New iPhone leak reveals Apple’s latest design decisions

While the main iPhone line is updated like clockwork every year, Apple’s mid-range iPhone SE has only had three versions since the first model was introduced in 2016. That will change in 2025, and we have our best look yet at the next SE.

The details come from the Japanese Apple blog Makotakara. They report a leaked model for a new iPhone SE, which many expect to launch in March 2025. The 3D printed module is likely from a peripheral manufacturer that is making a “blank” iPhone SE for testing with a new line of cases.

While these blanks don’t reveal any specific specs or choices inside the smartphone, anything on the outside of the handset is allowed.

The most significant change from previous iPhone SE designs is the move towards a design based on the iPhone 14. The first three iPhone SE models used a home button with integrated TouchID. The main line has switched to a gesture-based system and FaceID recognition for unlocking. The iPhone SE should follow this design and therefore look more like a modern iPhone.

We can also see that this SE dummy allows for a single camera lens on the back (alongside an LED flash) and the camera island with the selfie camera and sensors for FaceID.

The blank doesn’t have markings for the new action button or record button, but is based on a more traditional side button approach.

The blank shown here matches many of the previously suspected or leaked details surrounding the iPhone SE. Although the core specs aren’t precise, Apple will want to integrate Apple Intelligence’s generative AI suite into the phone, and that means it will likely come with the latest A18 chipset. The same chipset powers the current iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro phones.

The iPhone SE may be a smaller phone, it will be a cheaper phone, but it should still be on par with the mainline iPhone models.

Now read about the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro problems…