You’re probably sitting there wondering why Apple—a company obsessed with "the future"—keeps releasing a phone that looks like it belongs in 2017. It’s a fair question. Honestly, the Special Edition line is the weirdest thing in the tech world. Most people asking when did se iphone come out are usually trying to figure out if the one they found in a drawer is still supported, or if they should wait for the next one. It isn't just one date. It’s a saga that spans nearly a decade, starting back when we still had headphone jacks and moving into an era where "budget" still means $400.
Apple doesn't follow a calendar with these. They drop them whenever they feel like the entry-level market is getting a bit too cozy with Android.
The 2016 Original: Small Phone, Big Brains
The first time we saw this happen was March 2016. Specifically, March 21. It was a weird time for phones. Big screens were taking over, and the iPhone 6s was the king of the hill, but a vocal group of people absolutely hated it. They missed the sharp edges of the iPhone 5s. They missed being able to reach the top of the screen with one thumb.
Apple listened. Sorta.
They took the body of an iPhone 5s and shoved the internals of a 6s inside. It had the A9 chip. It had the 12-megapixel camera. But it lacked 3D Touch—remember that feature?—and it used the older, slower Touch ID sensor. People loved it anyway. It was the "cheap" iPhone starting at $399, and for a lot of folks, it was the peak of smartphone design. If you're asking about the very first time the world saw an SE, that 2016 window is your answer. It stayed on shelves for a long time, finally getting discontinued in September 2018, which led to a massive vacuum in the market.
The Long Gap and the 2020 Revival
Four years. That’s how long Apple made us wait for a sequel. By the time the second-generation iPhone SE arrived in April 2020, the world was a very different place. We were all stuck inside, and suddenly, spending $1,000 on an iPhone 11 Pro felt a bit excessive for some.
The iPhone SE 2nd Gen (or the SE 2020) abandoned the tiny 4-inch screen. Instead, it used the iPhone 8 chassis. It was basically an iPhone 8 with an A13 Bionic brain—the same chip found in the iPhone 11.
Why did this matter? Because it brought back the Home button when everyone else was moving to Face ID.
Some called it lazy. Others called it a lifeline. If you were a parent buying a phone for a teenager, or someone who just wanted a device that worked without learning new gestures, this was it. It launched on April 24, 2020. It was the ultimate "utility" phone. It didn't have a night mode for the camera, which sucked, and the battery life was... well, it was an iPhone 8 battery trying to run a high-performance chip. Not a great combo for power users.
2022: The 5G Push
Then came the third generation. If you're looking for the most recent version currently on the market as of late 2025, this is usually what people mean when they ask when did se iphone come out in a modern context.
Apple announced the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) on March 8, 2022.
It looked exactly like the 2020 model. Exactly. Same thick bezels, same Home button, same single camera on the back. But inside? It had the A15 Bionic. That’s the same chip that powered the iPhone 13. More importantly, it added 5G. Carriers were desperate to get people onto 5G networks, and the SE was the cheapest way to do it.
What changed in 2022?
- The Processor: A15 Bionic made it scream fast.
- 5G Connectivity: Future-proofing for the next five years.
- Battery Tweaks: Better efficiency, though still not a marathon runner.
- Price Hike: It bumped up to $429, ending the legendary $399 starting price.
The SE 4 Rumors: The Big Shift
Right now, we are in the middle of the longest wait since the first gap. There’s a lot of chatter about the iPhone SE 4. Historically, SE releases happen in the spring. If Apple stays true to form, we’re looking at a massive redesign that finally kills the Home button.
The consensus among analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo is that the next SE will finally adopt the iPhone 14 design. OLED screen. USB-C. Face ID. It marks the end of an era. When this one drops, the "classic" iPhone look is officially dead.
Understanding the "Why" Behind the Dates
Apple doesn't release these to be "cool." They release them to capture the "switchers"—people moving from Android who don't want to finance a phone for three years. They also use the SE to clear out old parts inventory. It’s a brilliant business move. By reusing the iPhone 8 body for years, they saved billions in manufacturing R&D.
🔗 Read more: USS Gerald R. Ford: Why the World's Most Expensive Ship Is Finally Proving Its Worth
But there’s a downside.
If you buy an SE right when it comes out, you're getting a great deal. If you buy it two years later, you're buying ancient hardware at a premium price. For example, buying an SE 3 in 2024 or 2025 feels a bit like buying a new car with a CD player. It works, but you're missing out on the modern experience.
Real Talk on Performance
I’ve used every single one of these. The 2016 model felt like a sports car in a compact body. The 2020 model felt like a reliable sedan. The 2022 model feels like... a very fast antique.
The A15 chip in the current SE is actually faster than most mid-range Android phones released today. That’s the "SE magic." You get flagship speed in a body that looks like it's from a museum. It’s the ultimate sleeper hit. But the screen is LCD. In a world of vibrant OLEDs, the SE screen looks a bit washed out and small. Reading long emails or watching Netflix isn't exactly "premium."
How to Check Which SE You Have
Since they all look so similar, people get confused constantly. Here is the quick way to tell:
- Look at the back. If the Apple logo is in the middle, it’s a 2nd or 3rd Gen. If it's higher up toward the camera, it’s the original 2016 model.
- Check the 5G. Go to Settings > Cellular. If you see an option for 5G, you have the 2022 model.
- The Color Test. The 2020 model came in "White." The 2022 model came in "Starlight," which has a slightly warm, champagne tint.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you are looking to buy one now, don't pay full price. The SE 3 is frequently discounted by carriers or available refurbished for under $250.
Wait if you can. If your current phone is holding on by a thread, wait for the spring announcement cycle. The jump from the SE 3 to the rumored SE 4 is going to be the biggest jump in the history of the line—moving from a 4.7-inch LCD to a 6.1-inch OLED.
Check your storage needs. The base 64GB on the older SE models is a trap. Between "System Data" and your high-res photos, that space disappears in a month. Always aim for at least 128GB if you plan on keeping the phone for more than two years.
Verify the Battery Health. If you're buying a used 2020 or 2022 SE, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it’s below 85%, you’re going to be tethered to a wall charger. These phones have small physical batteries, so every percentage point of health matters significantly more than it does on a Pro Max model.