Case maker bets on 'iPhone SE 2' design as March rumors mount

Totallee, a smartphone accessory vendor, recently became one of the first case makers to initiate preorders for a protective cover designed to fit Apple's as-yet-unannounced iPhone SE follow-up.

While the company fails to provide information regarding the product's design, the "Thin iPhone SE 2 Case" is likely based on leaked schematics, supposed renders or best-guess estimates of Apple's much-rumored iPhone SE successor.

Apple has yet to announce a so-called "iPhone SE 2," but reports dating back to October suggest the device's design will borrow heavily from iPhone 8. It appears Totallee buys into those rumblings and is manufacturing a compliant case set to ship out on March 24.

Analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, expect the "iPhone SE 2" to feature a 4.7-inch display and include modern internals like an A13 Bionic processor and LCP antenna design. Apple is anticipated to carry over Touch ID biometric authentication in lieu of a switch to its TrueDepth camera array and Face ID.

Ever eager to get a leg up on competition, third-party case makers have for years relied on unofficial information to get iPhone accessories on store shelves at or ahead of Apple hardware launches. Cases for nearly every iPhone, as well as iPad and other Apple product lines, have popped up online in the months or weeks leading up to an official debut.

Betting on unofficial specifications and being first to market — with days or weeks of exclusivity — can be a boon for business, but companies run the risk of losing large investments should their "inside information" turn out to be incorrect.

Apple is rumored to launch a new affordable iPhone model in March. Recent reports claim the company is eyeing a starting price of $399, the same price assigned to the original iPhone SE in 2016.

16 Comments

Kopfschmerzen 54 comments · 6 Years

About 4 years ago

Easy bet. Just make a case identical to one for iPhone 8.

coolfactor 2332 comments · 20 Years

If Apple does this, what a major fail at listening to their customers. Of course, we'll adapt, but it would be a real shame. All we want is an iPhone SE form factor and a XR user experience. The all-screen user interaction is fantastic.

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

My friend was thinking o upgrading her iPhone 7 -- she wants something "new" but doesn't want to spend a fortune on it.

I told her about the SE2 coming out but advised her to wait till September when modern iPhones would be released with full face OLED screens and 5G.

If the rumors are true, the SE2 is obsolete before it's even released. It's sole claim to fame being: It's cheap.

gordy 997 comments · 23 Years

Not rocket science here. Take an existing iPhone 8 case and repackage it as an iPhone SE2 case. Key point: limited supply until an announcement.

gutengel 363 comments · 7 Years

coolfactor said:

If Apple does this, what a major fail at listening to their customers. Of course, we'll adapt, but it would be a real shame. All we want is an iPhone SE form factor and a XR user experience. The all-screen user interaction is fantastic.

If they did that, they wouldn't be able to hit the $399 price point. This phone if for attracting people new to Apple and developing markets, not for your niche dream phone.