Sometimes it’s the accessory and case makers that can tell you the most about an upcoming product.
The iPhone 5se, according to an unnamed case maker who offered schematics, seems to line up almost exactly with the dimensions used in the iPhone 5s.
The case maker stated that the product’s dimensions are indistinguishable from the iPhone 5s, meaning that the new device will fit inside of existing iPhone 5s cases. There are a couple of changes, however. First, these schematics indicate that the sleep/wake/power button has been relocated to the side.
These changes seem in line with the design changes made in the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 and 6 Plus handsets. The adjustments are also in line with what sources have been saying since January, the case maker stating that the edges of the device and the front glass panel are slightly curved around the edges, but not as curved as the sides of the iPhone 6 and 6s. Schematics also show these curves, but do not show the relocated power switch. They also oddly show a small camera bump.
Besides those changes, the iPhone 5se is externally essentially an iPhone 5s: a design nearly identical to the 2012 iPhone 5 with metal plates on the back, glass caps on the top and bottom of the back, and a FaceTime camera centered above the front facing speaker.
It’s also been thought that the iPhone 5se will feature Touch ID support, although the renderings offering don’t show a Touch ID ring.
Sources have said that the new device includes the A9 and M9 chips from the iPhone 6s, the ability to take Live Photos, an upgraded camera hardware system, and an NFC chip for Apple Pay. The only other noticeable external difference will be a new Rose Gold color option, joining the previously available Gold, Silver, and Space Gray options from the iPhone 5s. The new device will come in 16GB and 64GB storage options and sell for the same prices as the 5s.
The current word is that Apple will unveil the iPhone 5se at a media event on March 15th. Apple then plans to release the phone as soon as March 18th, and the company is not currently planning to offer the device via a standard pre-order campaign.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac and iGeneration