Big US Carriers Taking iPhone SE Preorders

Carriers began taking preorders Friday for Apple’s least expensive iPhone, the SE (see 2004160029). It's due to deliver this week, shipping to consumers since stores are closed. The handset’s launch is designed to expand Apple’s footprint into more price-conscious consumer demographics and geographies, where Apple’s premium handsets are often unattainable, blogged Futuresource analyst Stephen Mears Friday. Because consumers are cutting back discretionary spending, the SE, starting at $399, is “likely to appeal to a wider consumer base, and could potentially become a key handset for 2020,” Mears said. AT&T offered upgrades early for $5 monthly for the 64 GB version, with a trade-in, after paying off at least 50% of their phone. Sprint offered the SE on its “budget phone” page for $5 monthly over 18 months after a two-month eligibility period. Verizon offered to waive the activation fee of customers who preorder online and pay $16.66 over 24 months.