Apple is widely rumored to launch a 4-inch iPhone variant as a successor of iPhone 5 / 5s with improved internals and slightly different design. Previous rumors suggested Apple would call its new 4-inch device an ‘iPhone 5SE,’ but a recent report from 9to5Mac claims that the much-anticipated 4-inch iPhone model will be called ‘iPhone SE.’
Mark Gurman of the 9tomac, who has a reliable track record at reporting on unreleased Apple products, claims that Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone device will be called iPhone SE, where SE stands for Special Edition. Citing unnamed sources, Gurman reports Apple is going to drop the iPhone ‘5’ digit from the device naming in order to avoid a situation that may confuse Apple users due to the availability of newer phone such as ‘iPhone 6’.
Back in January, the publication had reported that Apple will be calling its upcoming smaller iPhone, codenamed “N69,” as an ‘iPhone 5SE,’ to indicate that it’s a special edition or enhanced version of its older iPhone 5/5s. The report also suggests that despite offering better internals, new design, and new names, the iPhone SE will not only be replacing iPhone 5s, but it will also take its price point.
“Apple was never going to call this phone the ‘5SE’. I don’t know where Gurman got that, but that was never going to happen. Adding that it would be more accurate to think of this as an iPhone 6s in a 4-inch body than as an iPhone 5S with “upgraded internals”, commented John Gruber of Daring Fireball.
As far as the specs go, rumors claim that this new device will be packing an Apple A9 chip along with M9 motion co-processor. Design wise, the iPhone SE will look pretty much similar to an iPhone 5s, except for the slightly curved edges. The device is supposed to feature always-on “Hey Siri” command, Live Photos, and NFC support for the Apple Pay. The device is rumored to come with 16GB and 64GB storage options and a camera system that came built-in with the iPhone 6 model.
Apple is said to be holding an event in March to unveil this new 4-inch iPhone SE.
Does the ‘iPhone SE’ naming sound ok to you? If Apple really ended up launching a 4-inch iPhone variant in March, would you be willing to buy one, or the larger device are perfect for you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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[9to5mac]