During Apple’s first event in 2022, which was hosted by CEO Tim Cook on March 8, the company unveiled a new addition to the iPhone family called iPhone SE (the SE stands for special edition). This device is markedly different from its predecessors due to its low cost, selling at $429. Many tech experts have pointed out that it is far from the flashiest smartphone made by Apple, but the device’s affordability may be a game-changer.
Although the iPhone SE is not pricey, it still has many capabilities that more than a few customers will find pleasing. For example, the new smartphone will have 5G capabilities, will hold a faster chip inside and is the last iPhone to have a home button and fingerprint sensor. This last feature is particularly missed by many Apple fans and will undoubtedly attract buyers to purchase the iPhone SE.
Many tech enthusiasts have pointed out that it is impressive that Apple has been able to install the speedy A15 Bionic processor used in other more expensive models into the iPhone SE. That’s rare to find in a phone that costs less than $500, but the iPhone SE is not seen as impressive by some critics. One reason is that the new iPhone SE is more expensive than before, with a $30 addition to the price of the original. In comparison to other affordable versions from Google and Samsung, Apple’s iPhone has a smaller and less detailed screen than its opponents. Also, the iPhone SE has one rear camera, which makes it worse for taking photos than other devices with comparable prices. With that being said, it is cheaper than those other devices and can outperform both of them due to the A15 Bionic chip.
Along with the release of the iPhone, Apple unveiled costs for a new and speedier iPad Air tablet selling for $599. The company also introduced the Mac Studio, a powerful and capable desktop computer that is basically an updated version of the Mac Mini. The cheapest version of the computer retails at $1,999, with an extra $1,599 for the display screen for the new 27-inch monitor.
The biggest change in the way Apple hosted the event was the shift to in-person shows, instead of the video format used during the pandemic. Various news outlets reported that the announcement was particularly subdued due to the unusual time that Apple and the US tech industry are going through. The company had halted sales of its products in Russia the week prior and is diminishing the presence of Apple Pay services due to international pressures. This is a drastic change for the company, as Apple is the third largest smartphone manufacturer in the country.
Facing an uncertain future, it is a good step forward for the company to lower prices to increase affordability. With 5G connections becoming mainstream, it is paramount to ensure equitable access across all socioeconomic status.
