This is an archive article published on March 3, 2022
No, a cheaper Apple iPhone SE is not coming
Apple iPhone SE 2022: A $199 iPhone will eventually be compared to low-cost Android smartphones from Realme and Xiaomi, which is not good for the brand Apple.
4 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Mar 7, 2022 09:07 AM IST
People wanted an iPhone - a real iPhone at a modest price and Apple managed to deliver that with the iPhone SE 2. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
Since reports started coming in for an Apple product launch event this month, there has been chatter about a $199 iPhone SE. Analysts and tech insiders are increasingly building a narrative of this “$199 iPhone SE” which could increase Apple’s reach in markets like India and Africa where Cupertino is still a premium player. But the idea, though appealing, might not make it to store shelves after all.
To bring a $199 iPhone to the market, Apple needs to make changes to its business model, something the company has been averse to since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007. The company makes premium devices with a premium price tag that ranges from $399 to over $1000. Though these prices are hard to swallow in emerging markets like India where a phone from Xiaomi cost half the price of the iPhone SE, Apple hasn’t really ventured into a pricing game to gain market share.
In fact, a “cheap” iPhone doesn’t fit into Apple’s scheme of things. For a long, Apple has relied on either selling old versions of the iPhone at a more affordable price or attracting new consumers by offering the iPhone SE in emerging markets. That approach has actually worked for Apple in India, with Counterpoint Research predicting over 6 million iPhones shipped in 2021.
For the newer iPhones, Apple has relied on cashback offers and EMI schemes. By doing that Apple was able to broaden the appeal of the iPhone without offering a “cheap” iPhone.
The second-generation iPhone SE, introduced in 2020, was a surprise hit globally. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
A $199 iPhone will eventually be compared to low-cost Android smartphones from Realme and Xiaomi, not a good sign for the brand Apple which has had a carefully crafted image for years. It will also erode the aspirational value Apple phones have always had. Even the iPhone SE is not exactly a budget phone, it just has a more affordable price tag in comparison to other iPhones. The last iPhone SE, updated in early 2020, was a surprise hit and the price of $399 made much sense keeping the pandemic in mind.
The iPhone SE did wonders for Apple which took the best of its expensive iPhones — including a faster chip and an excellent camera — and fitted them into the body of the iPhone 8. Not to forget, the iPhone SE also came with features like water resistance, wireless charging and the ability to take portrait photos. People wanted an iPhone – a real iPhone at a modest price and Apple managed to deliver that.
Dual-cameras, a better selfie camera in a phone powered by the latest A15 Bionic chip could make the phone more appealing to buyers, though 5G might not still make the cut for India. From reports, the new iPhone SE will look like the last one, though with better innards. And all said and done, this phone is not going to be as affordable as budget Android phones. At best, it will be an “aspirational budget” smartphone.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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The second-generation iPhone SE, introduced in 2020, was a surprise hit globally. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)