The Future of the iPhone SE

Recent speculations suggest that the design of the iPhone 12 Mini and 13 Mini could continue as a budget-friendly alternative for consumers. Historically, the SE line has represented a more economical choice within Apple's offerings. While some argue against this possibility, believing the next SE will resemble the iPhone 11, the idea of a 13 Mini-inspired SE is intriguing.

Assuming these rumors about a 13 Mini-like SE are true, would I consider purchasing it? My admiration for the 12 and 13 Mini designs has been well documented, and I believe Apple is missing an opportunity by phasing them out. With the launch of the new iPhone 14 models, Apple seems to be focusing solely on larger devices with a squared-off design, unless they transition the compact form factor into the SE lineup.

Typically, when a new SE model is introduced, it features the latest processor available in Apple's iPhones. If the SE were to be released soon, I would expect it to come equipped with the A15 chip from the iPhone 14, rather than the A16 from the Pro models. Nevertheless, the A15 remains an excellent choice for an affordable iPhone.

Additionally, if Apple retains the camera capabilities from the iPhone 13 Mini and includes Face ID, this Mini SE could be an enticing option. Essentially, you would be getting an iPhone 14 Mini without some of the newer camera features.

Would this be a wise investment? For certain consumers, absolutely. As I noted in my previous commentary on Apple’s Far Out Event, the introduction of a Plus model that doesn't require a jump to the Pro versions for a larger phone was a smart move. A similar approach for a smaller phone would likely please a significant segment of Apple’s customer base, allowing them to select a device that aligns with their preferences.

The SE branding has always conveyed a sense of affordability, yet past iterations of the SE models have consistently delivered a robust iPhone experience, proving that budget-friendly options can still provide high-quality performance.

For me, I would need to consider specific factors. I adore the iPhone Mini format and plan to acquire an iPhone 13 Mini soon, anticipating it will serve me well for years. If we base this discussion on the hypothetical SE I’ve outlined, the only significant upgrade would be a marginally different processor compared to the current 13 Mini.

Thus, if a new iPhone SE were to launch tomorrow with all the features of the 13 Mini but powered by the A15 chip, I would likely pass. However, if this same model, with 13 Mini components and an A16 chip, were to debut next year alongside the iPhone 15 series, I would be more inclined to consider it.

Reflecting on my experience after a year with the Mini, if I still feel satisfied and am not tempted by features like Dynamic Island or upgraded cameras on the iPhone 15, I could see the appeal of having a Mini with an updated chip for extended longevity. Additional feature enhancements would be a bonus, but longevity is a key advantage of the SE line.

In summary, if an iPhone SE styled like the 13 Mini were to be released with an A14 chip but no other updates, I would likely decline. However, if a similarly designed phone emerged in a year or more featuring either an A17 or A16 Pro chip, it would certainly pique my interest.

Regardless of whether I choose to upgrade, I hope Apple continues to offer the Mini model in its lineup. Even if it falls under the SE category, I believe this compact size deserves to endure in some form. I maintain that better sales could have been achieved had the Mini models included Pro features such as Pro Motion and enhanced cameras. Ultimately, I think Apple executed this model brilliantly, and it's disappointing that many consumers did not recognize its value, leading to its discontinuation.

Explore all the stories from Techuisite and other writers on Medium by becoming a member using the link below:

Read every story from Paul Alvarez (and thousands of other writers on Medium). Your membership fee directly supports…

(Using this link will directly support Paul Alvarez and the Techuisite publication)

Chapter 2: YouTube Insights

In this video, the creator discusses their experience switching from the iPhone 13 Mini to the iPhone SE in 2024, detailing the reasons behind their choice.

This video offers a real-life review of the iPhone 13 Mini in 2024, providing insights into its performance and user experience.