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

[mkoesel]

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.

Indeed. It would seem to have the right feature mix.

At the same time, the 5.4” Mini form factor also makes a compelling argument. By keeping the SE smaller than the flagship phones, they similarly lessen the threat of cannibalization. Additionally, they cover the comparatively small but real segments currently split between four devices - the SE 2020, the SE 2022, Mini 12, and Mini 13. While this may not seem like the better move now, come March 2024 when the next SE is likely to arrive, this may make for the right business case.

I am not saying this where my money is necessarily, but I’m not ready to call it in favor of the XR/11 yet either.

 

[one more]

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.

A nice idea, but this will mean a totally new iPhone and SE is all about reusing the old stuff.

 

[mkoesel]

I'd say it exists to satisfy the low end of the *iPhone market.

Sure, that’s fair. I wasn't explicit, but yes, the low end of Apple’s market that they intend to reach within their ecosystem. As you point out, that really only extends down to, at best, the mid-range price points of the total addressable market.

 

[ElderMacMan]

I love the pocket smallness of my iPhoneSE

 

[SactoGuy18]

I still would have preferred a modified iPhone 13 mini but with a larger power button for Touch ID on the power button and a single, larger image sensor in the back.

 

[one more]

I still would have preferred a modified iPhone 13 mini but with a larger power button for Touch ID on the power button and a single, larger image sensor in the back.

Again, this would be a totally new iPhone, so not an SE by definition. Considering mini will not be refreshed, it is unlikely Apple will put any more R&D funds into this size.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

A nice idea, but this will mean a totally new iPhone and SE is all about reusing the old stuff.

But most of the technical effort required for the device has already shipped in some shape or form. It would effectively be a minimal repackage of bits from across existing products.

I'd be surprised if they create a major new display - likely an iPhone 13 mini display but in LCD instead of OLED. Mind you, OLED panels are so cheap now that going LCD may not create a huge price difference to a company like Apple.

 

[Frantisekj]

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.

This was highly expected and makes total sense as SE model existence is based on saving costs on everything Apple can so it can contain current processor. There is question whether it will have Touch ID in power button or under screen. Doubt it will get Face ID.
And think it will be much more popular then current model as majority prefers bigger screens and it will be much more competitive to cheap Androids like that. Curent design is too dated already.

 

[Mainsail]

I used to own an XR. It is a big heavy phone. From a design standpoint, it really doesn’t share much that people like about the SE, i.e.: Touch ID, Small Size, and Light Weight.

So, basically, the only remaining attribute is lower cost than the rest of the iPhone lineup. I am not sure this is going to be as compelling for the typical SE buyer. Maybe, Apples market research shows that people buy big cheap android phones, so why wouldn’t they buy a similar iPhone? But, this might be a different customer profile than the current iPhone SE customer.

 

[one more]

But most of the technical effort required for the device has already shipped in some shape or form. It would effectively be a minimal repackage of bits from across existing products.

I'd be surprised if they create a major new display - likely an iPhone 13 mini display but in LCD instead of OLED. Mind you, OLED panels are so cheap now that going LCD may not create a huge price difference to a company like Apple.

It would still require new assembly lines, etc., etc. SE has never been a technical ratatouille , just old chassis with the fresher insides. Look at the current SE - Apple are still reusing iPhone 8 chassis with no exterior changes whatsoever.

 

[Robert.Walter]

A phone w/o a button will be problematic for folks who can’t use FaceID for reasons like masks, PAPR helmets, bio suits, etc.

I specifically went with the SE3 for this reason (despite having an Apple Watch because I’m not able to wear it at all times.)

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

It would still require new assembly lines, etc., etc. SE has never been a technical ratatouille , just old chassis with the fresher insides. Look at the current SE - Apple are still reusing iPhone 8 chassis with no exterior changes whatsoever.

If it's re-using the iPhone mini one though, most of it won't need re-tooled.

Who knows what'll come though!

 

[satchmo]

iPhone SEXR

 

[siri_3005]

I hope they consider launching it this year cause it would be good for people that are on a strict budget.

 

[Wokis]

I hope they consider launching it this year cause it would be good for people that are on a strict budget.

I wouldn't expect it. First off since it's a rumor site it's easy to end up feeling like what's on the horizon is the only thing that matters, but the current iPhone SE is actually still a relevant phone what with the A15(!) SoC in it and all. So there is already a good phone for people on a strict budget.

Secondly, the SE has historically been refreshed on an off-cycle to the normal phones, so with the supply chain disruption still in effect I don't see why they'd want to change strategy and release more new models at one time this year.

 

[Macative]

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.

Which precisely zero buyers of this class of iPhone would notice or care about.

 

[Macative]

I hope they consider launching it this year cause it would be good for people that are on a strict budget.

"Strict budget"

It's already a $400 phone. That isn't strict budget territory.

 

[mansplains]

He just puts 2 and 2 together, there are no sources here just speculation.

That's modern journalism. It makes perfect sense to have speculation on a rumors site, but keep in mind that MSM reports multitudes of stories citing "an anonymous source familiar with the matter" which is as credible as anyone on the street. When it comes to rumors, there's few credible sources who don't have litigation levied in the case of spilling the beans.

 

[boak]

Please at least have Night mode.

 

[TurboJobo]

Please Apple, 5.7 inch display with no bezels and touch id on the side with usb C. That’s it don't care for anything else. iPhone Air I’ll give you the name for free!

 

[GuruZac]

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.

Yeah I had a XR for about 9 months, and the display was definitely a notch below the 8/8 Plus displays. I remember it looked especially bad in dim lighting.

 

[john g.]

I have an 11 and have been hoping there would be a replacement with the new chip and 5G. So this proposed phone would work for me but I would even more like the iPhone mini with an LCD screen because I suffer from the PWM OLED thing. Actually, the most ultimate I could think of is the iPhone X size with the LCD screen and the newest chip and 5G. Instant buy

 

[LonestarOne]

Wow that guy fell off fast. Used to have a rumor a week

Throw stuff against the wall and hope that something sticks. I don’t know why anyone takes that buffoon seriously.

 

[webkit]

I think the next generation iPhone SE will come in three versions:
A small (mini size) version called the iPhone SE
A slightly larger version called the iPhone SEX
...plus a version with an upgraded camera setup called the iPhone SEX PRO.

 

[bluecoast]

This was highly expected and makes total sense as SE model existence is based on saving costs on everything Apple can so it can contain current processor. There is question whether it will have Touch ID in power button or under screen. Doubt it will get Face ID.
And think it will be much more popular then current model as majority prefers bigger screens and it will be much more competitive to cheap Androids like that. Curent design is too dated already.

I thought that the next SE would likely use the Touch ID from the Air.

Maybe it will - but you have to think that it would require redesigning the sleep button the the XR body, the innards behind this button in the chassis & a front facing array component without Face ID that fits the XR body (which basically doesn’t exist).

That sounds a lot of work to me. Surely it’s just cheaper to use the iPhone 11/XR Face ID.

And Apple must’ve bought over a billion units of the second revision of this component, so you’d think that it’s now not too expensive for them.