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Leaked image of 4-inch iPhone packaging seems to confirm ‘SE’ branding and 16 GB storage size option

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A poster on Chinese social media site Weibo has supposedly photographed part of the spec sheet for Apple’s soon-to-be-unveiled 4 inch iPhone. The image appeared on the social media site earlier in the week and is likely legitimate, given the official announcement is just a matter of days away.

The image confirms the rumored ‘iPhone SE’ nomenclature and existence of a 16 GB size option for the new phone. This confirms numerous reports from 9to5Mac in the past.

We have previously reported that the iPhone SE will come in 16 GB and 64 GB SKU’s. It will replace the iPhone 5s in the lineup which is currently offered in 16 GB and 32 GB configurations. The 16 -> 64 lineup matches with the trend of other iOS devices, like the flagship iPhones which are sold in 16 GB and 64 GB capacities, but not 32 GB. It will be offered in silver, space grey, gold and rose gold casing colors.

The leaked image also shows the phone supports NFC for Apple Pay. Again, this confirms our earlier reports. The inclusion of Apple Pay will help boost adoption of Apple’s mobile payments service, as the 5s (which the SE will replace) does not support the feature at all.

Interestingly, supply chain leaks about the iPhone SE have been practically non-existent … unusual for iPhone releases. We are already seeing plentiful leaks about the iPhone 7 due in the fall, for instance.

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The silence (outside of our own coverage) is probably due to the fact that the iPhone SE will sell in far smaller volumes than flagship iPhones. In addition, it is expected to visually appear nearly identical to the iPhone 5s, making it less interesting for prospective leakers in factories.

Apple will announce the iPhone SE at an event on Monday. Read our full roundup of everything to expect, including a 9.7 inch iPad Pro and updates to the Apple Watch lineup.

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Comments

  1. David Kaplan - 8 years ago

    Words can’t describe how happy I am that they aren’t calling it a 5SE… It should be called the iPhone SE or 6c which I would prefer, design notwithstanding.

  2. Andrew Messenger - 8 years ago

    16GB is the new 4GB.

  3. Marek - 8 years ago

    Ugh, 16GB. Really wish they would just kill that size off. As long as they do 32GB or higher as well then this will likely be my new phone. Currently have a 6S but actually preferred the size of the 5 so would love to return to that.

    • PMZanetti - 8 years ago

      Really wish people like you would just comprehend that 16 GB is not the only option. 16 GB is more than enough for the vast majority of users.
      All I hear when I see these complaints is “I’m cheap and want to buy the base model”.

  4. cdm283813 - 8 years ago

    It is a mid range phone so I can’t really be upset. But on the other hand if Apple pulls the 16GB card with the iPhone 7 all hell will break lose.
    iPhone 7 should be 32GB, 128GB and 256GB. I would pay the extra $100 to jump to 128GB.

    • PMZanetti - 8 years ago

      Yeah, no. Since more than half of all iPhone buyers purchase the base model, not knowing or caring how much storage it has, I can assure you that no hell will be breaking loose.

      • Apple hasn’t increased the base model storage since the iPhone 3GS, so count me among those that think an increase is overdue. It is precisely because “more than half of all iPhone buyers purchase the base model” that Apple should increase it to 32GB. All of my extended family members have iPhones. They all have 16GB. They all run out of space and can’t back up or update. It is a problem.

    • Avieshek (@avieshek) - 8 years ago

      Waiting for 64GB, 128GB & 256GB system

      • Doubt it. If Apple does change storage sizes for iPhone, chances are it will follow iPad – 32GB, 128GB, 256GB (at least for the Plus models). Non-plus models may still stay 16GB, 64GB, 128GB

      • Avieshek (@avieshek) - 8 years ago

        Take a clear, patient look: There’s no 32GB but there has to be three tier options

    • Avieshek (@avieshek) - 8 years ago

      And why do you think they’ll re-introduce 32GB and replace the 64GB that even the SE will have?

  5. AeronPeryton - 8 years ago

    Cue the people who always buy the highest storage capacity complaining about 16GB. Oh, I’m too late…

  6. Howie Isaacks - 8 years ago

    Enough with the damn 16GB storage option. I refuse to believe that this is because of cost. Why not 32GB for the low end?

  7. Avieshek (@avieshek) - 8 years ago

    Tell me One thing Mr. Experts, Will the iPhone SE be of 7000-series aluminium? same as the 6s?

    • ninjadude99 - 8 years ago

      Not saying I know; I’m just guessing.

      I don’t think it’ll have that series of aluminium.

      Then again, we’ll just wait and see.

      • Avieshek (@avieshek) - 8 years ago

        I hope there’s a review, like UnboxTherapy on YouTube.

      • ninjadude99 - 8 years ago

        There’s no possible way that’s NOT going to happen. ;)

  8. ahhetssmhee - 8 years ago

    16GB and 64GB for iPhone SE and 64GB 128GB 256GB for iPhone 7. Mark my words.

  9. rinnin - 8 years ago

    I’ve never bought a brand new iPhone and always got 2nd hand ones (3Gs & 4S) but now I’m dying to get my hands on an SE!
    Just hope they do a 32GB version.

  10. philips9179 - 8 years ago

    The ‘SE’ name means absolutely nothing to me, I believe is confusing and was hoping that the Internet blogs got it wrong. Why oh why didn’t apple call it the iPhone 6s mini, because that’s what it is, and why didn’t they attach a number too it. What are they going to call the next 4 inch iPhone, the ‘new new iPhone SE’, like they were doing with iPads!?!?!?

  11. ninjadude99 - 8 years ago

    Personally, I hoped that the iPhone SE would have the same internals as an iPhone 6s. But oh well; beggars can’t be choosers.

  12. elfodin - 8 years ago

    48k was good enough in the ’80s.

  13. Kelly Huot - 8 years ago

    im thrilled with this phone. ive been following it for weeks and weeks and hoping they would have a smaller model for at least the last 6 months. i will not go to a larger model because it is impractical for my lifestyle and i hate that id have to use two hands to hold the thing. its a long overdue update for people like me who wont swap over for various reasons. ive learned my lesson on the storage though and will be purchasing the larger model. as much as i didnt expect much coverage i would have expected phone companies like verizon to let their employees know there will be an upgraded model coming out in the month.

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.