Multiple reports since last year have been suggesting that Apple is planning to launch the successor to the popular iPhone SE model. The rumour mill suggests that the smartphone will be called either the iPhone SE 2 or iPhone 9. While the Cupertino tech giant hasn’t yet confirmed the existence of the iPhone SE 2, a handful of CAD-based renders, as well as a 360-degree video of the smartphone, were leaked recently. Now a report by Bloomberg suggests that the iPhone SE 2’s launch is getting closer. The source suggests that the handset could be released as early as March this year.
iPhone SE 2 is expected to have a design similar to the iPhone 8
Citing people familiar with Apple’s plans, the source suggests that Apple’s supply partners are planning to begin assembling a new low-cost iPhone next month. The handset will be assembled by three manufacturers including Hon Hai Precision Industry, Pegatron Corp. and Wistron Corp., adds the report. The low-cost iPhone will help the brand to better compete in the fast-growing smartphone markets, particularly India. The source hasn’t revealed anything else about the next-gen budget iPhone.
iPhone SE 2 specifications and features
Talking about the design first, the recently leaked renders suggested that the iPhone SE 2 will resemble the iPhone 8 when it comes to the design. The handset will have thick bezels on top and bottom, a Touch ID fingerprint scanner below the display, and a single camera at the rear. However, unlike the glossy glass that’s on the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE 2 will flaunt a frosted glass finish. The photos also suggested that the device will have Apple’s proprietary Lightning port for charging, but will miss out on the 3.5mm headphone jack.
As far as the specifications are concerned, the Apple iPhone SE 2 is rumoured to come with a 4.7-inch Retina display. The smartphone is expected to utilise the Apple A13 Bionic processor, which also powers the iPhone 11. The device is rumoured to offer 3GB of RAM, and come in 64GB or 128GB storage variants. The phone is also rumoured to come with support for wireless charging.
The Apple iPhone SE 2 is rumoured to arrive with a starting price tag of $399. If the Bloomberg report is correct, Apple could put the cheaper iPhone on the market at some point in March.