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There May Not Be An iPhone SE 2 After All (theverge.com)
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a research note today that casts doubt on rumors about a second-generation iPhone SE launching in the second quarter of 2018. If there is a successor, customers can expect a minor update that amounts to a run-of-the-mill spec boost and no new features like wireless charging or Face ID. The Verge reports: According to Kuo, between the three phones Apple released last year (iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X) and the three phones rumored to be released this fall, the company may not have enough development resources for an SE follow up as a fourth phone for 2018. That said, Kuo also does acknowledge that a basic processor update could still happen, but it seems that SE fans should keep expectations low. The iPhone SE still fills an interesting place in Apple's lineup. It uses the same design as the iPhone 5, which was released in 2012, with the 2015 internals of an iPhone 6s. This means the current model would get a boost in processor speed -- something that will likely continue to get worse with the presumed release of iOS 12 this fall. But SE is still popular for its low price and smaller size among consumers. Compared to the giant 6-inch-plus phones Apple is rumored to be releasing this year, it could make sense to keep an updated version of the smaller SE around.
I couldn't agree more. There is no other phone out there that I can comfortably hold and use one handed, and fits easily and comfortably in any pocket. I wouldn't mind waterproof and the edge to edge screen like the X, which would keep that same form factor while expanding the screen size. I miss the time when smaller and smaller tech was considered revolutionary instead of lbudget". I for one would pay premium prices for the SE form factor in a flagship phone. Maybe I'm a niche market, but I would have switched to Android in a heartbeat when the 6 came out (before the SE saved the day) if Samsung or Google Pixel/Nexus line started committing to a "mini" version of their flagships. There's no phone big enough for when I want a real screen - for that I use an iPad or laptop. My phone is for portability.
since Apple's phones are generally supported for 4+ years
I won't go so far as to call that a myth, just a misconception. Because that 4+ years is the time from the release of a new phone. Which they then sell and re-sell for several years. So you can buy a 'new' iPhone and have support dry up far earlier than 4+ years.