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iPhone 5se drawings: nearly identical to 5s with slightly curved edges

iPhone5se

We have been reporting since earlier this year that Apple is preparing to launch a new 4-inch iPhone called the iPhone 5se. Our sources have said that the new device is essentially the 2013 iPhone 5s with significant internal hardware and software upgrades. Earlier rumors about a next-generation smaller iPhone model called the device an “iPhone 6c” and said that it would look similar to the iPhone 6 in appearance.

Today, a case maker source provided us with schematics that line up with what we have been hearing from our sources who have used the iPhone 5se: the device looks nearly like a 5s.

The case maker source tells us 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, on our drawings. First, these schematics indicate that the sleep/wake/power button has been relocated to the side.

This change would make sense given that Apple made the shift on the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus beginning in 2014. In line with our sources have been saying since January, the case maker tells us 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 shown on website iGeneration 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.

Also, while these renders don’t show the Touch ID home button, the iPhone 5se will have Touch ID support. The rendering software that the case maker uses simply doesn’t show the Touch ID ring.

As for the insides, 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.

Screenshot 2016-02-24 17.19.19

Sources say that Apple will unveil the new iPhone 5se at an 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. At its March 15th event, Apple is also said to be readying a series of new Apple Watch model options (including a new Space Black Milanese Loop and NATO-style nylon straps), as well as an upgraded version of the 9.7-inch iPad with an A9X processor and a Smart Connector.

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Comments

  1. Stuart Meow Johnson - 8 years ago

    And by the look of it, no TouchID either…

    • Robert Nixon - 8 years ago

      If it supports Apple Pay, then I would be shocked if it doesn’t have Touch ID.

    • twelve01 - 8 years ago

      Where did you get that idea? Touch ID is standard from 5s on.

    • el3v3nty - 8 years ago

      precisely the reason i don’t think this is a real. no touchID = no ApplePay = fake render.
      Also, i think i like the 5s grip, i don’t want another slippery phone design. it’s pissing me off how Apple pulled this off in iPhone 6. functionality > form WAS apple’s biggest point back when iPhone was launched.

      I’m starting to not like Apple if this continues.

      • elme26bih - 8 years ago

        Try 6S (Plus)! It’s a huge difference to the 6 (Plus).

    • promise7 - 8 years ago

      Did you even read the article or just here for the pretty pictures? It says, “Also, while these renders don’t show the Touch ID home button, the iPhone 5se will have Touch ID support. The rendering software that the case maker uses simply doesn’t show the Touch ID ring.”

  2. frikova - 8 years ago

    Kind of disappointed, I thought it was going to look more like a mini iPhone 6.

    • My friend who used an iPhone 5s (but then subsequently dumped in into a waterfall and has been using a Galaxy S4 ever since) pointed out she’s scared it will bend if it’s the iPhone 6’s design and thinness.

    • PMZanetti - 8 years ago

      Then you haven’t been paying attention at all.

  3. encogneato - 8 years ago

    How is it that “the new device will fit inside of existing iPhone 5s cases” if the power button has been moved?

    • zexpe - 8 years ago

      And why move the power button? It was originally moved in the iPhone 6 because of the larger design: hence, it doesn’t make sense to move it in the iPhone 5 form factor.

      • Gives them room for better camera and bigger battery. Puts it closer to the boards.

        I much prefer it on top but that’s the way it goes.

      • taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

        I still keep reaching for the top on my 6 plus for the sleep wake and look for the volume buttons where the sleep wake button is now located. I prefer the layout of the iPad Air 2.

    • PMZanetti - 8 years ago

      Seriously, not the case.

  4. No 128GB option :-(

  5. animatedude - 8 years ago

    7.6 mm?!

  6. Steve Lawrence - 8 years ago

    I am buying this. I have a 5s right now, and this new model meets all of my needs. If it stays at the same price as the 5s, that’s a real bonus, and I think Apple will finally get a good slice of that “middle tier” pie that their current line-up ignores. But I’d still encourage them to rethink the name. From what I’m reading, the only thing about this phone that relates to the current 5s is shape and size. The things that matter, the things that make people want to pay money to upgrade (i.e. the new features) are much more in line with the 6 / 6s so I think they run the risk of underselling this phone by calling it 5se. 6s mini has a nice ring to it.

  7. applegetridofsimandjack - 8 years ago

    Personally I find the iPhone 5S design to be the most beautiful iPhone design ever.

    Yes, it’s the same design as iPhone 5 but the Touch ID ring in the 5S makes the 5S more beautiful. The silver 5S, just a ridiculous piece of tech. Too beautiful for this world.

    • PMZanetti - 8 years ago

      It might be beautiful, but unfortunately the chamfered edge is the single worst design decision in the history of iPhone.

      • Apaches911 - 8 years ago

        I would say a chambered edge combined with a soft aluminium alloy was the wrong choice. I had a 5S in case since the moment I bought it. I took the case of six months later, and little bits from my pocket (god knows what) had got behind the case and actually scratched the surface of the rear edge. You can image how happy I was about that! As I don’t work on a construction site I cant image what had scratched it! There was only fluff and dust in the case.

        EPIC fail!

        My biggest complaint towards Apple is the fact the great industrial design has to be hidden in a case if you are A. a perfectionist like me, or B you want to retain retail value.

      • zexpe - 8 years ago

        I’ve had my iPhone 5s since the day it launched, space grey, never been in a case, still looks as good as new and is used heavily every day. I like the chamfered edge.

    • mytawalbeh - 8 years ago

      Agree..

  8. yojimbo007 - 8 years ago

    If true…i hope it distinguishes itself from the old model by at least being significantly thinner…
    The 5 design is nice… But making it thinner will achive An even better look and more importantly a new look.

    • yojimbo007 - 8 years ago

      Looking at some schematics in other sites.. It seens it look more like 6 thsn a 5… … Or a blend

  9. Bugger. I was hoping Apple might see some sense and put the power button back on top. No idea how many pics I’ve missed because it’s on the bottom.

  10. jrv6 - 8 years ago

    I would love to see a 5s design but slightly thinner
    I held out until the home button died on my old 5s
    Have a 6s but it is a bit too big and slippery. I prefer the flat sides but they can be s little less sharp at the edges.
    It should be possible to keep battery life about the same, but with upgraded performance

  11. Question… Is that a lip I see on the 5se to protect the screen?? I don’t like screen protectors or cases. If that’s a built-in lip, I like it!!

  12. Marcin Nawrot (@4hitch) - 8 years ago

    First iPhone with touch id inside screen or first with face recognition using 2 front camera. I hope its fake render

  13. PhilBoogie - 8 years ago

    Maxing out at 64GB may not be the big issue I think I was going to have: I currently have ≈ 40GB of music stored but may not need that if I simply use Spotify/Tidal/Music (Match). Photo’s take up ≈ 30GB but I could refine my selects and only keep ‘memorable’ pics and anything from the last xx weeks/months.

    I guess the only thing I really don’t like is the sleep/wake button on the side. After a year and a half I still sometimes shut of the phone instead of taking a picture with the volume button. And I used to pick up the phone while pressing the sleep/wake button which for some bizarre reason doesn’t ‘work for me’ with the button on the side.

    For the life of me I can’t understand why Apple moved that sleep/wake button in the first place. If their reasoning is that the iPhone became larger then why is it still on top of all iPads?

    • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 8 years ago

      Because no one uses an iPad with one hand.

      • PhilBoogie - 8 years ago

        Excellent point. So why did they move it on the iPhone 2014/2015 models?

      • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 8 years ago

        @phil, You mean the 6/6s? Probably because they require a larger shift in grip to reach? It was kinda hard with the 5/5s compared to the 4/4s but still manageable. This would just be easier. The picture taking thing is a crummy dowside. I also liked having one side of the phone button free since it could stand on it’s own and be level.

  14. valanchan - 8 years ago

    That’s a good looking phone. Maybe the best iPhone yet. If the Apple Watch is more independent from the iPhone then this may be the best companion iPhone.

    Always thought the edges were too sharpe and giving them the rounded edge looks like it would be more comfortable to hold. Just a pity there is no lip to protect the screen.

  15. scottwilkins - 8 years ago

    I’d give anything if Apple would stop the madness and move the power button back to the top of the iPhone. Where it’s at makes no sense at all.

  16. Kenneth Leung - 8 years ago

    I wonder if the front camera will be upgraded to 500 pixels, it’s not enough for 120 pixels

  17. Darrin (@DarSea2) - 8 years ago

    I carried an iPhone 4 about 4.5 years. The 4 -5s were my favorite styles but seriously though if that’s it, the price point seems high for a near 2012 design.