9to5Mac’s Mark Gurman claims the iPhone SE will have an “identical” design to the iPhone 5S, citing unnamed sources that confirmed the shape and look. To differentiate the smaller iPhone from its mainstream siblings, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6s and 5.5-inch 6s Plus, Apple will bring back the styling used on the iPhone 5s for its overdue successor.
The power button will return to the top of the phone and the device will use the more angular metal and glass construction of the iPhone 5s. The only notable change is said to be the addition of “very slightly curved” edges that don’t feature the shiny reflective surface of the iPhone 5s’ corners, making the new phone more scratch-resistant.
The major changes come under the hood. The iPhone SE will include Apple’s A9 processor, a powerful chip with much greater performance than the iPhone 5s of three years ago. Further improvements to the chipset bring enhanced Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, support for Apple Pay and always-on listening for the “Hey Siri” command to begin voice control.
Apple is also said to be using the 12-megapixel camera from the iPhone 6s, letting users access the same advanced photography features regardless of the screen size they choose. The iPhone SE will be capable of shooting 4K video and capturing moving Live Images.
Apple will be launching the handset with a selection of iPhone 6s colours to hide the fact it is essentially a revamped iPhone 5s. The palette will feature all the options available for Apple’s latest flagships with 16GB or 64GB storage options.
The iPhone SE will be a natural upgrade option for Apple fans who currently own an iPhone 5s and have been waiting for another 4-inch device to come along. The SE is essentially an upgraded 5s, adding Apple’s latest hardware to a form factor that can easily be used in one hand.
According to 9to5Mac, the SE will replace the 5s after its March 21 launch, inheriting a $450 starting price in the process. Apple is said to be planning to unveil a smaller iPad Pro and refreshed Apple Watch alongside the iPhone SE, making next Monday an important date in the year for Apple fans looking to buy new hardware in the near future.
