Prosser: Fourth-Generation iPhone SE to Adopt Same Design As iPhone XR

[mkoesel]

Not the first time we’ve heard this. This is still a possibility of course but would perhaps have made more sense for the SE 3 (2022). Both the original and second generation SE adopted the form factor of the lowest end iPhone still in the lineup (iPhone 5S and 8 respectively) taking over in the last year they were in the lineup, and cutting that last year down to six months. Had this happened in March, we’d have seen the 11 dropped from the lineup in favor of an SE that adopted its form factor. Indeed, for a time there were rumors that this was the plan, but there were then rumors that this plan was scrapped (which cannot be confirmed by the mere existence of the SE2022, but could explain why they kept the form factor the same as the prior model) .

While of course it is still possible the next SE will adopt the 6.1” LCD 11/XR form factor, the 12/13 form factor will be in its last year by the time the next SE is expected in 2024. So, the devices may be old enough (cheap enough) to allow for use as the next SE. Of course, even if this were the new plan, that does not mean they will choose the 5.4” sixes over the 6” size. Also, if the next SE is actually to come sooner - March of 2023 instead of 2024 - that makes this possibility unlikely because the iPhone 13 will still have 18 months until it would have aged out, and probably not have enough cost driven out yet to hit the $400 price point.

 

[Ubele]

I'm still rocking my XR. Might take a hard look at this if true but I'm ready to upgrade to 5G.

I'm still rocking mine, too. I upgrade when my current iPhone becomes too slow, there's a great improvement in the camera, and/or Apple introduces some compelling new feature. My XR is still fast enough, and Apple hasn't introduced any must-have features for me. As for the camera, I'm holding out for the 15 Pro Max, in the hope that it has the rumored periscope lens.

 

[mkoesel]

Okay… Why would apple release a SE without a home button???? Isn’t this why some stay with the SE? Some hate Face ID.

The SE exists to satisfy the low end of the market. To do so, it uses older hardware with the addition of a newer processor so that the device can support OS updates for the expected five years or so. It is by happenstance that this keeps older tech like TouchID, home button, LCD screen available in a new device. But at some point those things will age out of even the lowest end product. On the plus side, for those with sensitivities, an XR/11 based SE would keep an LCD screen available for a few more years. However the next form factor shift after that will with near certainty mean a move to OLED.

 

[splitpea]

Guess I’ll be waiting to upgrade until the next SE uses the Mini body.

 

[one more]

I really hope Young is right and Prosser is wrong on this one, as I would really like to continue using something smaller and lighter than 6.1” phones.

My preferred evolution of SE line would be it adopting a mini 5.4” chassis. However, I can see why Apple might prefer to go XR route: a bigger battery, more popular (larger) screen and probably cheaper to make than a mini.

We still have this 5.7” iPhone SE rumour going around, but this seems confusing, as Apple has never made a 5.7” iPhone and SE has never been anything new. Besides, reworking iPhone X, XS or 11 Pro chassis in any way will result in more R&D and production costs, which is also against SE philosophy. Time will tell…

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

He sure did. I think he’s more focused on what others have to say and then he backs it up and throws his own opinion.

Probably doesn’t wanna lose the eyebrows again 😆

 

[mkoesel]

Guess I’ll be waiting to upgrade until the next SE uses the Mini body.

If the next SE moves to the XR/11 form factor, that may never happen, sadly. Instead, it would be a much more natural progression to use whatever the next ~6“ device is at the bottom of the lineup when the time comes to change form factors again (2026? 2028? Hard to predict at this time).

For those who want the SE to remain “compact” we can hope they’ve nixed plans to use the XR/11 entirely, and will instead adopt the 5.4” 12/13 Mini form factor in 2024 when the 13 Mini will be in it’s last year of production. Then, they could simply continue to use that form factor for many SE generations to come, updating the processor periodically, maybe eventually eliminating the notch (or maybe not). I think there’s a decent chance this could still happen. But we shall see.

 

[-BigMac-]

HAHAHAHAHA JON PROSSER IS STILL A THING?

Geez I thought this guy disappeared after his last 33 “leaks” all turned out to be inaccurate😂😂

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

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.

His "sources" seemed to be more like lucky guessing / speculation.

He has a "good track record" with predicting dates, which anyone who looks at Apple's annual release schedule could do. His hardware predictions have seen far less success. I think the only thing that's actually turned out true was the AirPod Max. His well-trodden Mac mini pro, new design Apple Watch, and coloured MacBook Airs have all failed to materialise.

 

[JM]

😭 XR size is terrible.

Make it X size and we have a deal.

 

[Wiesławo]

Next SE surely has to be a smaller display than 6.1". All of us mini lovers are being outcast.

Why? SE does not mean small. The very fact that previous models were smaller was solely due to the fact that Apple's previous models, which formed the basis for the low-cost model, were small, and this had nothing to do with the idea that the SE should be small. The SE is supposed to be cheap.

The XR seems the most reasonable base for a new model. A cheap LCD screen that will not threaten the newer OLED panels, a single lens will not be a threat to other models with 2-3 lenses. Perfect model to make a new SE based on it.

 

[Rychiar]

Current se form factor is an embarrassment considering what the competition sells at that price . I had to buy my mom a new phone and ordered an 11 instead

 

[jakeuten]

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.

The iPhone Xr and SE both have a PPI of ~326.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

The SE exists to satisfy the low end of the market. To do so, it uses older hardware with the addition of a newer processor so that the device can support OS updates for the expected five years or so. It is by happenstance that this keeps older tech like TouchID, home button, LCD screen available in a new device. But at some point those things will age out of even the lowest end product. On the plus side, for those with sensitivities, an XR/11 based SE would keep an LCD screen available for a few more years. However the next form factor shift after that will with near certainty mean a move to OLED.

I'd say it exists to satisfy the low end of the *iPhone market. You can certainly get cheaper Android devices than what the iPhone Se costs.

The iPhone Se certainly obliterates most of the Android devices you can buy in that price-point though. Several years of software updates, high quality hardware and software, decent camera offering, and a physically small form factor make it a compelling package.

For a next generation Se, it would be nice to go down the all-screen route, the current design is a bit tired now. LCD screen with smaller notch and iPad Air-style TouchID is probably a safe bet.

 

[boak]

By the time this SE is released, a single-lens camera system would be so outdated and far behind the competition. Needs 2 lenses as a minimum even for budget phones.

 

[blairh]

I believe Ross Young is right.

Curious to see if the iPhone Mini will still be in the lineup when this new SE comes out.

 

[bluecoast]

The SE for Apple always stood for ‘low effort to produce’, not ‘compact phone’

This then makes perfect sense.

Probably we’ll see the A13 + whatever main camera is in the standard 14 + the 14’s 5g modem in the XR’s body with its LCD screen & Face ID array (although I’d expect them to use the gorilla glass from the 11).

I’d expect them to launch this in early 2023 as compared to most low end android phones, the 5g touchid SE looks horribly dated.

And it’s time for them to get the 4g only 11 off their price list.

 

[ianrip]

I think small phones are dead, and by that i mean sale figures. Next SE will be 6” in size

 

[NewBench]

Why? SE does not mean small. The very fact that previous models were smaller was solely due to the fact that Apple's previous models, which formed the basis for the low-cost model, were small, and this had nothing to do with the idea that the SE should be small. The SE is supposed to be cheap.

The XR seems the most reasonable base for a new model. A cheap LCD screen that will not threaten the newer OLED panels, a single lens will not be a threat to other models with 2-3 lenses. Perfect model to make a new SE based on it.

It doesn't mean small, but a lot of us mini users were hoping the next SE would take the form factor of the 12 mini/13 mini as there won't likely be a small form factor device being sold by Apple from September onwards. If Apple keep a mini in the lineup (even if its the 13 mini) then it's no issue.

Some also chose the SE 1/2 specifically because it was the smallest device available until the mini came along, not because of its price point. I know because I was one of them back before the mini came along.

The 'big phone' market is well covered by Apple, and if they introduce the SE4 with XR form factor then there won't be a new phone from Apple available that could be considered small.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

Guess I’ll be waiting to upgrade until the next SE uses the Mini body.

Looks like that'll be a long wait perhaps not even happening at all.

 

[NewBench]

I think small phones are dead, and by that i mean sale figures. Next SE will be 6” in size

I don't think so, the mini sold reasonable (but not huge) numbers and there is a demand for it - it just didn't sell well in comparison to other models and Apple feel they can sell more of a larger phone hence the 14 Max. There's definitely a demand for a smaller form factor form, it's just not the biggest section of the market.

 

[NewBench]

Think people need to realise that although the SE was designed to be a a cheap phone not a small phone, it unintentionally became the small phone of choice until the mini came along. Many who wanted a small iphone pre-mini went for the SE1 or 2 including myself. When the mini came along, a lot of those people upgraded to that. But if Apple discontinues the mini and only brings out a large SE then I expect a lot of people who would have bought a potential small SE4 based on the mini will just stick with their 12 mini/13 mini or the SE 1/2/3.

There are entire threads on here talking about a potential new SE and hoping it's based on the mini's form factor, as well as people saying they were waiting to upgrade to that type of device.

 

[1557750]

😭 XR size is terrible.

Make it X size and we have a deal.

I absolutely loved that size.

 

[joelhinch]

Was hoping it would take the form of the mini. Marie next gen when they discontinue the 13 mini (assuming it’s sticking around).

 

[5105973]

I’m pretty excited about this rumor. As someone who often has migraine symptoms with some of Apple’s OLED models, if the 14 Pro doesn’t work out for me it’s nice to know I could get another LCD model with upgraded internals. I love my iPhone 11 but it would be nice to have access to a similar model that would have 5G capability. If they can build in capability to work with my AirTags this time around (current SE doesn’t) that would be really welcome. But I’m not expecting anything in that regard as it would run counter to the penny pinching behind the SE line.