iPhone SE 2 release date, price, features & specs
iPhone SE 2 release date
The original iPhone SE was announced in March 2016, but it didn't get a significant update in 2017 other than a bump in storage. Lots of rumours point to a new version of the device being launched early or relatively early in 2018.
A FocusTaiwan report in August 2017 suggested that a new iPhone SE would launch in the first quarter of 2018, while in Feb 2018 the Taiwan Electronic Times (via the Chinese-language site MyDrivers) predicted an iPhone SE 2 launch in March, albeit with minimal design changes from the SE.
Another report, this time by the Taiwanese market research company TrendForce, believes a new iPhone SE 2 is coming in the first half of 2018.
iPhone SE2 availability
Even if the SE is updated, it may not launch where you live. Some reports suggest that the new SE handset might not be available everywhere.
According to the Economic Daily, a Chinese-language site, Apple is working on a low-end iPhone codenamed Hangzhou. This low-end, lower-priced model will apparently be launched in an attempt to "seize the low-end market" in China and India.
iPhone SE 2 price
The iPhone SE is currently available in 32GB and 128GB versions. In the UK the 32GB model costs £379; 128GB is £479. (For comparison, in the US the iPhone SE costs $399 for 32GB and $449 for 129GB.)
We expect the iPhone SE 2 to be similarly priced when (and if) it launches.
iPhone SE 2 design
While the iPhone SE looks similar to the iPhone 5S, there is an expectation that the iPhone SE 2 will look more like the iPhone 8, although may have different dimensions.
A Chinese report from February 2018, says that the iPhone SE2 will have a similar design to the current iPhone SE. However, it will have a larger 4.2in display, apparently. The bigger display won't be due to it having an all screen display like the iPhone X, though. The report states that it will still maintain the classic iPhone shape and the front Home button to support fingerprint recognition.
The idea that Apple would redesign the iPhone SE so extensively doesn't get a lot of support from analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo who believes that Apple is so busy with the successors to the iPhones X and 8 that it won't have the time or resources to focus on this entry-level handset.
A complete redesign aside, one thing that is likely to change is the colour options.
The iPhone SE is currently available in Silver, Gold, Space Grey and Rose Gold options. The iPhone SE 2 is likely to be available in Silver, Gold, and Space Grey - like the iPhone 8. The Rose Gold and Gold version have kind of merged in the iPhone 8 and it is likely that the new iPhone SE will also offer this new brassier Gold colour option rather than two gold options.
