Skip to main content

Unlikely report claims upcoming 4-inch hardware will be called iPhone 5e, not 6c, and get lower spec

An unlikely report from Chinese site MyDrivers accompanied by an even unlikelier-looking graphic claims that Apple’s new 4-inch phone will not be named the iPhone 6c, as expected, but will instead be dubbed the iPhone 5e. The letter ‘e’ supposedly stands for ‘enhanced.’

Now, the latest news shows, this new machine might be called iPhone 5e (I did not expect), as the letter “e” represents enhanced [referring to] the addition of Apple Pay, NFC and VoLTE Features.

The report also claims that the spec of the phone will be lower than previously rumored, having an A8 processor and 1GB RAM rather than the expected A9 and 2GB. This would essentially give it the same internals as the latest iPod touch …

This is the third suggested name for the device, after some speculation that it might be named the 7c to fit into the iPhone 7 lineup to be launching later during the same year.

KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo, a source with significantly greater credibility than MyDrivers, said back in November that the 4-inch device would get an A9 chip and 2GB RAM, and also hinted at a metal casing versus the plastic shell around the iPhone 5c.

The sketchy nature of this report does throw into doubt earlier reports from MyDrivers. These suggested that the 4-inch phone would get a significantly bigger battery, and that the same would be true of the iPhone 7 Plus, which would also get a 256GB storage option. We’ll have to see how this one plays out to accurately judge the source in the future.

We’re expecting the 4-inch phone – whatever it ultimately gets called – to feature rounded edges to match the look of recent models, potentially sold in a range of colors like the iPhone 5c. We recently shared some mockups of how it could look if that rings true.

The good news is we shouldn’t have to wait until the fall to find out: back in December, Mark Gurman exclusively revealed that Apple is planning an Apple Watch 2 event which may also be used to launch the updated 4-inch iPhone.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. ilyasyurdaon - 8 years ago

    So if I publish another moronic image with an even more moronic title, will you call it “report” too?

  2. PMZanetti - 8 years ago

    Obviously they would only call it a “c” if it were offered in a range of colors like the 5c was. If they aren’t doing that, some other moniker is necessary.

  3. sdhn7 - 8 years ago

    iPhone 5x ?

  4. usmansaghir - 8 years ago

    Reports were going around last year regarding the 4inch iphone “6c”. I dont think Apple will announce a 4inch iPhone.We are now in January and its hard to believe this as no physical components have been leaked!

    • jmiko2015 - 8 years ago

      remember that no physical components of Apple TV 4th gen nor Apple Watch have been leaked. The same applied on new Mac Pro as well.

  5. Fab1Man (@Fab1Man) - 8 years ago

    Whatever the 4-inch iPhone will be called, it will definitely not be 6c when it doesn’t have a similar lineup as the 5c. The 5c was meant for the Asian market as a cheap alternative, and this 4-inch version doesn’t seem to be aiming for that same goal, as the goal seems to be a smaller version of the 6/6s.
    As a smaller version it won’t be called 7(x), then the 4-inch version would be the one with the newest number, earlier than a new 7 and 7 Plus version.

    • usmansaghir - 8 years ago

      Would Apple really want to mess up all the build up around iPhone 7? And announce a iphone 7c or iphone 7 mini
      6 months after they flagship iphone 6s?. Apple will put 100% focus on Apple Watch in a march event as the watch being a year old Apple will really need to push it out too all customers and not just loyal fans.

    • appgarlaschelli - 8 years ago

      Maybe they’ll just call it iPhone 6 mini.. And then they will have the iPhone lineup, the iPhone mini and the iPhone plus

    • rogifan - 8 years ago

      When did Apple say the 5C was meant for Asia? Plus it wasn’t really cheap.

      • Fab1Man (@Fab1Man) - 8 years ago

        Apple never said this directly, but it was clearly meant for this market. They even introduced an 8GB model and discontinued it in India first (correct me if I’m wrong) when it didn’t work out.

  6. carmenia83 - 8 years ago

    Well this is the worst rumor we’ve heard so far, and sadly this sounds like the most realistic given Apple’s track record with the 5c. Under spec’d and over priced.

    • rogifan - 8 years ago

      How so? The 5C wasn’t any different than what Apple normally did (talking last years phone and making it $100 cheaper) except that they put it in a different casing.

  7. RP - 8 years ago

    Not for me, I already have the incredible 5s. Il’ll wait to see what the 7’s have to offer.

  8. Avieshek (@avieshek) - 8 years ago

    I’ve visited u’r website, which is u’r favourite novel? Quite a active lifestyle you have

    Well, would you like to visit here http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/17-inch-macbook

  9. They should just call it 6E, it sound good (Sixy), well, better than Six…C… anyway

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear