iPhone SE Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 157
Article Title = iPhone SE Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 12th April 2016
Article Last Updated = 12th April 2016
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?157

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about the iPhone SE

Q. When is the iPhone SE UK launch date?

A. The iPhone SE launched in the UK on the 31st March 2016 and is now available to buy online.

Q. What models are available?

A. The iPhone SE has one primary model available in four different colours (silver, gold, space grey, rose gold) and two different storage capacities (16GB or 64GB). There are two versions of the iPhone SE depending on LTE band requirements.

Q. What's the difference between the iPhone SE and 6s?

A. Basically the iPhone SE is a smaller phone with a 4-inch display and does not come with 3D Touch (Force Touch). It's essentially an upgraded iPhone 5s.

Q. What are the primary new/upgraded features of the iPhone SE compared to the 5s?

A9 processor
M9 motion coprocessor
Apple Pay
802.11ac Wi‑Fi with mimo
Bluetooth 4.2
Always on Siri
Better primary camera - 12MP, panorama (up to 63 megapixels), 4K video recording (3840x2160) at 30 fps + take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video, playback zoom
Live photos
23 4G/LTE bands supported with speeds up to 300Mbps speeds

See Apple UK's comparison chart for a full feature by feature comparison.

Q. What are the system requirements for using an iPhone SE?

A. The following are required:

An Apple ID (for some features)
Internet access
Syncing with iTunes on a Mac or PC requires

Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or later
PC: Windows 7 or later
iTunes 12.3.3 or later

Q. I'm not running OS X 10.8.5 or later. What can I do?

A. Check to see if you can upgrade to OS X 10.8.5 or later.

Q. How much does the iPhone SE cost?

A. iPhone SE 16GB = £359 or 64GB = £439 unlocked.
Cheaper prices may be available on contract from other companies.

Q. Where can I buy the iPhone SE or get an iPhone on contract in the UK?

A. Several places will offer it for sale:

O2
Vodafone
EE aka Everything Everywhere
Carphone Warehouse
Apple (unlocked)

Q. iPhone SE supports 4G/LTE in other countries outside of the USA. Can I take advantage of this in the UK?

A. Yes. The iPhone SE supports 23 LTE/4G bands including those used in the UK.

Q. The iPhone SE comes with a "Lightning" connector. Can I still connect it to my computer/older devices?

A. Potentially, yes. The iPhone SE only comes with a Lightning to USB connector cable in the box which allows you to connect the iPhone SE to your Mac or Windows PC. If you need compatibility with other devices you may need one of the following products:

Lightning to USB-A Cable (0.5m) Buy it now at
Lightning to USB-A Cable (1.0m) Buy it now at
Lightning to USB-A Cable (2.0m) Buy it now at
Lightning to USB-C Cable (1.0m) Buy it now at
Lightning to USB-C Cable (2.0m) Buy it now at
Lightning to USB3 (Female A+C) Camera Adapter Buy it now at
Lightning to USB (Female A) Camera Adapter Buy it now at
Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader Buy it now at
Lightning to Micro USB Adapter Buy it now at
Lightning to VGA Adapter Buy it now at
Lightning Digital AV Adapter Buy it now at
Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter Buy it now at
Lightning EarPods Buy it now at
iPhone Lightning Dock (Silver) Buy it now at
iPhone Lightning Dock (Gold) Buy it now at
Lightning to 30-pin Adapter Buy it now at

NOTE

Q. Will my iPhone 5s case fit the new SE?

A. As the SE is almost physically identical to the 5s, yes it should but it's always best to check with your case manufacturer first.

Q. What mobile frequencies does the iPhone SE support?

A. See this article.

Q. Does the fingerprint identity sensor system store images of my fingerprint?

A. Apple has officially stated that the iPhone doesn't store actual images of users' fingerprints on the device only fingerprint data which is encrypted within the processor. Third-party applications cannot use the scanner facility. Those who wish the use Touch ID also have to create a passcode as a backup. Only that passcode (not a finger) can unlock the phone if the phone is rebooted or hasn't been unlocked for 48 hours. This feature is meant to block hackers from stalling for time as they try to find a way to circumvent the fingerprint scanner. See Apple's official tech note on the subject.

Q. What version of iOS does the iPhone SE come with?

A. It comes with iOS 9.3 and also includes the following apps free: Photos, iMovie, Pages, Numbers, Keynote and Garageband.

Q. I've heard that Siri is always listening to what you say ("Proactive Siri"). Is this true and can this "feature" be switched off?

A. Yes it's true - Siri listens out for you to say "Hey Siri". Apple have officially explained how this works to TechCrunch but basically "Hey Siri" is an optional feature that a user must opt into during iOS 9's setup process, nothing is actually recorded until Hey Siri is activated and you can also train Siri to identify your voice and not other people saying "Hey Siri".

Q. Are there official Apple cases and docks available for the iPhone SE?

A. Yes - they are available from the Apple Store.

Q. I've heard something about AppleCare+. What is it?

A. AppleCare+ is now available to buy in the UK. It includes an extra year of warranty (a total of 2 years) and up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling, each subject to a £79 excess fee.

Q. I've heard something about an official iPhone Upgrade Program from Apple which, if I pay monthly, gets me a new iPhone when it is released. Is this service available in the UK?

A. The program is being launched in the USA first but Apple did state it will be rolled out to other countries. We'll update this article once we know more - please check back.

Q. I don't want iOS 9. Can I install/run an earlier version of iOS?

A. No.

Article Keywords: iPhone SE v9iOS iOS9 v10iOS iOS10 v11iOS iOS11 v12iOS iOS12 v13iOS iOS13 v14iOS iOS14 iOS 9 10 11 12 13 14

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