Apple’s 4in iPhone 5se (not 6c) is reportedly a multi-gen mash-up

When Apple embraced larger phone sizes with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, fans of their more compact predecessors longed for their own upgrade. And if the recent wave of rumours proves true, it’s coming this spring.

Only it won’t be called the iPhone 6c or even the iPhone 5e, claims 9to5Mac‘s Mark Gurman, who has a sterling track record of Apple leaks. His sources with the company claim the smaller phone, which will have a 4in display like the iPhone 5s (shown), will instead be called the iPhone 5se.

Why 5se, which doesn’t correspond with any previous iPhone naming scheme? He’s heard two different explanations: on one hand, employees consider it a “special edition” version of the past iPhone aesthetic, given the size and shape. And the other thought is that it’s an “enhanced” edition of the iPhone 5s. In any case, if true, Apple doesn’t seem keen on lumping it in with the iPhone 6 generation.

And that’s odd, since the reported specs pull most strongly from the iPhone 6’s own design and components. According to 9to5Mac, the phone will feature the curved glass look seen on the iPhone 6 and 6s, while featuring the A8 processor and M8 motion coprocessor from the iPhone 6. It should have the same 8-megapixel back camera and 1.2MP front camera, as well, along with an NFC chip inside for Apple Pay support.

However, it will also bring in some perks from the iPhone 6s: namely support for Live Photos (albeit not via 3D Touch) and the Bluetooth 4.2, VoLTE, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi chips. Also, it should be available in the same colour options of Silver, Gold, Space Gray, and Rose Gold.

In other words: iPhone 5s size, iPhone 6 look and heart, and some iPhone 6s bonuses. 9to5Mac suggests that it will effectively replace the iPhone 5s in Apple’s lineup, taking the same price point around the world, and that we should see it announced in March and available either late that month or in early April.

Oh, and the supposed leaked “iPhone 6c” video that made the rounds last week? Gurman’s sources claim it’s a fake – so take that as you will.

Source: 9to5Mac