Apple May Have Overestimated the iPhone SE’s Appeal

Despite its outdated design, the 2020 iPhone SE was lauded as a cost-effective alternative to Apple’s flagship smartphones. But lightning doesn’t strike twice, and all that. The newly-launched 2022 iPhone SE hasn’t received a lot of hype from customers or critics, and new reports indicate that Apple overestimated the phone’s appeal.

According to Digitimes, Apple shipped 25 to 30 million units of the 2020 iPhone SE in its first twelve months. The new iPhone SE 5G was expected to duplicate or exceed these figures, despite the fact that it reuses its predecessor’s design and adds only minor perks, such as 5G and a slightly improved processor.

Shanghai lockdown doesn't affect the iPhone SE production. However, the new iPhone SE demand is lower than expected (the delivery status "in stock" as one of the proofs), and I cut my shipment estimation in 2022 to 15-20M (vs. 25-30M previously).

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 28, 2022

But the 2022 iPhone SE isn’t breaking any records. As noted by 9to5Mac, the device never sold out on Apple’s website, which is rare for any iPhone. Additionally, both Ming-Chi Kuo and Nikkei Asia report that Apple will reduce iPhone SE production by around 20%, likely due to low demand.

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This information hasn’t been verified by Apple, but it seems believable. Not only did the 2022 iPhone SE fail to generate the same excitement as its predecessor, but economic analysts are wary that global events (the war in Ukraine, gas prices, cyberattacks, etc) could impact the supply chain and consumers’ demand for some products. Apple may be anticipating such a fallout.

Of course, Apple hasn’t confirmed that it’s slowing iPhone SE production. We also don’t know how many units it expected to ship. If sales of the 2020 iPhone SE were slowing, for example, Apple may consider the 2022 iPhone SE a win.

The Best Cases for the 2022 iPhone SE 5G

Slim and Safe

Spigen Liquid Air Armor Designed for iPhone SE 2022 Case/iPhone SE 3 Case 2022 / iPhone SE 2020 Case/iPhone 8 Case/iPhone 7 Case - Black

Amazon

$13.99
$14.99 Save 7%

Apple Vibes

Official iPhone SE Silicone Case

Apple

Peace of Mind

URBAN ARMOR GEAR UAG Designed for iPhone SE (2020) Case [4.7-inch Screen] Monarch [Black] Rugged Shockproof Military Drop Tested Protective Cover

Amazon

Double Up

Duo for iPhone SE (2022/2020), iPhone 8, iPhone 7 & iPhone 6s/6 - Black

Amazon

$10.00
 

Forget Your Wallet

Dockem iPhone SE 3 (2022), iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 8/7 Wallet Card Case: Synthetic Leather with 2 Card Holder Slots [Exec Brown]

Amazon

$15.99
 

Extra Rugged

Spigen Tough Armor [Extreme Protection Tech] Designed for iPhone SE 2022 Case/iPhone SE 3 Case 2022 / iPhone SE 2020 Case/iPhone 8 Case/iPhone 7 Case - Gunmetal

Amazon

$16.99
$39.99 Save 58%

A Classic

OtterBox iPhone SE 3rd/2nd Gen, iPhone 8/7 (not compatible with Plus sized models) Symmetry Series Case - BLACK, ultra-sleek, wireless charging compatible, raised edges protect camera & screen

Amazon

$26.94
$39.95 Save 33%

Safe Grip

Speck Products Presidio2 Grip Case, Compatible with iPhone SE (2022)| iPhone SE (2020)| iPhone 8| iPhone 7, Marabou Purple/Concord Purple/Plum Purple

Amazon

$19.95
$44.95 Save 56%

Source: Ming-Chi Kuo and Nikkei Asia via 9to5Mac