Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
67,805
38,417


Apple will base the next-generation iPhone SE on the design it used for the iPhone XR, claims leaker Jon Prosser, citing new information from his sources.


In the latest episode of the Geared Up podcast with Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger (via AppleTrackr), Prosser claims that "The SE 4, from what I understand - and I don't think I've said this publicly - is just the iPhone XR."

As it is modeled after the ‌iPhone‌ 8 and prior ‌iPhone SE‌, the current third-generation iPhone SE, released earlier this year, continues to feature thick top and bottom display bezels, unlike Apple's other iPhones. Also, all other iPhones now feature ‌Face ID, so a potential switch to the iPhone XR design would mark the death knell for the iPhone's Home button.

The iPhone XR, which is no longer listed on Apple's stores, has a 6.1-inch LCD display, whereas the current iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display, so the change would additionally bring about a bigger screen size for Apple's most inexpensive iPhone.

The only other solid rumor about the next iPhone SE has come from display industry consultant Ross Young, who has proven to be a reliable source of information for future Apple products.

According to Young, Apple is planning to release a fourth-generation ‌iPhone SE‌ with a larger 5.7-inch display as early as 2023, although he did not say if such a model would retain the Home button and top and bottom bezels or adopt a notched screen with ‌Face ID.

Article Link: Prosser: Fourth-Generation iPhone SE to Adopt Same Design As iPhone XR
 
Last edited:
I really hope Young is right in this one, 6.1” with the XR design is just huge.

Maybe what Prosser meant on the podcast is that the next SE will have the XR design but with a 5.7” display instead of a 6.1”.

But knowing how Apple likes to recycle old bodies with minimum changes for maximum benefits, there’s a chance the next SE will be just a cheap XR with an A15 inside. I think I would start to consider the Android market, like the new Asus Zenphone 9, and install Lineage OS or Graphene OS on it.
 
They need to upgrade the display, the SE has a clearer display compared to the XR due to the higher dpi. If not, this would be a step backwards in this department alone.
I have an XR as a work phone. Compared to my 12PM the screen is not as good but its certainly not washed out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chidoro
I can see how that could make sense. However it would be very disappointing for us small phone users who are hoping that the mini form factor gets reused for the next SE. Who knows, maybe they could do both. 2 SEs form factors, 2 mid-level form factors and 2 Pro factors. With the SEs on a 2 year upgrade cycle.
 
However it would be very disappointing for us small phone users who are hoping that the mini form factor gets reused for the next SE. Who knows, maybe they could do both. 2 SEs form factors, 2 mid-level form factors and 2 Pro factors. With the SEs on a 2 year upgrade cycle.
Not gonna happen, the 13 mini is still a premium device. We haven’t seen a premium device jump to the SE category immediately. Maybe in 2025 but I’m afraid 5.4” iPhones aren’t popular enough to warrant this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wiesławo
I have a lot of mean things to say about the XR design-wise but realised I'd just upset some owner if I said them.

Since it's from Prosser it's probably not true anyway.
 
I can see how that could make sense. However it would be very disappointing for us small phone users who are hoping that the mini form factor gets reused for the next SE. Who knows, maybe they could do both. 2 SEs form factors, 2 mid-level form factors and 2 Pro factors. With the SEs on a 2 year upgrade cycle.

Yeah, agreed. I could see it making sense - LCD and older design for low cost iPhone. Though myself I always thought the current mini design would fit well for the SE given how its traditionally a smaller sized phone and the mini going away from these annual mainstream iPhone updates.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Flood4


Apple will base the next-generation iPhone SE on the design it used for the iPhone XR, claims leaker Jon Prosser, citing new information from his sources.

iphone-xr.jpg

In the latest episode of the Geared Up podcast with Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger (via AppleTrackr), Prosser claims that "The SE 4, from what I understand - and I don't think I've said this publicly - is just the iPhone XR."

As it is modeled after the ‌iPhone‌ 8 and prior ‌iPhone SE‌, the current third-generation iPhone SE, released earlier this year, continues to feature thick top and bottom display bezels, unlike Apple's other iPhones. Also, all other iPhones now feature ‌Face ID, so a potential switch to the iPhone XR design would mark the death knell for the iPhone's Home button.

The iPhone XR, which is no longer listed on Apple's stores, has a 6.1-inch LCD display, whereas the current iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display, so the change would additionally bring about a bigger screen size for Apple's most inexpensive iPhone.

The only other solid rumor about the next iPhone SE has come from display industry consultant Ross Young, who has proven to be a reliable source of information for future Apple products.

According to Young, Apple is planning to release a fourth-generation ‌iPhone SE‌ with a larger 5.7-inch display as early as 2023, although he did not say if such a model would retain the Home button and top and bottom bezels or adopt a notched screen with ‌Face ID.

Article Link: Prosser: Fourth-Generation iPhone SE to Adopt Same Design As iPhone XR
Okay… Why would apple release a SE without a home button???? Isn’t this why some stay with the SE? Some hate Face ID.
 
It's pretty obvious Apple will recycle the Xr design: they recycle:
  • the iPhone 8 design,
  • the iPad design,
  • the MBA design,
  • the MBP with Touch Bar design,
  • the Apple Watch 3 and 4 design.
Touch Bar??? Actually a top selling MacBook Pro was released in June with a Touch Bar.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: AlexMac89
Remember this website is about RUMORS.

Prosser did have some sources back then, but Apple doubled down on this in 2022 and I'm pretty sure he lost most if not all of them. Nobody really knows except him, but it's still a valid rumor IMO.

He just puts 2 and 2 together, there are no sources here just speculation. Apple has used existing chassis for the SE model and it's likely that the XR/11 chassis will be the next candidate. It doesn't need anyone particularly in the know to suggest this. And of course if it actually happens he'll take the credit.

Prosser also did this with the flat sided Apple Watch. First the iPad, then the iPhone received redesigns with flat sides so of course the Watch would be next, completely ignoring the watch is a wearable device but anyway. Cue everyone reporting Prosser and convincing themselves it was correct. Big surprise when it then wasn't announced.

AirPods case with flat sides next John?
 
Last edited:
Going to replace my 7 early next year. Should I get this (potential) SE based on XR design or used iPhone 12 in good condition? Feel like the 12 might be better and about equal in price.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.