Sketchy Rumor: iPhone SE 2 Will Debut at WWDC With Classic Design But Larger 4.2-Inch Display

[MacRumors]

We've already heard multiple rumors suggesting Apple will unveil a so-called iPhone SE 2 later this year, and a new supply chain report from Chinese news website QQ.com claims to have knowledge of the device's tech specs.

First, the report says the new iPhone SE won't look like the iPhone X, which would make sense given it's a lower-end device. Instead, the new model will purportedly have a similar design as the original iPhone SE, with a metal back and frame, top and bottom bezels on the front, and a home button.

A key difference would supposedly be a larger 4.2-inch display, but this is questionable given it could make it harder to use the iPhone SE in one hand, which is preferred by a subset of customers. However, it's certainly possible Apple could trim down the bezels of the new iPhone SE slightly.

Apple is likely more focused on making under-the-hood improvements to the iPhone SE, as the device is now outdated by a few years. The report claims the new model will be powered by a faster A10 Fusion chip, although it will supposedly still have 2GB of RAM with 32GB or 128GB of storage available.

The report suggests Apple is planning to unveil the iPhone SE 2 at WWDC 2018 in June, which is certainly possible, but Apple hasn't introduced a smartphone at the event since the iPhone 4 in 2010. If history repeats itself, the new iPhone SE could be introduced at a smaller media event around March.

While most of these tech specs would make sense, the source doesn't have an established track record, so this rumor should be viewed with some skepticism. KeyforWeb.it spotted the report earlier.

There have been many rumors about Apple launching a new iPhone SE in 2018, with many of the sources based in Asia, including research firm TrendForce and publications like the Economic Daily News. One of the latest rumors suggested a new iPhone SE with wireless charging could launch in May-June.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who relays information from Apple's supply chain in Asia, recently cast some doubt on rumors about a second-generation iPhone SE launching in the second quarter of 2018.

If there really is a so-called iPhone SE 2 on Apple's roadmap, Kuo expects it will have few outward-facing changes. He predicts the device would likely have a faster processor and a lower price, rather than iPhone X-like features like a nearly full screen design, 3D sensing for Face ID, or wireless charging.

The current iPhone SE looks much like the iPhone 5s, including its smaller four-inch display preferred by a subset of customers. The device is powered by Apple's A9 chip, like the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and it has 2GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel rear camera, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Touch ID.

Apple hasn't fully refreshed the iPhone SE since it launched in March 2016, but it did double its available storage capacities to 64GB and 128GB last March. It also dropped the device's starting price to $349 last September.

Article Link: Sketchy Rumor: iPhone SE 2 Will Debut at WWDC With Classic Design But Larger 4.2-Inch Display

 

[44267547]

I’m all for an iPhone SE 2. If it has an upgraded processor, improved display and retaining the 3.5 mm Jack, that’s a homerun. The iPhone SE doesn’t need major improvements, it just needs to be updated for the demographic who prefer the smaller form factor.

 

[nathan_reilly]

man those are beautiful phones

 

[Bruce Patterson]

ugh, why would anyone buy that thing but if they HAVE to, why can't they at LEAST make it the form factor of the 6 series. What's the point in keeping with that 5 series?!
[doublepost=1519147277][/doublepost]

man those are beautiful phones

The bands on the top and bottom never made sense to me. If you're going to do that, why include glass for only those small portions? Looks so choppy and aesthetically so much more poor than the x design.

 

[sanjuro21]

Always been my favorite shaped iPhone.

 

[MacDawg]

ugh, why would anyone buy that thing but if they HAVE to, why can't they at LEAST make it the form factor of the 6 series. What's the point in keeping with that 5 series?!

Because a LOT of people like the size and design

 

[44267547]

ugh, why would anyone buy that thing but if they HAVE to, why can't they at LEAST make it the form factor of the 6 series.

Because clearly there is a demographic that likes a smaller form factor. Why does the iPhone 6 have any relevance? When the point of the SE is a to have a smaller size iPhone. Not everybody cares about a larger iPhone with latest technology.

 

[jayducharme]

I'd love to see a return of the 5c form factor but with updated internals.

 

[nathan_reilly]

ugh, why would anyone buy that thing but if they HAVE to, why can't they at LEAST make it the form factor of the 6 series. What's the point in keeping with that 5 series?!
[doublepost=1519147277][/doublepost]

The bands on the top and bottom never made sense to me. If you're going to do that, why include glass for only those small portions? Looks so choppy and aesthetically so much more poor than the x design.

that's visual language that carries over from the original iphone. It had a black bar as well.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Part leaks, please.

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[agsystems]

ugh, why would anyone buy that thing but if they HAVE to, why can't they at LEAST make it the form factor of the 6 series. What's the point in keeping with that 5 series?!
[doublepost=1519147277][/doublepost]

The bands on the top and bottom never made sense to me. If you're going to do that, why include glass for only those small portions? Looks so choppy and aesthetically so much more poor than the x design.

^^^^if Apple was thinking about the customer - then yes, that would make sense. However, since anything that can lower margins its a no go for Tim, you will be stuck with the same casing/design 'forever'

 

[mazz0]

If they did an iPhone the size of the original but the style of the X I'd snap it up!

 

[AngerDanger]

My tables are ready!

 

[0837990]

Please keep the headphone jack. Please!!! If it does, then I will "upgrade" from my 8 to this device.
I use a multitude of different things that requires headphones with cables, due to latency, and the only device I own that DOESN'T take the jack is my phone, which makes no sense... So I need wireless headphones for my phone, and wired headphones for everything else... I don't want a double set of headphones, and wires that detach and reattach floating around everywhere... I don't mind the cable!

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This is possibly fantastic.
I want as little design change as possible and really just a spec bump.

If they keep the same case, the headphone jack, etc and just updated the internals and possibly the screen a bit = total winner in my book.

 

[44267547]

Assuming an SE 2 is will be a reality, I’m actually hoping this report is inaccurate about having the iPhone SE 2 launch during WWDC. I would like to see it launch if there is a spring Keynote in March, as the first iPhone SE did two years ago in March 2016.

 

[turbineseaplane]

^^^^if Apple was thinking about the customer - then yes, that would make sense. However, since anything that can lower margins its a no go for Tim, you will be stuck with the same casing/design 'forever'

Which customer?
Go check in with fans of the SE here on the site..
We all love and prefer the design language of the 4/5/SE series

 

[daanodinot]

My dream iPhone SE 2 will have the A11 chip and a headphone jack. Realistically, it'll probably have the A10 chip and no headphone jack. :/

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Don't understand the SE love. It's like being in love with a Toyota Camry instead of a Porsche 911.

 

[turbineseaplane]

My dream iPhone SE 2 will have the A11 chip and a headphone jack. Realistically, it'll probably have the A10 chip and no headphone jack. :/

Stay positive - If they kept the same casing, it's fairly likely that headphone jack would still be there.
But to your point - If they did slight tweak the case and make the screen a touch larger I predict the headphone jack will be gone.

 

[CmdrLaForge]

To me it is not the one hand operation but more the overall size of the device. iPhoneX is just overall to big for me. So I like an iPhone SE size with a full screen like the iPhone X. Thats an instant buy.

Btw - I can get around my SE with my thumb, not just the screen but overall. To the top is a bit a stretch but doable. Also the face sensor can sit there so no need to go all to the top.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Don't understand the SE love. It's like being in love with a Toyota Camry instead of a Porsche 911.

Some of us like to be efficient and discrete and run errands around town.
A Camry is a wonderful daily driver for that - A Porsche 911 is not

 

[44267547]

My dream iPhone SE 2 will have the A11 chip and a headphone jack. Realistically, it'll probably have the A10 chip and no headphone jack. :/

If the casing is changed, then I don’t believe the 3.5 Jack will exist. It’s also a gateway for Apple to encourage the AirPods as well. Which is not to say the 3.5 mm Jack is not appreciated, but the AirPods are an excellent device for a Bluetooth alternative.