Apple will base the next-generation iPhone SE on the design it used for the iPhone XR, claims leaker Jon Prosser, citing new information from his sources.
In the latest episode of the Geared Up podcast with Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger (via AppleTrackr), Prosser claims that "The SE 4, from what I understand - and I don't think I've said this publicly - is just the iPhone XR."
As it is modeled after the iPhone 8 and prior iPhone SE, the current third-generation iPhone SE, released earlier this year, continues to feature thick top and bottom display bezels, unlike Apple's other iPhones. Also, all other iPhones now feature Face ID, so a potential switch to the iPhone XR design would mark the death knell for the iPhone's Home button.
The iPhone XR, which is no longer listed on Apple's stores, has a 6.1-inch LCD display, whereas the current iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display, so the change would additionally bring about a bigger screen size for Apple's most inexpensive iPhone.
The only other solid rumor about the next iPhone SE has come from display industry consultant Ross Young, who has proven to be a reliable source of information for future Apple products.
According to Young, Apple is planning to release a fourth-generation iPhone SE with a larger 5.7-inch display as early as 2023, although he did not say if such a model would retain the Home button and top and bottom bezels or adopt a notched screen with Face ID.
Top Rated Comments
Maybe what Prosser meant on the podcast is that the next SE will have the XR design but with a 5.7” display instead of a 6.1”.
But knowing how Apple likes to recycle old bodies with minimum changes for maximum benefits, there’s a chance the next SE will be just a cheap XR with an A15 inside. I think I would start to consider the Android market, like the new Asus Zenphone 9, and install Lineage OS or Graphene OS on it.
Prosser also did this with the flat sided Apple Watch. First the iPad, then the iPhone received redesigns with flat sides so of course the Watch would be next, completely ignoring the watch is a wearable device but anyway. Cue everyone reporting Prosser and convincing themselves it was correct. Big surprise when it then wasn't announced.
AirPods case with flat sides next John?