Apple 'iPhone SE 2' glass pops up on social media, but questions abound

A pair of photos posted to social media claim to show glass panels for Apple's expected "iPhone SE 2," and if real, would hint at a significant redesign.

The most obvious difference is the presence of an iPhone X-style notch towards the top, which would match a recent render shared by vendor Mobile Fun. The panels, seen on China's Weibo, also appear to be notably larger than those for the existing iPhone SE, and closer in size to iPhone X glass, or to any number of notched Android phones.

Together the factors seemingly point to the presence of a TrueDepth camera, Face ID, and/or an edge-to-edge display. That would conflict with other reports about the device however, which have suggested few external changes. In previous rumors, the phone has been pegged as getting internal upgrades like an A10 processor and possibly wireless charging.

Conceivably an "SE 2" could simply have a bigger display, and use the notch for normal cameras and sensors, but given the phone's target audience and price, this seems unlikely. Additionally, the shape of the notch in the glass in Friday's pictures isn't quite the same as the one revealed by a case manufacturer on Thursday.

Even Geskin seems to suspect that the glass is bogus. In a Tweet just prior to this "leak," he notes that his sources say that the "iPhone SE 2" is about the same externally as the iPhone SE is, but with a glass back. It's also not clear why the "iPhone SE 2" glass itself would have a notch cut into it, as opposed to a solid piece of glass like in the iPhone X.

I have to say, that my main source is saying that SE2 will have the same design (and display) as the first SE, but with a glass back.
— Ben Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) May 10, 2018

The original iPhone SE shipped in March 2016 and is often considered overdue for an update, particularly among people who enjoy its smaller 4-inch form factor. It uses the same general design as 2013's iPhone 5s, only enhanced with some of the features of 2015's iPhone 6s, such as a better processor.

Apple would likely want to add technologies like Face ID to a new model, but the cost and complexity of manufacturing TrueDepth cameras means that in 2018 the feature will probably be reserved for this fall's flagship iPhones. The company is rumored to be preparing three products: 5.8- and 6.5-inch OLED models, and a cheaper 6.1-inch LCD alternative.

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18 Comments

78Bandit

said about 5 years ago

I think this is a new model that will be positioned as a smaller size companion the 6.1" LCD device. It would also jibe with Ming's rumor of a new LCD device starting at around $500. That would actually be a decent lineup for Apple in the fall.

4.0" SE2 - $399
5.2" LCD - $549
6.1" LCD - $699
5.8" OLED - $899
6.4" OLED - $999

Under that lineup the iPhone 8 would likely be completely dropped rather than carried over as a low-cost model. There wouldn't be any need for a $599 4.7" LCD device with huge bezels and TouchID. You might see the iPhone 7 carried over to have something in the $400-$500 range.

retrogusto

said about 5 years ago

I’m not sure I buy this rumor, but I would buy the phone.

Skepticism about True Depth in an SE successor may not take into consideration the possibility that Apple could benefit from economies of scale if they use similar components across the product range, and there’s no reason they couldn’t bump up the price point if necessary, and/or save money in areas that people are less likely to notice, like screen technology. Also, if they’re updating the SE range only every other year, they might start with something that initially has lower margins but will age well as a model and become more profitable as component prices go down over time. And they could come out with an updated True Depth camera for the X successor in September but continue to manufacture the current version for the so-called SE 2.