Roger Fingas
New pre-release cases for Apple's rumored 4-inch "iPhone SE" may imply that device will be virtually identical to the iPhone 5s, in spite of a recent case suggesting design tweaks more akin to the 6s.
Bumper and shield cases produced by X-Doria align properly with the buttons, ports, and dimensions of the iPhone 5s, according to a YouTube video from MobileFunTV. Both are in full retail packages labeled as being for the "iPhone 5se," a name once rumored but now likely inaccurate.
A similarly-labeled Chinese case received by Unbox Therapy hinted at repositioned buttons, and hence a modified chassis, perhaps with iPhone 6-style curved screen edges.
The discrepancy may indicate that one or both of the casemakers are wrong about the new phone's final design. Case makers have been known to bet — Â and lose — Â on rumored Apple designs prior to a product's official unveiling.
Internally the device is expected to feature an A8 or A9 processor, Apple Pay support, and an upgraded camera potentially capable of 4K video. This would offer an upgrade path for 5s owners who want a low-cost iPhone, and/or a smaller model than the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 or 6s.
The product should be unveiled at an Apple press event on Monday, alongside a new 9.7-inch iPad and more Apple Watch bands.
Apple's event kicks off at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern next Monday. AppleInsider will be there live with full coverage and hands-on impressions.
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12 Comments
A lot of factories in China are going to lose a lot of money on this.
If the SE is all Apple has up its sleeve for next Monday, it will not be the biggest event. Anticipation isn't high anyway. And I'm not asking for a game changer. Maybe just some great computer updates – and for example some clear up in the MacBook Air vs MacBook comparison. For the non AppleInsider, this is rather confusing.