Skip to main content

iPhone SE 2017: News and Rumors

New leak could give us our first glimpse of Apple's next-gen iPhone SE

iphone se 2017 news rumors apple 0016
Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends
Last year, Apple brought back the small phone in a big way when it released the iPhone SE. Functionally the internals of the iPhone 6S stuffed into the body of an iPhone 5, the SE satiated some consumers’ demands for a pint-sized handset without skimping on the power, as many other manufacturers often do. Although it may have seemed like a quirky one-off at the time, recent reports indicate the SE could return later this year with an all-new design.

So how is Apple’s next micro-marvel shaping up? Read on to find out.

Design

Our first look at the new iPhone SE may have just arrived thanks to an image posted on Slashleaks. It shows us what is purported to be the phone’s rear panel, made of glass. If the leak holds true, the new SE will sport a vertically stacked camera and flash setup, and a glossy exterior. The lack of metal indicates the SE could receive the same wireless charging technology rumored to be present in all of Apple’s 2017 iPhones.

The paperwork behind the hardware provides more details, telling us the new handset could receive the same Ion-X glass present in the Apple Watch Sport. It is unclear whether the strengthened glass will simply coat the front or both sides of the device.

While Ion-X glass is less durable than the sapphire used in more premium versions of the Apple Watch, it boasts improved light transmittance and is less reflective. It’s similar to the Corning Gorilla Glass found in many Android devices.

The return to a more rounded design with the next-generation SE might put off some customers who were won over by the original’s retro aesthetic. That said, it is important to remember that this image is unverified and clearly not final.

There is still a lot of time between now and the fall, when Apple is expected to debut the iPhone 7S. And although most of the attention has been paid to Apple’s upcoming range-topping iPhone 8, the next SE could be a much more affordable, accessible option for many users who don’t need to spring for Cupertino’s latest and greatest. Check back here over the coming months for more updates.

Editors' Recommendations

Adam Ismail
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Adam’s obsession with tech began at a young age, with a Sega Dreamcast – and he’s been hooked ever since. Previously…
iPhone SE 4: news, rumored price, release date, and more
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) and Apple iPhone SE (2020) together.

While the spotlight always seems to be on Apple’s mainline iPhones, the iPhone SE is a great pick for those who are on a budget. If you want an iPhone that doesn't break the bank, the SE is the way to go.

The original iPhone SE came out in 2016, and then Apple revamped it in 2020 and 2022 by giving it some more modern hardware. The iPhone SE tends to get updated every two or so years rather than annually like the traditional iPhone. This means  that we should see a new iPhone SE 4 this year, but it’s not so cut-and-dried with this particular model.

Read more
This is our best look yet at the iPhone 16’s big design changes
iPhone 15 Pro in Natural Titanium held in hand in front of a cement brick wall.

It seems Apple is prepping yet another design refresh for its smartphones this fall season. In 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro made an aesthetic deviation by serving thinner bezels and titanium looks alongside a new multi-function button. This year, it’s going to be the entry-point iPhone 16 and its Plus variant that are apparently lined up for a design refresh.

Tech commentator Sonny Dickson has shared dummy units reportedly depicting all four iPhone 16 variants, which seem to confirm what previous leaks have predicted so far. On the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the camera lenses dance diagonally on a square bump. Apple is reportedly ditching the current camera arrangement for their respective successors in favor of a pill-shaped vertical setup.

Read more
Everything you need to know about the massive Apple App Store outage
App Store on-screen illustration

Happy Wednesday evening, everyone! You're unwinding for the day, getting ready for a relaxing night, and ... you realize that the App Store and a bunch of other Apple services aren't working. Don't worry, you aren't alone.

What Apple services are down? When did the problems start? Is the outage still ongoing? Here's everything you need to know.
When did the App Store outage start?
According to DownDetector, reports of outages with the App Store flooded in a little after 6 p.m. ET. Reports appear to have spiked at over 6,000, indicating pretty widespread problems.

Read more