Apple iPhone SE 2 Might Not Launch In 2018
Back in 2016, Apple launched the iPhone SE as a smaller variant of the iPhone 6s. It was missing a few features like 3D Touch but, it was intended for people who preferred the smaller form factor and wanted the latest specifications. While many expected the iPhone SE 2 to be launched in early-2017, Apple decided to skip the launch. There have been plenty of rumours about the upcoming iPhone SE 2 but, they all might in vain.
Trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has cast a shadow of doubt over the prospect of an iPhone SE 2 launch in 2018. He believes that the company “may have used up its development resources” on the flagship trio it’s prepping for this fall. In his research note, he says:
The announcement of three new iPhone models in the same quarter in the second half of 2017 was the first time Apple made such a major endeavor, and we believe the delay of iPhone X, which had the most complicated design yet, shows that Apple doesn’t have enough resources available for development.
With three new models in the pipeline for the second half of 2018, we believe Apple may have used up its development resources. Also, we think the firm will do all it can to avoid repeating the mistake of a shipment delay for the three new models.
Kuo believes that Apple doesn’t have enough resources to pull off a year with four iPhone launches. He uses the 2017 launch of three iPhones as an example. And with all the three iPhones now with a design like the iPhone X, the process of manufacturing might be even more cumbersome.
However, he hasn’t completely quashed the idea of an iPhone SE 2 launch in 2018. He says that if Apple does decide to launch a successor in 2018, it will be a minor refresh. This means that no bezel-less design or wireless charging. It might end up looking a lot like its predecessor with hardware upgrades like the A11 chipset and a bigger battery.
iPhone SE 2 Concept
Recently, Kuo revealed a few key details about the upcoming 2018 iPhone lineup.
2018 Apple iPhone
Kuo claims the 2018 iPhone X will again start at US$ 1000, the iPhone X Plus will be priced higher (likely US$ 1200-US$ 1350) while the iPhone X SE will be priced at around US$ 700-US$ 800.
The iPhone X 2018 (tentative name) will have the same 5.8 inch OLED display found on the current iPhone X. It will have a 2,700 to 2,800mAh battery, supplied primarily by Unimicron. The 2018 iPhone X will also be powered by a new chipset and is expected to feature advanced Face ID.
The iPhone X Plus will have a 6.5-inch OLED display in a body that might not be much bigger than the iPhone 8 Plus’. It is expected to have a 3,400 to 3,500 mAh battery supplied Unimicron.
2018 Apple iPhone lineup
The cheapest iPhone of the lot will be the iPhone X SE. It will be the successor to the iPhone SE and feature considerable upgrades over the predecessor. Although, these updates might end up costing the essence of the ‘SE’ series. The iPhone X SE will have a 6.1 inch LCD display with a design similar to the iPhone X. This means that Face ID will be introduced in this smartphone as well.
