New supposed schematics of the upcoming iPhone 5se show the phone will be based on the design of the iPhone 5s, rather than adopting a new design closer to the iPhone 6 series, 9to5Mac reports. Sources suggest that the new device will basically sport the same exterior design as the iPhone 5s, with significantly upgraded internal hardware. This would seem to make sense considering Apple’s choice of iPhone 5 family naming for the new device, which many earlier rumors speculated was going to be dubbed “iPhone 6c.” A case maker source revealed to 9to5Mac that the device “looks nearly like a 5s” with dimensions that are indistinguishable from the early model.
The schematics also seem to indicate that Apple has chosen to relocate the sleep/wake/power button to the side of the casing, similar to the iPhone 6 models. The edges of the device and front glass panel are also expected to be slightly curved at the edges, although reportedly not to the extent of curvature on the iPhone 6 models.
Other than the physical design, however, the iPhone 5se is expected to include specifications somewhat in line with the iPhone 6s models, including the A9 and M9 chips, Live Photos, new camera hardware, and an NFC chip for Apple Pay. It’s unclear whether the new model will get 3D Touch support, although a new Rose Gold color option is expected to join the iPhone 5s family’s Gold, Silver, and Space Gray options.
The new model is expected to come in 16GB and 64GB capacities and sell for the same price as the iPhone 5s. Apple is expected to unveil the new model at an event on March 15, with in-store availability expected for March 18.
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