The iPhone SE is making a comeback, but probably not in the way people expect. Apple is ditching the iPhone 5 design this time around, according to a rumor. Instead, the iPhone SE 2, as it's tentatively called, will look similar to the iPhone 8.
Like the original iPhone SE, the phone will have current-generation internals despite its outdated look, which means expect iPhone 11 specs at the very least. Ming-Chi Kuo, who's perhaps the most reliable tipster when it comes to all things Apple, recently claimed that Apple will launch the phone in 2020.
iPhone SE 2 Rumors
Previous rumors about the iPhone SE 2 have been scattered at best, but this release schedule, along with other details regarding the phone's design, aligns nicely with a recent report from Nikkei.
As Kuo notes, via 9to5Mac, the iPhone SE 2 will come equipped with an Apple A13 chip. It will be more affordable than the rest of the iPhone lineup and feature 3 GB of RAM. It will launch sometime during the first quarter of 2020.
Kuo adds that most of the iPhone SE 2's specs will mirror the iPhone 8. He also predicts Apple to sell around 30 to 40 million units of the phone across 2020, which is a generous forecast, though not at all impossible. Many people love the iPhone SE, after all. However, most of those folks love the iPhone SE for reasons they won't love the second one — the smaller, more compact design. At the time the original iPhone SE was released, the entire smartphone industry had moved on to making much bigger phones. As such, the phone was a perfect palette cleanser for those who still preferred a smaller device.
The Appeal Of An iPhone 8-Style iPhone SE
That's not the case with this new iPhone SE — that is if rumors about it having an iPhone 8 design are true. Still, there's no telling whether or not this will click with audiences — it's very possible that some are harboring nostalgia for Apple's older phones, especially since its newer ones don't have Touch ID and 3D Touch. Some customers could also gravitate toward this option if they hate the notch design all current iPhones have.
Kuo did not share pricing details for the upcoming iPhone SE 2. Do note that before the original iPhone SE was taken off production, Apple sold the 32 GB version for just $349. The current iPhone 8 is still on sale, it's worth noting. The 64 GB costs just $449, much less expensive that the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Would you buy an iPhone 8-style iPhone SE? Sound off in the comments section below!
