Mikey Campbell
The Apple Store appears to have leaked the official name of Apple's next iPhone, as a listing for an iPhone 8 screen protector was updated on Thursday to reflect compatibility with "iPhone SE."
In what looks to be an update pushed out by Apple, the Belkin InvisiGlass Ultra screen protector now shows support for iPhone SE. Previously, the accessory noted compatibility with iPhone 8 and iPhone 7, according to a cached version of the webpage.
The change, if legitimate, falls in line with current rumors regarding the release of a more affordable handset that borrows its design from the 2-year-old iPhone 8. Whereas the original iPhone SE featured a 4-inch screen, Apple's iPhone 8 sports a 4.7-inch screen with earpiece, camera and Touch ID cutouts identical to that of iPhone 7.
For now, only the title of Belkin's screen protector has been updated, with purchasing options still limited to iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8 and 8 Plus. Item descriptions should be updated with reference to iPhone SE once the device is announced.
Previously rumored to launch as a so-called "iPhone SE 2" or "iPhone 9," a report earlier today claimed Apple plans to carry over the "iPhone SE" branding and refer the device as a 2020 model. The affordable smartphone could launch as soon as Friday in a trio of color options and storage configurations up to 256GB, the report said, a claim backed up by the updated Apple Store page.
Targeting cost-conscious consumers, the alleged next-generation iPhone SE is expected to pair iPhone 8's recycled chassis with contemporary innards like an A13 Bionic processor and improved communications suite.
Update: Mention of iPhone SE compatibility has been removed, though the page remains active.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
27 Comments
Nowhere does it imply that the iPhone 7 and 8 screen is the same size as the SE. There is a drop down menu, and you can select a screen protector for the SE, or one that fits the 7 and 8. It doesn’t even imply that SE is the official name of a new model, just that they added a screen protector for an existing model.
As mentioned earlier if this is case the small form factor is vintage. We will get an: ‘second edition(SE)’ iPhone 7, 8. Hopefully the battery will last longer than the 7 and 8. The proven CPU from the iPhone 11 will probably just do that. Storage will likely be 64GB and 256GB. In Europe I expect a price around €550 and €699 for the so called second edition iPhone 7, 8. Honestly I am sad that Apple does not dare to be different any more*. A small form factor with 4.7 inch screen is technically possible. Instead Apple goes the investors way. Less costs, proven technology and top margin on each sold device especially the 256GB version.
It looks like Apple fixed that, for the time being. But the word 'iPhone' proceeds every listing of every phone. On the screen protectors page, ie iPhone 11 / XR etc. Even the original SE was officially 'iPhone SE'. So Apple is keeping the same name for totally different phone? It would be so cool if Tim or Phil said 'Hey, let's mess with their heads and put up a fake selection for the SE / 7 / 8'.
I think some of these leaks are intentional. Especially now while they can’t do the press events.