Apple is expected to launch a successor to the iPhone SE this week, and a new survey reveals just how important it could be to the company.Price is a huge deal to the majority of American smartphone buyers, survey showsOn the eve of a potential new iPhone SE launch, a new survey conducted by Optimum has revealed why Apples budget option is so important.Over 1,500 American consumers were polled on the factors that mattered most when shopping for a new phone.More than half of respondents identified price as the most important aspect of their decision.This means the majority identify price as more important than camera features, AI, battery life, and other seemingly popular sales drivers.Its a telling data point. Not only does the survey indicate why the new iPhone SE is such a big deal for Apple. It also perhaps tells us why Apple doesnt feel the need to update its budget model very often.Why Apple can leave the iPhone SE alone for yearsThe flagship iPhone lineup gets refreshed every year. But not the iPhone SE.While major new iPhones launch each fall without exception, Apples budget model only gets updated every two to three years.The last iPhone SE came out in early 2022, making this an especially lengthy gap.But if the typical iPhone SE buyer values price above all else, then regular updates to include a lot of new features arent really necessary.Instead, Apple can keep the iPhone SEs price low while bringing in greater profits over time as components become more affordable.For shoppers like me, who always prefer the latest and greatest iPhone, the survey is an important reminder of why the iPhone SE is so key to Apples lineup.How important is price to you when buying a new phone? Whats more important to you? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel