Two years ago in March 2016, Apple released the iPhone SE. This was the new entry-level iPhone at a cheaper price with a smaller screen, with the same 4-inch Retina display as the iPhone 5S. This was the cheapest iPhone on the market at the time with similar specs to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
It has been in speculation that Apple is planning to release an iPhone SE2 before or alongside the rumoured updated iPhone X, larger iPhone X and LCD iPhone X. This means that Apple could potentially be announcing four new iPhones for 2018.
iPhone 5C
Before the iPhone SE, the entry-level, cheaper iPhone was the 5C. The 5C came in a variety of colours and with a significantly lower price tag. The device also featured a plastic body rather than a glass or metal body. Opinions on the 5C were divided with some loving the retro look and others not liking the poor specs or craftsmanship.
Sacrifices?
A cheaper device will also have to make certain sacrifices. For example, the SE featured a front-facing camera with a tiny 1.2-megapixel camera. The iPhone 6S was rivalling the SE at the time with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Will this be the same on the SE2? And just how much quality are we willing to lose for less of a cost? The same issue lies with the display. As an entry-level device, it’s unlikely it will feature an OLED panel like the iPhone X.
Will it have the notch?
Many rumours suggest that the SE2 will have a similar screen to the iPhone X with the notch and edge to edge display. Which would be a major upgrade from the outdated design of the SE. Other rumours suggest that the SE2 will have the same screen but with a glass back to support wireless charging. A leaked image of an iPhone SE2 with a glass back has been shared online. Whether this was a legitimate device or not it looked a lot better than the current SE. Wireless charging seems only appropriate as Apple is about to release AirPower.
The idea of an affordable iPhone seems like something out of a dream world. However, it is made possible by the introduction of the iPhone 5C and SE. The hope for the majority to see a less expensive iPhone be announced in the coming months.
