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Where does the new, 4-inch iPhone fit into the Canadian market, where prices have skyrocketed?

The last time Apple unveiled a new four-inch iPhone was September 2013. Back then the Canadian mobile market looked very different.battery charger for iphone Phones were generally smaller and, though the industry was just transitioning from three-year contracts to two, considerably less expensive. It was also a strange time at Apple itself; the company, selling a then-record 51 million iPhones in the quarter following the iPhone 5s' launch, tried pushing its boundaries with the release of the colorful, plastic iPhone 5c.

In the months following the iPhone 5c's release, with Apple declining to breakout sales, it was left up to analysts and the media circus to consider the implications of Apple refactoring its blockbuster phone for a younger, more cost-conscious demographic. While the iPhone 5c stuck around until the debut of the iPhone 6s last September, its two-year existence had an unclear impact on Apple's product strategy.

From 5s to SE

This year, the iPhone SE rumored to be announced next week will likely replace the iPhone 5s in Apple's lineup. Despite the presence of what is expected to be top-tier specs, like Apple's speedy A9 chip and an improved camera, the iPhone SE shares some things in common with the iPhone 5c. That's especially true in countries, like Canada, whose carriers incentivize sales with subsidies in exchange for long-term service agreements.

Assuming that nothing else changes, the iPhone SE will slot into the same spot held by the iPhone 5s today. But given that such a device, if it does ship with an A9 chip and an updated camera, would have higher specs than the A8-powered iPhone 6, how will Apple present it to consumers?



Traditionally, Apple has been very deliberate with its tiered pricing: a new iPhone debuts, and the older versions dip between $100 and $150. Due to the weak Canadian Dollar, and Apple's associated price hikes alongside the unveiling of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus last September, the 16GB iPhone 5s is the only $0 variant on the market. This number is important, because an increasing number of shoppers, eager to minimize upfront expenses when purchasing a new device, wait until a handset goes free before picking it up.

Anticipating the release of the iPhone SE, Canadian carriers have lowered the cost of the 16GB iPhone 6 to that precious $0 mark on a two-year contract. Because the entry-level iPhone 6 costs $769 outright, or unlocked straight from Apple, the carriers are requiring a minimum monthly spend of over $90 to justify the extra subsidy. That's a strategy that has worked in the past on previous iPhone models.

With the iPhone SE on the horizon, it will be interesting to see where Apple prices its least expensive (presumably 16GB) model. The cheapest iPhone 5s is $599, and it's difficult to see its successor costing any less.

Upending expectations

If Apple matches the current $450 U.S. price of the iPhone 5s, and continues hedging against weakness in the Canadian economy, the iPhone SE could debut at $625 to $650, which would translate to $125 to $150 on-contract. And because carriers are willing to more heavily subsidize older devices (like the technically more-expensive iPhone 6) than newer ones, we could theoretically see a situation, at least in the short term, where the iPhone SE is pricier than its larger siblings.

That reality may suit Apple nicely,selfie stick iphone 5s as it brings the four-inch iPhone back into the spotlight, encouraging customers of the iPhone 5 and 5s to finally set aside their aging devices.

If you need more iPhone SE battery than Apple builds in, you need a battery case!

It's happened to all of us. Work's a bit slow, so you're streaming Netflix on your sweet new iPhone SE — or your trusty iPhone 5s or iPhone 5 — when bam, you run low on battery. Then you start to panic. What happens if it goes dead? Who will 'gram pictures of your lunchtime sushi? Who will chat all your snaps? Your digital life will start to pile up and you won't be able to stop it!

Sure, you could stop and plug in, but the ace move is to slap on a battery cell phone case . That way you can keep on going while you keep on going. Maxboost Atomic S battery charger for iphone

Maxboost Atomic S

Maxboost, as a company, is all about battery life. They offer chargers, battery packs, and battery cases for phones, as well as screen protectors and holsters. The Atomic S is their top-of-the-line battery case and it fits your iPhone SE perfectly!

The Maxboost Atomic S packs a wallop with its 2400 mAh battery that adds 120% battery life to your iPhone SE. That's around 12 hours of talk time and around 15 hours of web browsing. The case is a solid build and formidable enough to protect your phone from low drops and dings. It's also got a nifty kickstand, so that when you're streaming all day because you have so much battery life, you don't have to hold your phone.

Unlike many battery cases, you can sync and charge your phone at the same time. The micro USB port communicates with the Lightning port so that you're not having to always rely on wireless sync or take your phone out of the case.

Like many battery cases, the hole for the audio jack may not be big enough for all headphones. It does come with an extension, though.

Skiva PowerFlow AP120

The Skiva PowerFlow AP120 more than doubles your iPhone SE's battery life, with 2000 mAh to the SE's 1642. It's solid and has a textured feel so that it's not constantly sliding out of your hands. The case is impact-resistant (to a degree; let's not go playing racketball with it), so your phone is not only juiced, but protected as well (for the most part).

The Lightning port and micro USB charging port aren't integrated, but the Lightning port remains open, so you can charge both the case and your phone at the same time. While convenient compared to some battery cases, leaving the bottom and top of the phone bare (as well as all the buttons) kind of makes the phone feel vulnerable. The case is impact-resistant, but if you drop it the right way, say on a curb or something, you might have a bad time.

It's a little bulky, though, around the thickness of the phone itself, so it's like having two SE's in your pocket. That bulk makes it sturdy, though. And it has a good-sized battery and is very affordable.

Alpatronix BX120

Just like the Maxboost, the Alpatronix BX120 comes with a 2400 mAh battery, so you're getting 120% of your SE's battery life. For such a big battery, the BX120 is incredibly slim, but it doesn't feel cheap. There's some weight to it, and it feels like it could withstand a bump or two. It also comes in a wide variety of colors, so if you've got a particular style (come on, you do), then Alpatronix has a case to fit you.

In the box you get a free screen protector, so you're cover all the way around. Do not get the white one, though. For some reason it's glossy and slippery and you're gonna have a bad time. Some folks have had some damage done to their charging port, so be gentle. Mophie Juice Pack Air

The Mophie Juice Pack Air is the slimmest battery case on the list. While other case are at least half the thickness of the phone itself, this one barely adds any more bulk than the average OtterBox would. Mophie also knows you like to style, so the Juice Pack Air comes in seven colors, from gold to hot pink.

The Juice Pack Air fits snug as a bug in a rug and feels great in your hand, just like a regular phone case should, but with the added benefit of increasing battery life.

That slimness comes at a price, though. With only a 1700 mAh battery, the Juice Pack Air won't double your battery life. It'll help you see the end of the day, but that's about it. It's also around the same price as other cases, so the smaller battery isn't as attractive when you compare overall battery life.

Still, it's Mophie and it's thin, and for some people that's all they need to know. Lenmar Meridian

For being such a slim case, the Meridian has a 2300 mAh battery, which will at least double your iPhone SE's battery life while only feeling like a regular phone case. It's rubberized, so it's nice and grippy; none of that slippery-smooth-plastic-masquerading-as-textured business.

You probably don't want to count on this case too much for protection, though. It is quite thin and the lip around the screen isn't raised all that much, so it may not survive a good drop. The charging and Lightning ports aren't integrated either, so you have to remove your SE from the case if you want to sync with iTunes or plug directly into the wall.

For what you get, it's a bit expensive, around $10- $20 more than what you'd pay for better cases. So you have to really like the look to go for it.

Your favorite battery case for iPhone SE?

Let us know which battery case you go for, or if you've already gone for one, which one you got! If we missed your favorite, make sure you let us know all about it in the Idea!

Apple Watch BLOC Power Bank And Wireless Charger Unveiled From $60

Those of you looking forward to receiving your Apple Watch later this week when Apple starts shipping the new device on April 24th 2015, you might be interested in the new charger and power banks called the BLOC.

The BLOC Apple Watch charger is available in a variety of different finishes including stainless steel, silver aluminium, space grey aluminium and rose gold to name a few.

It is equipped with a 2000mAh lithium polymer battery providing 4 full recharges to your watch hand is small enough to slip inside your suit pocket or bag, just in case your Apple Watch requires a top during the day. The BLOC busy wireless charging stand that measures just 10 mm thick and will be available to use when it starts shipping later this year during June 2015.

For more information on the Watch wireless chargers as well as the prices for all the different finishes available Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Wood, Marble, and Gold plated jump over to the Boostcase website via the link below.