Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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'iPhone SE 2' With Wireless Charging Said to Launch in May or June
Apple is reportedly working on a new entry-level smartphone model similar to the iPhone SE that will support wireless charging and be released in time for summer 2018.
The prediction comes from Digitimes Research analyst Luke Lin, who believes that Apple's iPhone SE successor will have a glass back similar to the iPhone 8 series and iPhone X, but will lack the 3D sensing capabilities of the latter model.
Lin doesn't specifically mention the size of the new entry-level model, but the details match up with previous rumors about a forthcoming four-inch 'iPhone SE 2' with a glass back, although earlier speculation said the device would ship in the first quarter of 2018, rather than the second quarter.
Rumors about a the specifications of Apple's next small form factor smartphone appeared in August last year, when Indian tech website Tekz24 claimed Apple's next iPhone SE model would have an A10 Fusion chip, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB and 128GB storage capacities, and a slightly larger 1,700 mAh battery.
In November, China's Economic Daily News claimed Apple's second-generation iPhone SE was set for the first half of 2018 and would be assembled by Wistron at its factory in Bengaluru, India, where some assembly of the current iPhone SE occurs. Taiwanese market research firm TrendForce also recently predicted that Apple is planning to launch a second-generation iPhone SE in 2018 to target the mid-range smartphone market.
Apple hasn't properly refreshed the iPhone SE since it launched back in March 2016, but it did double the available storage capacities to 64GB and 128GB in March 2017. Apple has confirmed an AirPower wireless charging mat will be released sometime this year for Apple Watch and iPhone models with a wireless charging feature.
The prediction comes from Digitimes Research analyst Luke Lin, who believes that Apple's iPhone SE successor will have a glass back similar to the iPhone 8 series and iPhone X, but will lack the 3D sensing capabilities of the latter model.
For the entry-level sector, Apple is preparing a new inexpensive smartphone similar to the iPhone SE for 2018, featuring the wireless charging functionality, but not 3D sensing. The smartphone will begin mass production in the second quarter with the official launch in May or June, Lin noted.Taiwan-based website DigiTimes has a mixed track record at reporting on Apple's upcoming product plans. Its sources within the upstream supply chain have proven reliable in the past, but predictions from its research analysts are harder to gauge.
Lin doesn't specifically mention the size of the new entry-level model, but the details match up with previous rumors about a forthcoming four-inch 'iPhone SE 2' with a glass back, although earlier speculation said the device would ship in the first quarter of 2018, rather than the second quarter.
Rumors about a the specifications of Apple's next small form factor smartphone appeared in August last year, when Indian tech website Tekz24 claimed Apple's next iPhone SE model would have an A10 Fusion chip, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB and 128GB storage capacities, and a slightly larger 1,700 mAh battery.
In November, China's Economic Daily News claimed Apple's second-generation iPhone SE was set for the first half of 2018 and would be assembled by Wistron at its factory in Bengaluru, India, where some assembly of the current iPhone SE occurs. Taiwanese market research firm TrendForce also recently predicted that Apple is planning to launch a second-generation iPhone SE in 2018 to target the mid-range smartphone market.
Apple hasn't properly refreshed the iPhone SE since it launched back in March 2016, but it did double the available storage capacities to 64GB and 128GB in March 2017. Apple has confirmed an AirPower wireless charging mat will be released sometime this year for Apple Watch and iPhone models with a wireless charging feature.
Related Roundup: iPhone XS
Tag: digitimes.com
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Top Rated Comments
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22 months ago
If it's exactly the same form factor but they add TouchID 2, better cameras, upgraded CPU/GPU and the back is glass for wireless charging (if they must) I'd be perfectly happy.
If they 'notch it up' and curve the edges I'll be sad.
If they 'notch it up' and curve the edges I'll be sad.
22 months ago
When SE was introduced, one of the biggest factors that the guy said on stage was some people love smaller phones. Somehow, womehwere in the past 2 years, the Love of Small phones got warped into "Budget inexpensive iPhone". No, I have an SE because I love small phones, not because of budget. Give me a Premium 4", Apple.
22 months ago
If we are going the route of "classic" devices which retain the home button for a few years and X devices which are FaceID only then it really does make sense for Apple to create a more premium version of the SE as well (bring everything that will fit, so the camera module will be more basic).
I do feel bad for anyone who prefers the form factor for one handed use but gets gimped on specs and delays to refreshes. Heck, create a classic version too that uses the A10. Satisfy both markets properly if we are going to two tiers of devices and then sack off the legacy stuff before the 8.
The split between iOS devices which have 3D Touch and those that don't is ridiculous at the moment. Get it on everything so experiences can be consistent with each other or just sack it off. It absolutely shouldn't be an experience only for certain phones. iPad is crying out for it.
I am a premium consumer in general for Apple products. For example I bought all three Apple watches as they’ve appeared on the market. However the number one factor for cellular phone is size. Ever since the iPhone 6 these phones have often too large to use in one hand. I would pay a premium price for something the size of the SE. for some reason phone consumers won’t pay a lot of money unless it’s a big physical brick. Why can’t Apple make something small and beautiful again?
22 months ago
I have no interest in wireless charging. I can continue a call while charging if the phone is attached to a cable, but I cannot if it is laid on a charging pad. And the convenience of not having to attach the cable is so minimal that I would rather avoid the extra cost and having one more thing that could go wrong.
22 months ago
The original SE reused old iPhone 5/5s cases and displays (hence, no 3D touch) to save cost. If this is a new product (i.e. not based on an old shell) then either the cost will go up or some features will be cut/skimped on. Knowing Apple it could be both!
22 months ago
I would pay up to 2500$ for the new iPhone SE X.
Apple should stop making insanely huge phablets and concentrate on normal sizes like 3,5-4 inch!
3D Touch would be nice, but is not a must have for me.
Apple should stop making insanely huge phablets and concentrate on normal sizes like 3,5-4 inch!
3D Touch would be nice, but is not a must have for me.
22 months ago
There should be an A11 chip inside, if not keeping my current SE will make sense. The SE came out with the latest processor in its time.
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