The original iPhone SE was released on March 31, 2016, marking Apple’s return to compact smartphones.
The Launch of the Original iPhone SE
Apple unveiled the first-generation iPhone SE on March 21, 2016, with sales starting on March 31, 2016. This model was a strategic move to bring back the beloved compact design of the iPhone 5S but with upgraded internals. It combined the smaller 4-inch form factor with the powerful A9 chip found in the then-current iPhone 6S. This blend appealed to users who preferred a pocket-friendly device without sacrificing performance.
The launch event was relatively low-key compared to other Apple product announcements but generated significant buzz among fans craving a smaller phone option. The iPhone SE’s release filled a gap in Apple’s lineup between the larger flagship models and older generations still in circulation.
Technical Specifications and Features at Release
The original iPhone SE packed impressive specs for its size. Sporting a 4-inch Retina display with a resolution of 1136 x 640 pixels, it offered sharp visuals despite its compact screen. The device housed the Apple A9 chip coupled with an M9 motion coprocessor, delivering performance on par with flagship models.
Camera-wise, it featured a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of shooting 4K video at 30 frames per second. The front-facing camera was a modest 1.2 megapixels but supported FaceTime HD calls and selfies.
Storage options at launch included 16GB and 64GB variants, later expanded to include a 32GB model. The device ran iOS 9.3 out of the box and supported updates up to iOS 15, showcasing its longevity.
Design: A Nod to the Past
Apple chose to revive the design language of the iPhone 5S for the SE. This meant sharp edges, an aluminum chassis, and a compact footprint that measured just 123.8 mm tall and weighed only 113 grams. The device’s small size made it comfortable for one-handed use—something that many users missed as phones grew larger over time.
Colors available at release included Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold, catering to diverse tastes while keeping consistent with Apple’s premium aesthetic.
When Was The iPhone SE Released? – Second Generation Details
Fast forward to April 2020: Apple introduced the second-generation iPhone SE on April 15, with pre-orders starting April 17. This iteration revived the SE name but shifted design cues from the iPhone 8 while maintaining affordability as its core selling point.
This model featured a larger 4.7-inch Retina HD display and incorporated Touch ID in its home button—a feature many users still preferred over Face ID for speed and reliability in certain conditions.
Underneath this familiar exterior lay an A13 Bionic chip—the same powerhouse driving the flagship iPhone 11 series—making it one of the most affordable devices boasting top-tier performance at launch.
Storage options expanded to include 64GB, 128GB, and even a generous 256GB variant for users needing more space.
Camera Upgrades
The second-generation SE packed a single-lens rear camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels but benefited from computational photography powered by the A13 chip. Features like Portrait mode and Smart HDR enhanced image quality significantly compared to its predecessor.
The front camera improved to a sharper 7-megapixel sensor capable of shooting selfies in Portrait mode as well—a notable upgrade from the first generation’s front shooter.
Comparing First and Second Generation Models
The two generations of iPhone SE differ not just in release dates but also in design philosophy and hardware capabilities. Below is an HTML table summarizing key differences:
| Feature | iPhone SE (1st Gen – 2016) | iPhone SE (2nd Gen – 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4 inches Retina Display (1136 x 640) | 4.7 inches Retina HD (1334 x 750) |
| Processor | A9 Chip with M9 Coprocessor | A13 Bionic Chip |
| Camera (Rear) | 12 MP Single Lens (4K Video) | 12 MP Single Lens (Portrait Mode + Smart HDR) |
| Front Camera | 1.2 MP FaceTime HD Camera | 7 MP FaceTime HD Camera with Portrait Mode |
| Biometric Security | Touch ID (1st Gen Sensor) | Touch ID (Improved Sensor in Home Button) |
| Release Date | March 31, 2016 | April 15, 2020 |
| Starting Price at Launch | $399 USD (16GB Model) | $399 USD (64GB Model) |
The Market Impact Following When Was The iPhone SE Released?
The original iPhone SE’s arrival surprised many by proving there was still strong demand for smaller smartphones without compromising power or features. It became popular among users who disliked oversized phones or wanted an affordable entry into Apple’s ecosystem without sacrificing speed or camera quality.
Its success encouraged Apple to revisit this approach four years later with another budget-friendly model that balanced modern specs with classic design elements.
The second-generation model continued this trend by appealing especially during times when consumers sought value amid rising smartphone prices globally. It offered flagship-level performance wrapped inside familiar hardware—an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers or those upgrading from older devices like the iPhone 6 or iPhone SE first generation itself.
The Strategic Role of Pricing and Positioning
Both releases were priced aggressively compared to flagship models available at their respective times—$399 USD at launch for base models—making them accessible alternatives without skimping on essential features or speed.
This pricing strategy helped Apple capture market segments otherwise dominated by mid-range Android competitors while retaining loyal customers who preferred Apple’s ecosystem but needed an affordable option.
Moreover, these releases demonstrated Apple’s willingness to diversify product offerings beyond premium pricing tiers while maintaining brand prestige through consistent build quality and software support longevity.
User Experience Highlights Over Time
Users praised both models for their snappy responsiveness thanks to powerful processors relative to their price points. The compact form factor remained ideal for one-handed operation or users preferring smaller phones amid an industry trend toward ever-larger displays.
Battery life varied between generations due to size differences but generally met daily usage needs comfortably when combined with power-efficient chips like A9 or A13 Bionic processors.
Camera improvements between generations also enhanced photography capabilities substantially despite retaining single-lens setups—showcasing how software optimization can elevate hardware limitations effectively over time.
The Legacy After Knowing When Was The iPhone SE Released?
Understanding when each iteration launched provides insight into Apple’s evolving strategy regarding device size preferences and market segmentation:
- The original release reaffirmed demand for smaller phones during an era dominated by increasing display sizes.
- The second generation capitalized on this niche again while integrating modern performance standards suitable for current app ecosystems and user expectations.
Both models left lasting impressions by proving compact phones could still be relevant without sacrificing essential features such as speed, camera quality, or software support longevity—a message echoed by continued interest even years after their initial release dates.
Key Takeaways: When Was The iPhone SE Released?
➤ First generation launched in March 2016.
➤ Second generation released in April 2020.
➤ Third generation debuted in March 2022.
➤ Known for combining classic design with modern specs.
➤ Offers a budget-friendly option in the iPhone lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the original iPhone SE released?
The original iPhone SE was released on March 31, 2016. Apple announced it earlier that month on March 21, marking their return to compact smartphones with updated internals.
When was the second generation iPhone SE released?
The second-generation iPhone SE was introduced in April 2020. Apple announced it on April 15, with pre-orders starting on April 17, featuring a design based on the iPhone 8 but at a more affordable price point.
When was the iPhone SE first unveiled to the public?
Apple unveiled the first-generation iPhone SE on March 21, 2016. The launch event was relatively low-key but generated excitement among users seeking a smaller phone with flagship performance.
When was the iPhone SE’s compact design reintroduced?
The compact design of the iPhone SE, reminiscent of the iPhone 5S, was reintroduced in March 2016. It combined a small 4-inch screen with powerful internals, appealing to fans of pocket-friendly devices.
When did Apple release updates supporting the original iPhone SE?
The original iPhone SE shipped with iOS 9.3 and received software updates up to iOS 15. This long support span highlights Apple’s commitment to maintaining device functionality years after its March 2016 release.
Conclusion – When Was The iPhone SE Released?
The original iPhone SE launched on March 31, 2016, reviving compact phone appeal with flagship internals reminiscent of Apple’s earlier designs. Four years later, Apple released its successor on April 15, 2020—upgrading performance significantly while maintaining affordability through familiar form factors like that of the iPhone 8.
These release dates mark pivotal moments where Apple responded directly to consumer preferences favoring smaller devices paired with powerful hardware at accessible prices. Both versions remain notable examples within Apple’s lineup demonstrating how thoughtful timing combined with targeted features can capture specific market segments effectively over multiple product cycles.
By pinpointing exactly when these devices hit shelves, consumers gain clarity on how Apple’s strategy evolved around balancing size, power, price point, and user experience across different periods in smartphone history.