The device could feature glass back and updated specs

Jan 26, 2018 14:42 GMT  ·  By

New reports surfaced this week about an upcoming iPhone SE 2 smartphone device that Apple might release this summer, in May or June.

According to Digitimes senior analyst Luke Lin (via MacRumors), Apple is working on the 2nd-gen iPhone SE model, the cheap 4-inch iPhone that was launched in March 2016, which will feature a glass back to support the new wireless technology implemented in the iPhone 8 and iPhone X models the company released last fall.

The analyst predicts that the new iPhone SE model won't incorporate the 3D Touch technology that's available in the previous model, as well as in the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8 models, and it will come with updated specs. He also noted the fact that production might start in Q2 2018 as Apple will launch the device in May or June.

"For the entry-level sector, Apple is preparing a new inexpensive smartphone similar to the iPhone SE for 2018, featuring the wireless charging functionality, but not 3D sensing. The smartphone will begin mass production in the second quarter with the official launch in May or June," said Luke Lin.

New 5.8", 6.1", and 6.5" iPhone models could be coming this year

The report also notes the fact that Apple is developing four next-generation iPhone models with 5.8-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.5-inch screens, two of them shipping with LCD displays and the bigger model with an OLED screen as Apple plans to partner with multiple LCD/OLED manufactures for the 2018 iPhone modes.

Digitimes' predictions support the claims of KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that Apple would release new iPhone models in 2018 with 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED screens, as well as a 6.1-inch variant with an LCD display. Kuo is known for his almost impeccable record of predictions for Apple's upcoming products.

If these rumors are to be believed, we're going to have a wide range of iPhone devices on our hands this year, but chances are Apple will only unveil two models in 2018, the next-generation iPhone X with new TrueDepth camera for more advanced Face ID support, and probably a new, much-cheaper iPhone SE model.