2 iPhone SE Design
Earlier this week, Apple was granted a design patent for the iPhone SE. Unlike a patent for a feature or a piece of technology, design patents cover the “ornamental design” of functional items. In other words, it’s a patent protecting the aesthetics of the 4-inch iPhone.
A design patent for an iconic iPhone form factor shouldn’t be unexpected by any means and it doesn’t necessarily indicate any future iPhone plans. But, in the wake of rumors that Apple is developing a second-generation iPhone SE, the patent’s timing could be an indication of things to come.