Apple Not Expected to Refresh iPhone SE in May 2017

[Maura]

According to well-sourced KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is not planning to release a new iPhone SE model in March 2017 as part of an annual refresh cycle.

Writing in a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo says that Apple plans to extend the iPhone SE’s lifecycle past the 1-year rotation point as it wants to give a boost to gross margins and avert cannibalization of phones such as the iPhone 7 by the smaller phone.

Kuo doesn’t expect Apple to launch a new version of the iPhone SE in 2017’s second fiscal quarter, which ends in March for Apple. Kuo does not say when he thinks Apple will refresh the iPhone SE variant, but it may well be later in 2017.

In terms of overall iPhone shipment volumes for the current quarter, Kuo forecasts 40 million to 50 million units, which is a drop year over year from last year’s 51.2 million, due to lower demand in China and less sell-through for 4.7-inch iPhones. For the second quarter of 2017, Kuo estimates that the total iPhone shipment volume will reach 35 million to 40 million units, a drop from the 40.4 million units a year ago.

Source: Apple unlikely to refresh iPhone SE in March 2017, analyst says

 

[ardchoille]

I played with the SE in Best Buy yesterday. It's a very nice phone and it reminded me why I loved that form factor.

 

[KevinJS]

Apple needs an entry level model. With smartphone ownership at saturation point in most key markets, they need to pull rabbits out of hats to achieve market share.

Increasingly, manufacturers will be relying on switchers because there are few first time buyers left.

The SE is a good phone for those who have previously used Android and Windows and want to try something new.

 

[scifan57]

Apple needs an entry level model. With smartphone ownership at saturation point in most key markets, they need to pull rabbits out of hats to achieve market share.

Increasingly, manufacturers will be relying on switchers because there are few first time buyers left.

The SE is a good phone for those who have previously used Android and Windows and want to try something new.

They should also work on making that entry level model as affordable as possible, even to the point of accepting lower margins.

 

[Junior]

Nah keep the margins where they are. Apple has to keep the cash rolling in.

That Apple Campus 2 isn't going to pay for itself.

 

[Brainvire]

Yes true that Apple will not refresh the Special Edition iPhone model in May 2017 instead it will extend its lifecycle to usual one year period for an iPhone. The Company's maine and the latest target is to boost the sales of premium devices like the iPhone 7.