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Tag: Apple

  • Apple likely to tweak namimg scheme for next iPhones

    Apple likely to tweak namimg scheme for next iPhones

    Just like last year, Apple is widely expected to launch three iPhone models in 2019. With only a few weeks left before the official unveiling, leaks about the iPhone 11 are pouring thick and fast. The latest leak via Twitter suggests that Apple plans to change the naming scheme for its 2019 iPhone lineup slightly.

    Multiple sources point to the fact that Apple will incorporate a triple-lens camera setup for this year’s flagship iPhone model. Now, the latest leak via Twitter suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone model for 2019 might have the word ‘Pro’ in its name, as opposed to the ‘Max’ moniker.

    This suggests that Apple’s top-end iPhone for 2019 might be called the iPhone 11 Pro, or simply the iPhone Pro. Whether this could be a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen. That said, incorporating the Pro moniker for the flagship iPhone makes more sense, as it clearly suggests the device offers top-of-the-line features to help distinguish it from other models in the iPhone lineup.

    As already mentioned, Apple plans to launch three iPhone models in 2019. These include the successor to the iPhone XR with a 6.1-inch LCD screen, along with two OLED models with 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch displays. The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, though with larger batteries.

    New iPhones coming in September

    The flagship iPhone 11 Pro or Max is expected to pack three rear cameras. The selfie camera is likely to get an upgrade, while one of the rear lenses is expected to boast a 14-megapixel sensor.

    Meanwhile, leaks indicate that the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR. Also, analysts at Citi Research have indicated that Apple Pencil support might arrive with the iPhone 11.

    As far as the release goes, leaks suggest that Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhone range on September 11, while shipping is likely to commence on September 20.

  • iPhone sales drop by 15 percent in third quarter: Report

    iPhone sales drop by 15 percent in third quarter: Report

    iPhone sales have seen a decline in the second quarter of 2019, according to research provided by IHS Markit. The study further notes that shipments will continue to drop, primarily due to high prices.

    Apple sold 35.3 million iPhones in the last quarter, down by 15 percent year-over-year and 19 percent quarter-over-quarter. The company was able to sell 43.8 million units in Q1 2019, while shipments reached 41.3 million units in the second quarter of 2018.

    “Apple continues to face challenges in terms of unit shipments—a trend that is unlikely to be fixed soon. Apple shipped 35.3 million iPhones in the second quarter, down 14.6 percent from 41.3 million units one year ago” explained IHS Markit

    Samsung retained the top spot, which sold 75.1 million units in Q2 2019, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago. Huawei remained the runner up despite the challenges imposed by the US government ban.

    The Chinese brand sold 58.7 million units in the second quarter of this year, which is a 1 percent drop from the previous quarter. That said, it’s still an 8 percent increase from the 54.2 million units it shipped in the Q2 2018.

    According to IHS Markit, one of the main reasons for iPhones sales going down is the price.

    “Apple continues to be more aggressive with its promotional activities, but still faces two key challenges: super-premium pricing for its latest models and insufficient price elasticity in its older models to drive significant additional shipments of two-to-three-year-old devices,” IHS Markit further explains in a statement obtained by 9to5mac.

    Apple is widely expected to introduce three new iPhones next month, while sales of Apple’s 2019 iPhone range is expected to begin by the end of September.

  • Apple reportedly working on a foldable iPhone

    Apple reportedly working on a foldable iPhone

    UBS has claimed in an investor note that Apple is reportedly working on folding devices. The report indicates that a folding iPhone is already in the works, but Apple might initially launch a folding iPad. Additionally, the report notes that a folding device from Apple is more likely to release in 2021, but it could also arrive early in 2020.

    According to UBS, Samsung dominates intellectual property filings for folding display and device technologies. However, Apple has been continuously working on the technology for folding display. UBS added that Apple might launch a folding device as early as next year, though 2021 seems more likely for now. Furthermore, UBS suggests that Apple’s first folding device will more likely be an iPad than the iPhone.

    The report, however, notes that pricing would be a significant hurdle which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Customers are willing to shell out a little extra for folding devices, but not the outrageous $2000 price tag of the Samsung Galaxy Fold.

    “The survey indicates greater willingness to pay a premium ($600) and generally higher interest among Apple buyers for foldable products. This suggests that the industry will need to work to reduce costs for foldable mobile devices further to take off as a products category,” said UBS.

    UBS also indicates that the concept of a folding phone held a much higher appeal for more than a third of customers. That said, Apple will likely adopt a different approach than Samsung. The Korean brand didn’t have the start they might’ve have hoped for with the launch of the Galaxy Fold.

    The device was earlier set for a release in April; however, the launch was pushed back due to screen issues found by reviewers. Samsung now claims it has fixed such problems and announced the handset would go on sale in September.

  • iPhone 11 could hit store shelves on September 20

    iPhone 11 could hit store shelves on September 20

    We already know that Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhone lineup in September. Apple is widely expected to unveil three new iPhone models this year. That said, details about an exact release date remain a mystery. Unlike Samsung, Apple is rather good at keeping details about its future products a closely guarded secret. That said, it appears president of a Japanese carrier might have accidentally revealed the date when the next iPhone range could go on sale.

    During an investor meeting earlier this week, Softbank president Ken Miyauchi tipped that the iPhone 11 could go on sale on September 20.

    Telecom authorities in Japan recently announced new regulations for carriers. The new rules no longer allow them to offer separate data and device plans. While trying to explain how they will tackle these new regulations which go live on October 1, Miyauchi dropped a hint that the iPhone 11 could start shipping on September 20.

    “Honestly, I am wondering what should I do for 10 days. No, I shouldn’t say that. Anyway, I don’t know when the new iPhone will be released. However, almost after 10 days, it will be unbundled,” said Miyauchi.

    iPhone 11 to start shipping on September 20 does make a lot of sense. Key sources indicate that Apple is expected to host an event on September 10, while pre-orders are likely to begin next Friday on September 13. Apple typically starts shipping new iPhones a week after their official unveiling; therefore, the first customers who pre-ordered the handset will likely get it by September 20.

    Apple is widely expected to announce three new iPhones in September. These include the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XR. The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, though with larger batteries. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are expected to pack three rear cameras. The selfie camera is expected to be upgraded to a 10-megapixel sensor, while the rear ones are expected to have 14-megapixel sensors.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR. Besides, analysts at Citi Research have also indicated that Apple Pencil support might finally arrive with the iPhone 11.

  • Apple faces another lawsuit over slowing down iPhones

    Apple faces another lawsuit over slowing down iPhones

    It appears the iPhone slowdown saga won’t come to an end, as Apple is being sued again for slowing down iPhones unethically, so to speak. In the lawsuit filed in Northern California, a group of 18 individuals have taken the company to the federal court.

    The plaintiffs claim that Apple is apparently responsible for ‘one of the largest consumer frauds history’, as the company intentionally slowed down iPhones starting January 2017.

    In late 2017, Apple admitted that it rolled out software tweaks in an iOS update in order to handle battery degradation issues. Shortly after, the company announced a discounted battery replacement program and shipped more iOS updates that showed battery health of every iPhone.

    That said, the new lawsuit alleges that Apple did so only to make money, as it forced many customers to purchase new iPhones because of performance issues.

    “While Plaintiffs and the class need not attribute any motive behind Apple’s intentional degradation of the Devices, it is evident that Apple continued to do so for the simple reason most frauds are committed: money,” the lawsuit states according to documents obtained by MacRumors.

    “Although technically complex in part, the scheme was logical and simple: The Devices were designed defectively, and Apple released software updates to conceal the Defects, all the while exacerbating the effects of the Defects – principally decreased performance – so that Device users had no choice but to purchase new batteries or upgrade their Devices, resulting in additional payments to Apple and a sustained (albeit forced) customer base.”

    Apple is yet to offer any statement on this new lawsuit. Sources, however, indicate that the company is currently involved in nearly 60 similar class action lawsuits internationally. Hence, it could take a while before we could arrive at a conclusion for all them.

  • Next iPhone to support Apple Pencil: Analysts

    Next iPhone to support Apple Pencil: Analysts

    Apple is widely expected to announce three new iPhones in September. These include the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XR. The closer we near the official release, the more information emerges about the new features that cloud arrive with the iPhone 11. Now, analysts at Citi Research predict that Apple Pencil support might finally arrrive on the next iPhone.

    That said, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors of Apple expanding stylus support for iPhones as well. There were rumours last year that the iPhone XS and XS Max might be the first smartphones by Apple to support the Pencil. Since the debut of original Apple Pencil, the stylus is only offered on iPads. Besides, Apple later expanded suport for Apple Pencil to its entire iPad lineup. Analysts at Citi Research now suggest that Apple feels it’s finally time to bring the Apple Pencil support to the iPhone.

    With 5G not debuting this year, and no new display technology or design upgrades being added to the 2019 iPhone lineup, Apple needs a standout feature for the iPhone 11. By bringing Apple Pencil support to the iPhone 11, Apple fans could get a key reason to upgrade to the new iPhone 11.

    The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, though with larger batteries. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are expected to pack three rear cameras. The selfie camera is expected to be upgraded to a 10-megapixel sensor, while the rear ones are expected to have 14-megapixel sensors. Meanwhile, the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR.

    Analysts at Citi also predict Apple’s pricing structure will remain largely unchanged this year, with the iPhone XI to retain the $999 price tag as the current iPhone XS. Key sources also indicate that Apple’s 2019 iPhone-lineup will be the last generation to include an LCD model, as Apple plans to switch to OLED screens entirely from 2020 onwards.

  • Apple Card slated for a release in August

    Apple Card slated for a release in August

    The Apple Card is expected to launch in the first half of August. According to a new report by Bloomberg, the first customers are likely to receive the card in the next few weeks, which falls in line with Apple’s original release window for the summer.

    To recall, the Apple Card was announced back in March. The whole idea with Apple Card is to make traditional paymnets more convenient for users. It’ll be available via the Wallet app on the iPhone and will need iOS 12.4. The key attributes of the Apple Card will be its easy-to-understand spending, no fees and lower interest rates, along with privacy and cash returns.

    The iPhone-maker has joined hands with MasterCard and Goldman Sachs to launch the Apple Card. It’ll offer users a slew of benefits such as 2 percent cashhback on Apple Pay transactions and 3 percent cashback on Apple purchases. Besides, Apple Card users won’t have to pay any extra fee, so there’ll be no annual, late, or international or over-the-limit fee.

    “We are excited to be the global payments network for Apple Card, providing customers with fast and secure transactions around the world,” said Ajay Banga, president and CEO of Mastercard.

    The titanium Apple Card is specifically designed keeping in mind user privacy. Hence, it has no card number, CVV security code, expiration date, or signature on it. The only it has is your name embossed on it.

    “Apple Card transforms the entire credit card experience by simplifying the application process, eliminating fees, encouraging customers to pay less interest and providing a new level of privacy and security,” said Apple.

  • Apple buys Intel’s smartphone modem business for $1 billion

    Apple buys Intel’s smartphone modem business for $1 billion

    Apple has officially confirmed in a press release that it has acquired a major stake in Intel’s 5G smartphone modem business. The iPhone-maker wants to acquire the majority of Intel’s smartphone business, along with over 2200 Intel employees, intellectual property, equipment and leases, in order to manufacture modems for future iPhones. The move will cost Apple nearly a billion US dollars, and plans to close the deal will happen sometime in the fourth quarter of 2019.

    “We’ve worked with Intel for many years and know this team shares Apple’s passion for designing technologies that deliver the world’s best experiences for our users,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies. “Apple is excited to have so many excellent engineers join our growing cellular technologies group, and know they’ll thrive in Apple’s creative and dynamic environment.”

    Apple, however, won’t take over the entire smartphone modem business from Intel, who’ll still manufacture modems for products such as autonomous vehicles, personal computers, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Once the deal is finalized, Apple will acquire over 17,000 wireless technology patents ranging from protocols for cellular standards and modem operation and architecture.

    Meanwhile, Intel claims it wants to sell the smartphone modem business because they want to focus on 5G technologies for telecommunications equipment manufacturers, network operators, and cloud service providers. Intel CEO Bob Swan stated that the agreement will allow the compny to focus on developing technology for 5G network while also retaining crucial intellectual property and modem technology.

  • Apple might launch its most expensive MacBook Pro this fall

    Apple might launch its most expensive MacBook Pro this fall

    Apple devices are gettting more expensive across the board. The company introduced its first iPhone to cross the $1000 starting price in 2017 with the iPhone X. This year, reports suggest that the Apple might set a new price record for the upcoming 16-inch MacBook Pro.

    According to a report by Chinese publication Economic Daily News, the base model of the forthcoming MacBook Pro is expected to get a starting price of no less than $3000. Hence, the more users upgrade the upcoming MacBook with more storage and better technology, the more expensive it’ll get. The upcoming MacBook Pro is likely to sit between iMac and iMac Pro, essentially giving MacBook users the same desktop experience with more portability.

    The new 16-inch MacBook Pro is expected to come with an LCD screen having a resolution of 1920×3072 pixels. However, it won’t come with a touchscreen as Apple has indicated its plans stick with the traditional laptop design and features.

    The report further reveals that Apple also plans to announce the updated MacBook Pro and Retina MacBook Air models. Both are expected to feature 13-inch screens alongside several upgrades under the hood. These include a new keyboard design to rectify issues MacBook users have constantly nagged about in the past. Key sources indicate that Apple plans to ditch the current butterfly mechanism design in the future that is used in current MacBook models. Instead, next-gen MacBook models will use scissor switch style keyboards.

    That said, nothing is official for the moment as Appple has kept its upcoming product plans a closely guarded secret. The company is expected to announce its 2019 iPhoine lineup in Setmeber, while we could see the launch of new MacBooks at a seperate event in October. More reports about Apple’s upcoming product plans are likely to surface as we near their official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google finds major iPhone text bomb that bricks the device

    Google finds major iPhone text bomb that bricks the device

    A serious iPhone text bomb has now been discovered which can only be fixed with a full device wipe. Google’s Project Zero found this critical bug, who’ve also reported about other major issues of products from different companies.

    Google found the bug in April this year. However, as per the group’s policy, a public disclosure is only allowed if Apple fixes the bug or after 90 days since informing them of the vulnerability. As expected, Apple rolled out a fix for the same in iOS 12.3. Hence, all details about this issue are now disclosed to the public, such as steps to reproduce the bug.

    Google’s Project Zero team found that sending a malformed iMesage to a Mac or an iPhone causes several issues on these devices. For instance, a malicoius message receieved on the Mac can crash the soagent, however, users can recover by relaunching the service.

    Bug causes Springboard to crash on an iPhone

    Things, however, go up a notch on the iPhone as the bug causes the Springboard to crash and then fails to reload. Even rebooting doesn’t help in this case, as the bug reappears after unlocking the iPhone.

    Google explained the only way to rectify the issue is to wipe the device completely with Find my iPhone, put it in recovery mode and update via iTunes. However, in case of a device where iMessage is disabled, it will not be affected.

    As already mentioned, Apple shipped a fix for this issue in iOS 12.3. Hence, all users are advised to update their iPhones or iPads as soon as possible to ensure they are safe. Also, users are recommended to activate the automatic software update in iOS 12 in order to be not impacted by such issues. Tu tuen on automatic update in iOS 12, Just head over to Settings, then navigate to the General Section, and select the software update option.

  • Apple might use a new keyboard design in future MacBooks

    Apple might use a new keyboard design in future MacBooks

    Apple reportedly plans to shift to a new keyboard design for future MacBook models. Key sources indicate that Apple plans to ditch the current buttefly mechanism design in the future that is used in current MacBooks. Instead, next-gen MacBook models will use scissor switch style keyboards. Notably, scissor style keyboards is what Apple used before employing the butterfly mechanism in 2015. Now, this seemingly appears that Apple is taking a step backwards if it indeed decides to use scissor sytle keyboards in future MacBooks.

    With that being said, butterfly keyboards are known for all the wrong reasons despite their slim and durable build. MacBook users have consistently reported of dropped keystrokes with butterfly switch based keyboards.

    The reason being that butterfly keyboards have a tendency to let debris accumulate under the keys which essentially affects normal functioning. With external debris under the keyboard, it usually led to individual keypresses going unregsitered or cases of multiple keypresses. Besides, it also led to overheating issues with MacBook keyboards.

    Apple tried to rectify this issue by redesigning the keyboard with added silicon layers around the keys. However, to no avail as it could barely prevent external debris entering the insides of the keyboard. The company also announced an extensive repair program because of this issue, which applied to all MacBook models manufactured in 2015 and later. Sadly, all these efforts did little to negate such keyboard issues.

    Now, it appears Apple could finally ditch butterfly mechanism and employ scissor-switch style keyboards for MacBook models to be released in 2020 and later. The switch to new keyboard design could improve the typing experience with longer key travel.

  • Apple reportedly prepping a cheaper iPhone for the Chinese market

    Apple reportedly prepping a cheaper iPhone for the Chinese market

    Apple is expected to announce its 2019 iPhone-lineup in September. And just like last year, the Cupertino giant is said to announce three iPhone models this year as well. These will be direct successors to the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. That said, a new report has emerged which indicates that Apple could add a cheaper iPhone model to the lineup.

    However, this particular affordable model will lack features such as FaceID, given that facial recognition is one of the more expensive parts of a handset. Instead, this model could mark the return of Touch ID with a fingerprint sensor. That said, the cited source also suggests that Apple is working on two options for the Touch ID. One of them being the addition of TouchID on the back of iPhone, just like you’d find on Android devices. The other being placing the fingerprint reader under the screen.

    Cheap iPhone Only for China

    The report further adds that this more affordable iPhone model would be specifically aimed at the Chinese market. Now, this essentially means that this particular model with TouchID and no FaceID won’t be available anywhere else.

    The reason being that Apple wants to handle the increasing popularity of cheaper handsets in China to compete against likes of Huawei, Xiaomi, and more. In markets like China and India, cheap Android alternatives keep popping up every day featuring bezel-less screens, more RAM and storage, and cameras with multiple lenses. Hence, in order to tackle the popularity of cheap Android alternatives, Apple needs to develop budget iPhone models for these markets.

    That said, we’d take this infirmation with a pinch of salt as Apple has traditionally never compromised on features to bolster iPhone popularity and demand. Only time will tell whether this report turns out to be accurate.

    As per earlier reports, Apple is widely expected to introduce three iPhone models this year as well. These are said to be the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XIR. Key sources also indicate that Apple’s 2019 iPhone-lineup will be the last generation to include an LCD model, as Apple plans to switch to OLED screens entirely from 2020 onwards.

  • CAD renders of Apple’s 2019 iPhone range allegedly leaked

    CAD renders of Apple’s 2019 iPhone range allegedly leaked

    A bunch of CAD renders claiming to be of Apple’s next-gen iPhone models slated for a launch in September have been spotted on the web. These CAD renders give us an early idea as to what Apple’s next gen iPhones could look like.

    The latest CAD renders show all three iPhone models slated for a release in 2019. These include the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max, and iPhone XIR. The leak nicely falls in line with earlier rumors about Apple’s next iPhone. For instance, all three iPhone models are said to sport a square camera bump on the rear. The iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max are said to feature three rear rear cameras, up from dual lens cameras found on current-gen iPhone XS and XS Max. Meanwhile, the iPhone XIR is expected to boast dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR.

    Moving on to the front, the latest renders show a similar notch found on the iPhone X and iPhone XS, so there aren’t many changes on the handset’s front. Apart from the sqaure camera bump on the back, the next-gen iPhone range will look much like their predecessors, a design inspired by the iPhone X.

    Rumor also has it that Apple might ditch Ligtning for USB-C, however, these CAD renders do not offer any information about the connector Apple will use in next-generation iPhones. Both USB-C and Lightning connectors are similar in size, and the angles shown in these CAD renders do not reveal whether Apple has made the switch to USB-C.

    Key sources also indicate that Apple’s 2019 iPhone-lineup will be the last generation to include an LCD model, as Apple plans to switch to OLED screens entirely from 2020 onwards.

    More leaks about Apple’s 2019 iPhone -lineup are likely to surface as we near the official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Lead Designer Jony Ive quits Apple after 30 years

    Lead Designer Jony Ive quits Apple after 30 years

    Sir Jonathan Ive aka Jony Ive, the brainchid behind many of Apple’s iconic products is leaving the company after nearly 30 years. Ive stated that his next move would be to spend time with his own compnay which is called LoveFrom. He also added that he’ll continue to be fully associated with Apple, as the Cupertino-based giant will be one of the primary clients of his new company in the future. Ive was involved in creating some of the most iconic Apple products. Those include the likes of the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watc, Mac devices, and so on.

    “After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer. Today it is stronger, more vibrant and more talented than at any point in Apple’s history. The team will certainly thrive under the excellent leadership of Evans, Alan and Jeff, who have been among my closest collaborators. I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come,” Ive said.

    Ive’s departure from Apple has certainly shocked the entire tech inddustry. Some even suggest he had been instrumental in shaping what Apple is today as the late Steve Jobs. Apart from designing Apple products, Ive was also credited for the company’s new Apple Park campus, also referred to as the spaceship campus given its futurustic look and feel.

    Besides, Ive was also known to have played an instrumental role in iOS 7, which was by far Apple’s biggest overahaul to its mobile operating system. Similarly, Ivy was also known to play a crucual role in the design and development of macOS.

    “Apple will continue to benefit from Jony’s talents by working directly with him on exclusive projects, and through the ongoing work of the brilliant and passionate design team he has built. After so many years working closely together, I’m happy that our relationship continues to evolve and I look forward to working with Jony long into the future,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release.

    Filling in the shoes of Jony Ive will be the likes of Jeff Williams. Alan Dye, and Evans Hankey. Evans is the VP of industrial design and Alan is the VP of human interface at Apple. Both of them will likely be reporting to Jeff Williams.

  • Apple selling iPhone SE again via its clearance site

    Apple selling iPhone SE again via its clearance site

    The iPhone SE is available for purchase again via Apple’s clearance site for $249. This happens to be the second time in less than a week when the company has resumed selling 4-inch model.

    To recall, the iPhone SE showed up on Apple’s clearance site a few days back, starting at $249 for the 32GB variant, down from the original $349. Meanwhile, the 128GB model of the handset was selling at $229, down from $449.

    As expected, all units of the iPhone SE were sold out in a span of few days, which led many to believe they might’ve missed a golden chance to grab the 4-inch iPhone.

    That said, there still might be hope as Apple has resumed sales of the iPhone SE for the second time, at the same heavily discounted prices. Not to mention, all units of the iPhone SE are brand new and unlocked. However, the offer is only valid in the United States, as no other international market has received any more stocks.

    Apple might be testing the market for 4-inch models

    Apple stopped selling the iPhone SE in September 2018. It was the only 4-inch model in the iPhone range. Besides, it was the only iPhone model that came with a headphone jack. Now that Apple has resumed selling the 4-inch model again, many believe Apple could be testing the market for the popularity of 4-inch models. That said, it’s still a rumor for now, especially, given the fact that Apple ditched its plans to launch the second-generation iPhone SE.

    Industry experts regarded it as one of the best iPhone models ever, given the fact it packed the same A9 chip as the iPhone 6S, into a smaller body. Besides, it was also priced considerably cheaper at $349 than the rest of the Apple line up. The iPhone SE was launched in March 2016 in an effort to attract customers who still preferred the compact form factor and did not want to upgrade to the large screen models.