CNBC: Apple iPhone SE draws 3.4 million pre-orders in China; Rose Gold and Gold models lead the way

According to financial cable channel CNBC, Apple has rung up 3.4 million pre-orders of the new 4-inch Apple iPhone SE in China. The same report reveals that the most popular colors are Rose Gold and Gold. Apple is said to be aiming the iPhone SE at emerging markets like China, India, Russia, and Brazil where the price of a full-sized iPhone can be prohibitive. Apple also hopes to get business from the large number of iPhone users who want a 4-inch screen, but would like to have up-to-date hardware on their phone. The last 4-inch models made by Apple were the Apple iPhone 5s and Apple iPhone 5c.

The new iPhone SE features the same A9 chipset employed by the Apple iPhone 6s and Apple iPhone 6s Plus. It also comes with the same 12MP rear camera found on the iPhone 6s, and uses a long press to activate Live Photos. In addition, the phone is equipped with an NFC chip which allows it to work with mobile payment service Apple Pay.

Despite the pre-orders, some Chinese retailers are saying that the iPhone SE doesn't offer anything revolutionary. As a result, while past iPhone models sold at a premium to Apple's suggested retail price, some smaller retailers are offering the new 4-incher at a discount or at a smaller premium than normal.. Based on CNBC's numbers, JD.com has received pre-orders for 882,295 units while Suning has tallied 1,709,427 pre-orders. 889,668 iPhone SE reservations have been made through Gome.

The Apple iPhone SE will launch this coming Thursday, March 31st. In the U.S., the 16GB model is priced at $399, with the 64GB unit available for $499.



source: CNBC via AppleInsider