The 4-inch iPhone SE was loved by a section of Apple fans. The phone’s smaller form factor coupled with a lower price tag made it a lucrative option. The phone hasn’t been refreshed in almost two years, and there have been numerous reports that the iPhone SE 2 release could happen in March or April this year. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has expressed doubts over the iPhone SE 2 release. Apple may not refresh the iPhone SE, believes the analyst.
Apple isn’t focused on the iPhone SE 2 release
In a research note sent out to investors (via MacRumors), Kuo noted that the second-generation iPhone SE might never see the light of the day. Apple doesn’t have enough spare development resources to build and launch yet another iPhone. The tech giant launched three new iPhones in September last year. It is already working on three new premium iPhones for this year including a second-generation iPhone X, a larger 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus, and a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone.
The analyst told clients that the delay in iPhone X launch (it launched on Nov.3 while other models went on sale in September) shows that Apple doesn’t have enough resources to develop and launch yet another iPhone model. The three flagship iPhones coming in September “may have used up its development resources.” Apple will also try to avoid delaying the shipments of the flagship iPhones.
If Apple launches iPhone SE 2, it would run iOS 12
At this point, the iPhone maker would be least bothered about the iPhone SE 2 release. Even if Apple manages to launch the second-generation iPhone SE, the device will bring few design changes compared to its predecessor. It would have a lower price and a faster processor (probably the A10) instead of boasting iPhone X-like features like wireless charging, Face ID or full-screen OLED design.
If the iPhone SE 2 sees the light of the day, it would lack any form factor changes or innovative features. Features like Face ID and wireless charging would not be appropriate for a budget-friendly smartphone. However, it could run the upcoming iOS 12 operating system. Earlier rumors have claimed that the second-generation iPhone SE 2 could sport a glass back like iPhone X to facilitate wireless charging.
Another report had claimed that the iPhone SE 2 would be made by Wistron in India, where the current iPhone SE is assembled. That same report claimed that the iPhone SE 2 might launch in March or April this year. DigiTimes indicated earlier this month that Apple was working on four iPhone models for 2018, including the iPhone SE 2. The publication predicted that the iPhone SE 2 release could take place in May or June.
The 4-inch iPhone SE was launched in March 2016 with an iPhone 5S-like design. The device was powered by the A9 chips that Apple had used in the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. The phone packed 2GB RAM, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and 12MP camera on the back. Apple doubled the storage options to 64GB and 128GB in March 2017.
iPhone X2, iPhone X Plus, LCD iPhone features and specs
In his earlier research reports, Ming-Chi Kuo has said that the second-generation iPhone X would retain the design elements of the last year’s flagship model. The 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus is also said to have the same bezel-less OLED display with the notch to accommodate different sensors. The 6.1-inch LCD iPhone would also have a notch, but the screen won’t be completely bezel-less due to the limitations of the LCD screen technology. It will likely have 0.5mm bezels on all four sides of the screen.
The LCD iPhone will boast of iPhone X-like features such as Face ID, but Apple will make a few compromises to keep the phone’s price down. The LCD model would lack the 3D Touch technology and dual camera system. It is said to have an older rectangular battery measuring 2850-2950mAh. The second-generation iPhone X and the iPhone X Plus will have a two-cell L-shaped battery design, which would make room for bigger batteries.
The LCD variant is said to be priced between $700 and $800. Ming-Chi Kuo believes it would be the most popular 2018 iPhone, accounting for about 50% of new iPhone sales in the second half of the year. The second-generation iPhone X and iPhone X Plus would both cost more than $1,000, which means the LCD iPhone would be the most affordable new model available to consumers.
Ming-Chi Kuo told investors that the LCD version would feature 3GB RAM while the other two devices would pack 4GB RAM. Apple will source LCD screens from Japan Display. Samsung will be the exclusive supplier of OLED panels for the second-generation iPhone X. Samsung and LG Display both are expected to make OLED screens for the iPhone X Plus. LG Display recently won a contract to produce 15-16 million OLED panels for the iPhone X Plus in the second half of this year.
