Apple is preparing to launch a new 4-inch iPhone this spring, reports 9to5Mac. The oft-accurate Mark Gurman claims he has it on good authority that the device, codenamed N69, will publicly be called the “iPhone 5se,” and should begin shipping by March or April.
Gurman says the device that made headlines yesterday, which looked identical in design to Apple’s current smartphones, is a fake, and the real 4-inch iPhone looks a lot like the iPhone 5s. He also notes that contrary to recent rumors, the handset has a headphone jack.
The new device is internally codenamed “N69,” but the launch name will likely be the “iPhone 5se.” The “se” suffix has been described in two ways by Apple employees: as a “special edition” variation of the vintage 4-inch iPhone screen size and as an “enhanced” version of the iPhone 5s. Indeed, the upcoming “5se” features a design similar to 2013’s flagship but upgraded internals, software, and hardware features that blend the old design with modern technologies from the past two iPhone upgrades.
As for that hardware, he believes the 5se will feature an 8-megapixel iSight camera, 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera, and the A8 and M8 chips from the iPhone 6. And although its screen won’t be pressure-sensitive, he has heard that the phone will support Live Photos.
It’s believed that Apple is planning an event for March, similar in date to its keynote last year, to introduce this new iPhone, as well as new Apple Watch hardware—although a recent report pointed to supply chain evidence that suggested it may not be a major refresh.
Source: 9to5Mac