More Developments on the Hotly Anticipated iPhone 5se

Rumors have been building about the so-called iPhone 5se, with the most recent rumors suggesting that the device will make use of Apple’s new A9 and M9 processors, rather than the A8 chips previously thought to be included in the device.

While the inclusion of the A9 chip will be welcome, it’s important to note that the chip may not be so new for much longer, and the iPhone 7 will make use of a newer generation of processors. Still, it’s nice to see that Apple is including its top technology into a device that may be a “budget” smartphone. It also makes sense that Apple wouldn’t want one of its current generation smartphones to include a chip that is two generations old.

Of course, the processor isn’t the only piece of technology being talked about when it comes to the upcoming iPhone 5se. Some suggest that thanks to the new chips, the device will also be able to handle always-on Siri, which is triggered by the use of the phrase “Hey, Siri”.

This is a very plausible rumor. Apple wants Siri to become smarter and more proactive, and it would be a little counter-intuitive for Apple to include an older version of Siri on a new phone, especially because the use of the technology doesn’t really come at an extra cost to Apple in the same way that a better display or more RAM might. It’s important to note that if the iPhone 5se does not end up with the A9 and M9 chips, then we probably shouldn’t expect always-on Siri.

When it comes to storage, it is expected that the iPhone 5se will start out with a barely tolerable 16GB of storage, with options ranging up, probable to 64GB. Many suggest that it’s long past time for Apple to get rid of 16GB as a storage option, with 16GB barely being enough for the kinds of apps and videos that people are downloading today. Still, it could also be argued that apps are really the only thing that people need to store on their device these days, with other things being accessible through cloud storage.

Now we come to release date. Originally, it was thought that the new 4-inch phone would be released sometime in mid-February, however now speculation suggests that the date will be sometime in mid-March instead. Specifically, rumors suggest that Apple is planning a press event for March 14, which may also be the event where we will see new Apple Watch bands and the new iPad Air 3. Shipping could start in March, or it could be pushed until April.

As far as cost goes, according to 9to5Mac, the iPhone 5se will have the same cost as the iPhone 5s. Currently, the iPhone 5s costs $450 unlocked for the 16GB model. As a comparison, the unlocked iPhone 6s costs $649 for the 16GB model. Still, $450 is a lot of money, and I would like to see Apple releasing a phone that is more appropriate as a budget device rather than simply another iPhone for those that want a smaller screen.

It will be interesting to see what the design of the phone ends up looking like, although some suggest that it will look the same as the iPhone 5s, but will be offered in colors like rose gold, especially considering the fact that Apple has been aiming to unify its products.

Other features on the phone include an 8MP camera, as well as an NFC chip so that users can take advantage of Apple Pay. Unfortunately, it seems as though the iPhone 5se will not include 3D Touch, which is somewhat surprising considering the fact that many expect 3D Touch to revolutionize how we interact with our smartphones.

The device, as mentioned, will replace the iPhone 5s, and the iPhone 5s will no longer be available for purchase. It’s about time for Apple to get rid of the iPhone 5s as an option for users. Basically, within the next year, the options available to users will be the iPhone 5se, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, and the iPhone 7 models, likely to be the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

It will certainly be interesting to see what the iPhone 5se ends up looking like, especially if it ends up taking on some of Apple’s recent design changes.

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[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]