As March approaches, rumors increase speed around the purported “iPhone 5se.” Even the device name is currently in contention amongst various blogging sources, but the churning rumor mill recently settled on iPhone 5se, with the “se” potentially representing a “special edition” or enhanced version of the iPhone 5s. However, many of the rumored features seem more representative of the iPhone 6, than the iPhone 5.
Most notably, the iPhone 5se will allegedly include a 4-inch retina screen, which is the same as the iPhone 5 and 5s. Otherwise, bigger product specs lean toward the iPhone 6. For example, in the leaked photo below, outlined by Business Insider, several exterior features exactly match the iPhone 6 form factor. From the relocated power button to rounded glass, the iPhone 5se at least looks like a smaller iPhone 6.
Internal specification rumors are bouncing between the A8 or A9 processors which can be found in the iPhone 6 and 6s, respectively. Importantly, there is no speculation of an A7, which is found in the iPhone 5s. Most recently, the A9 processor seems to be the most widely reported rumor according to MacRumors via 9to5Mac. Alleging that Apple would not want a two year old processor in its current lineup, using the iPhone 6 processor keeps the computing power more relevant, especially after the rumored iPhone 7 launches this fall.
The always-on “Hey Siri” feature introduced with the iPhone 6s would be a feature option, along with an 8MP camera, the same as the iPhone 6. Similar to the 6, iPhone 5se will also include Touch ID and NFC technology to provide Apple Pay compatibility.
9to5Mac’s very well connected and well trusted not-official-but-basically-official leak source, Mark Gurman, summarized the specs for iPhone 5se:
- The chamfered, shiny edges have been replaced with curved glass like on the iPhone 6 and 6s lines
- The same 8 megapixel rear camera and 1.2 megapixel front camera systems from the iPhone 6
- Support for larger panoramas and autofocus for video recording
- Barometer for tracking elevation in the Health app
- An NFC chip for Apple Pay
- The A9 and M9 chips from the iPhone 6s
- Bluetooth 4.2, VoLTE, and 802.11ac WiFi chips from the iPhone 6s
- Live Photos from the iPhone 6s
- Same color ways as the iPhone 6s
Although Gurman expects Live Photos to be a feature of the 5se, there appears to be no intention of including Force Touch, the flagship feature of the iPhone 6s. The overall goal of an iPhone 5se, if launched, would be to keep a lower price point iOS device in-line with the modern advancements of iOS, for compatibility reasons and to prevent fragmentation across a line of three iPhone generations.
The iPhone 5se is expected in March, again according to Gurman. Last year, Apple announced the new 12″ MacBook and Apple Watch in March. This year, at least, Apple is expected to unveil the new 4″ device and, assumedly, drop the iPhone 5s and 5c models.
At ProClip, you can be sure we are keeping an eye on this changing rumor and will work quickly to provide updated kits for those purchasing the new device. The best way to stay tuned is follow us on Twitter @proclipusa and watch the homepage for any updates. Additionally, sign up for the ProClip newsletter, for the latest updates.
