Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature on DMN that provides a snapshot of the latest Apple product speculation, along with some insights and commentary. In this edition, we’ll explore the display capabilities of the upcoming iPhone 17 and the potential renaming of the iPhone SE to iPhone 16E. Here are this week’s developments in the Apple rumor mill.
Display Features of the iPhone 17 Lineup
This week, prominent leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo shared some insights regarding the iPhone 17 series:
Based on supply chain resources, the standard model of the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature a high refresh rate.
While specific details are scarce, this leak aligns with Ross Young’s reports asserting that ProMotion and always-on display capabilities are intended for the base iPhone 17 and 17 Air models.
My Insights
This report is intriguing, particularly regarding its implications. Apple is likely to introduce ‘high refresh rate’ capabilities to the base iPhone 17 and 17 Air, though it might refrain from providing the full 120Hz ProMotion feature.
Supply chain insights often lack clarity on the software functionalities enabled by the hardware.
Even if every iPhone 17 model shares similar display components, Apple may opt to restrict full ProMotion to the 17 Pro and Pro Max, offering a lesser 90Hz refresh rate for the more economical 17 and 17 Air.
What they ultimately choose remains uncertain. However, the iPhone 17 lineup might continue to feature two distinct classes, albeit with new display enhancements for the lower-priced variants.
Is iPhone 16E the New iPhone SE?
This spring, Apple is set to release a significant update to the iPhone SE. However, leaker Majin Bu suggests a name change is on the horizon.
Instead of retaining the iPhone SE brand, he claims the device will be referred to as the iPhone 16E.
My Insights on This
Bu’s mixed history with leaks makes me skeptical. Nevertheless, a recent analysis of the upcoming 2025 iPhones indicates that the new iPhone SE will share many similarities with the iPhone 16.
Shared features are expected to include:
- A18 chip
- 8GB of RAM
- Apple Intelligence integration
- 48MP primary camera
- USB-C port
Design adjustments are anticipated, such as the SE adopting a notch instead of the Dynamic Island seen in other models. However, they will largely remain analogous.
It’s unlikely that Apple will proceed with this name change due to the established recognition of the SE brand, which is also applied to products like the Apple Watch.
Yet, if any moment was ripe for a rebranding of the iPhone SE, it would be during this impending major overhaul.
What are your thoughts regarding the display technology for the iPhone 17? Do you believe the iPhone SE will be renamed to iPhone 16E? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.
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