iOS 14 code suggests 'iPhone SE 2' may be joined by larger 'Plus' model

Apple's long-rumored remake of the "iPhone SE 2" may not be limited to just one size, with code buried inside iOS 14 allegedly confirming a "Plus" model for the entry-level smartphone is on the way.

Thought to be named either the "iPhone SE 2" or the "iPhone 9," the pint-sized smartphone has been previously speculated to launch in early 2020. A reworking of the original iPhone SE, the second-generation model is believed to retain many of the core concepts as its predecessor, including providing a high-quality experience at a lower price point.

In a continuation of supposed code leaks from iOS 14, Apple is now thought to be preparing two models of "iPhone SE 2." The previously-rumored 4.7-inch model will, according to 9to5Mac, include a version with a larger display while maintaining the same specifications list.

Mimicking the naming convention of models from the iPhone 8 generation and earlier, the new supposed model is also speculated to use the "Plus" suffix, rather than using the "Max" variant name that has been in use since the release of the iPhone XS Max.

Aside from the size, the models are also believed to use the A13 Bionic chip, as used in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, along with the use of a solid-state Home button with Touch ID rather than employing Face ID. By using a solid-state Home button, this reduces the number of moving parts and instead relies on haptic feedback from the Taptic Engine to provide acknowledgment clicks.

The models will also include support for Apple Pay and the Express Transit function, and is even touted to have the capability to scan NFC tags.

Earlier speculation had Apple on track to introduce the "iPhone SE 2" in March, despite the issues presented by the coronavirus outbreak. In March, it was suggested shipments for PCBs used by the models were deferred into the second quarter, a possible sign that the launch will be delayed due to COVID-19, though conflicting reports also point to the model entering its final production stages.

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26 Comments

coolfactor 2332 comments · 20 Years

About 4 years ago

If true, Apple is on crack. The whole point of the SE model is that it's a compact and capable one-handed device. A larger version defeats that.

Eric_WVGG 969 comments · 8 Years

coolfactor said:

If true, Apple is on crack. The whole point of the SE model is that it's a compact and capable one-handed device. A larger version defeats that.

no, the point is to keep the supply chain on the old line going for a couple more years to fill in the price umbrella

I say that sadly, as a huge fan of pocket-sized phones

apple ][ 9225 comments · 13 Years

coolfactor said:

If true, Apple is on crack. The whole point of the SE model is that it's a compact and capable one-handed device. A larger version defeats that.

I don't see a problem with releasing 2 different sized models.

If there are two different sized models, then people can choose to get whichever one suits them best.

Those who want the smaller sized version will go for that and those who want a larger version will go for that.

Many people like the original SE because of the tiny size, me included, but the SE was also budget priced, and making a larger sized SE model will appeal to certain people, who perhaps don't want to spend or can't afford the price tag of a top of the line premium iPhone.

Choice is good.

KingPacific 18 comments · 7 Years

Thus defeating the purpose ..... SE..... the compact IPhone

this is like when Honda created the civic and it’s just kept growing and growing and growing until it became a sedan ..... missing the point

cgWerks 2947 comments · 8 Years

AppleInsider said:

... the pint-sized smartphone has been previously speculated to launch in early 2020. A reworking of the original iPhone SE, the second-generation model is believed to retain many of the core concepts as its predecessor, including providing a high-quality experience at a lower price point.

Did I fall behind on my SE rumors? I didn't think one of those retained metrics was the pint-sized nature.

coolfactor said:

If true, Apple is on crack. The whole point of the SE model is that it's a compact and capable one-handed device. A larger version defeats that.

Well, not really. If they do intend it to be the 'budget' phone, rather than the smaller model, then having a 'budget' regular and plus version makes sense. I don't think they seem to care about we form-factor types (at least from the rumors).

I'm hoping the rumors are wrong, and Apple will make a phone for us. But, I won't hold my breath.

Eric_WVGG said:
no, the point is to keep the supply chain on the old line going for a couple more years to fill in the price umbrella

But they already sell iPhone 8 (and rather recently, 7). I suppose those now need updated chips to compete, even at low prices?