

A new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners today highlights the continued success of the iPhone SE in Apple’s lineup. Furthermore, the CIRP data shows Apple Stores, both online and in-store, accounting for a higher percentage of iPhone sales this year.

Apple debuted the new iPhone SE back in March, bringing the latest A13 Bionic processor and the familiar 4.7-inch form factor of the iPhone 8. Rumors have also suggested that Apple has a “Plus” version of the new iPhone SE in the works, and a new accessory listed today at Best Buy hints at that product’s existence.

After months of speculation, Google today officially unveiled its latest smartphone, this time priced to compete with Apple’s iPhone SE. The new Pixel 4a features a hole-punch display and 128GB of storage, but Google is also teasing a 5G version of the Pixel 4a that will come later this year, as well as the Pixel 5.

Pushing back from the coronavirus-fuelled slump at the start of the year, Apple’s iPhone was the fastest growing smartphone brand in China in Q2, according to data from Counterpoint Research.

The resilience of the iPhone 11 popularity and the launch of the new iPhone SE saw Apple sell about 7.4 millions from April to June, up 32% year over year. Rival Huawei sold 36.6 million units there, up 14%.

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Yep, it is a little early to trade in my iPhone 11 Pro Diary for an iPhone 12 one. But I’ve been thinking about my options and whether I might finally get my true iPhone SE 2 this year.

I always buy my iPhones outright, rather than on any kind of contract or finance deal, which means I’m not on a predetermined upgrade schedule. Each year, I need to choose between sticking with the phone I have, buying the latest flagship model, or buying a lower-end one.

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New data from Counterpoint Research today highlights the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on smartphone sales. According to the data, smartphone sell-through volumes in the United States fell by 25% year-over-year during Q2 2020, but the iPhone SE represented a “bright spot” for the market.

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Finding a protective iPhone case that doesn’t add too much bulk or hide the device’s design can be tricky. Griffin has the solution to that problem with its classic iPhone SE Survivor series cases that offer up to 7-ft. drop protection with slim, premium designs. Head below for a look at the new cases.

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Apple officially released the new iPhone SE earlier this month, and Tim Cook says the company is seeing a positive response from reviewers and customers alike. Cook touted that the iPhone SE packs a great value and is “faster than the fastest Android phones.”

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Last week, Apple’s long-awaited follow-up release to the iPhone SE arrived in the hand of the general public. If you’re a new iPhone SE owner, it’s a great time to familiarize yourself with how to force restart your iPhone SE, enter recovery mode, temporarily disable Touch ID access, and more.

Although you probably won’t use these features often, you may occasionally need to do so. Watch our hands-on video as we show you how to manage your iPhone SE in a variety of ways.
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The new iPhone SE is now available, with the first orders arrive to customers. Even though the iPhone SE features a more durable water-resistant design, you’ll likely still want a case to protect your new device. Read on as we round up some of the best iPhone SE cases currently available.

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The rear camera of the iPhone SE includes support for Portrait mode, but with one limitation: it only works for people, not for all objects. A new update to the Halide Camera and Spectre Camera apps, however, adds support for the iPhone SE — including bringing Portrait mode to all objects.

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As with every iPhone launch, Apple has produced a variety of official cases to go along with its new iPhone SE hardware. Unlike the iPhone 11, which featured 17 unique official Apple cases at launch, the iPhone SE’s official case options are much more modest.

In total, there are just six new official iPhone SE cases to choose from. We were able to pick up all six for an early hands-on look at every color and case style that Apple offers for this year’s budget iPhone. Watch our brief hands-on commentary for the details.
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Apple yesterday announced what it calls the new iPhone SE. The latest budget iPhone is many things. It’s a great upgrade for owners of the iPhone 6. It’s a lot of phone for an affordable price. It’s an efficient way for Apple to offer a ‘new’ phone with minimal retooling. It’s a smart business move in an uncertain economy.

What it is not, however, is an iPhone SE …

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Apple has officially launched the new iPhone SE today and we’ve got a look at the full specs of the new device. Even though the 2020 iPhone SE sits as the most affordable smartphone in Apple’s lineup it packs some impressive features and hardware including Wi-Fi 6 and Express Cards support.

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9to5Mac has learned new information about Apple’s long-rumored, entry-level iPhone model, including the marketing name, product colors, and storage options, based on a tip from a highly trusted reader.

Based on the new information, it’s possible Apple could be planning to open orders for the new iPhone as soon as tomorrow; the information definitely tells us that Apple is ready to start accepting orders very soon.

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The long-rumored iPhone 9, which could be announced any time now, will fill a much-needed spot at the bottom of Apple’s iPhone lineup.

From a business standpoint it makes total sense. The release of an iPhone 9 will provide customers with a less expensive phone with modern internals, and at the same time can make a healthy profit, thanks to already established manufacturing and assembly processes.

Yet while the iPhone 9 will probably sell well, it won’t generate the same sort of love and cult following as the last budget-minded phone that Apple produced way back in 2016 — the iPhone SE. Watch our iPhone 9 preview video for the details as to why.
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9to5Mac has learned several new details about the upcoming iPhone 9 based on iOS 14 code. Now we’ve discovered evidence that Apple is also working on a larger “iPhone 9 Plus” — not only an iPhone 9 — to replace both iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. While rumors of the 4.7-inch hardware has been reported through the supply chain, this is the first time evidence supports a larger version of the entry level iPhone.

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In a pair of Digitimes reports, the supply-chain focused publication suggests that the launch of Apple’s next phone model may be a little further off. The iPhone 9, or iPhone SE 2, whatever you want to call it, has apparently reached the final stage of production verification.

However, this means that a formal release could still be weeks away. Additionally, Digitimes reports that PCB orders for the iPhone SE 2 have been delayed from the first quarter to the second quarter, again suggesting a schedule pushback.

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As we enter March, the number of rumors about upcoming Apple hardware continue to rise. There’s a palpable feeling that Apple is about to release new shiny stuff soon, although no one is 100% sure of exactly what is coming down the pipe. With the coronavirus outbreak spreading, Apple’s plan for the summer season are also in question.

Here’s a look at everything Apple could release this month, from iPhone to Mac to iPad and more.

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