The first iPhone SE was released in 2016. Critics said that it was a rip-off, using outdated an existing chasis to house newer parts. Personally – I just loved how Apple managed to stuff in some of the latest hardware into such a small body – I wished I got that instead of the iPhone 6 that I bought just 2 years ago. Though I had a device that is marketed to be superior – honestly it was just a larger display, but generally everything else was inferior – CPU, camera, to the iPhone SE. Come 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, Apple announced the second generation iPhone SE, 4 years after the first generation – and it is perfect (don’t nitpick its shortcomings like most tech influencers).
We know upgrading your phone yearly isn’t good for your wallet as well as the environment (e-waste issues, precious materials shortage, etc). Our heightened consumption that is partly due to increase in marketing and faster product update cycle that has little to major updates has us wanting new gadgets every time. I’m one of those who went from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone X, doubling my budget for my phone. Not only this is sustainable, though I did spend the equivalent of a laptop on a phone which isn’t necessary. Thing is not everyone can afford to have a new phone every year. I don’t need the iPhone XS when it was released after my iPhone X but I still wanted it – but I don’t have the financial means to buy it. Apple didn’t release a SE everywhere but only 4 years after the first interation. If I had the 2016 version I’d be happy to upgrade to the 2020 version, not only because I have the financials means but if feels RIGHT. To have used my old phone so long and so well and to upgrade to a worthy succesor.
A slower product cycle – not 4 years but 2 years at least is way better for the environment, we are giving the products we bought more time with us, ensuring that every single material extracted, all efforts made to produce this marvel of a technology is given the worthy recognition. The product gets to live a longer lifespan without intentionally being replaced by a newer version and ending up in landfills. Honestly we need to slow down in our consumption, and Apple’s iPhone SE series is the right move. Go slow and go far.