So how is Apple’s next micro-marvel shaping up? Read on to find out.
Design
Our first look at the new iPhone SE may have just arrived thanks to an image posted on Slashleaks. It shows us what is purported to be the phone’s rear panel, made of glass. If the leak holds true, the new SE will sport a vertically stacked camera and flash setup, and a glossy exterior. The lack of metal indicates the SE could receive the same wireless charging technology rumored to be present in all of Apple’s 2017 iPhones.
The paperwork behind the hardware provides more details, telling us the new handset could receive the same Ion-X glass present in the Apple Watch Sport. It is unclear whether the strengthened glass will simply coat the front or both sides of the device.
While Ion-X glass is less durable than the sapphire used in more premium versions of the Apple Watch, it boasts improved light transmittance and is less reflective. It’s similar to the Corning Gorilla Glass found in many Android devices.
The return to a more rounded design with the next-generation SE might put off some customers who were won over by the original’s retro aesthetic. That said, it is important to remember that this image is unverified and clearly not final.
There is still a lot of time between now and the fall, when Apple is expected to debut the iPhone 7S. And although most of the attention has been paid to Apple’s upcoming range-topping iPhone 8, the next SE could be a much more affordable, accessible option for many users who don’t need to spring for Cupertino’s latest and greatest. Check back here over the coming months for more updates.
