First iPhone SE Cases Start Appearing With Conflicting Designs

Last week, we saw some conflicting designs for what the upcoming 4-inch iPhone 5se or SE might look like, based on information obtained from case manufacturers. With less than three weeks to go before the device's introduction, we're now seeing the first actual "iPhone SE" cases surface online, although it's clear these companies have yet to nail down just what the phone will look like.

iphone_5se_case_1

iPhone 5se/SE case with iPhone 5s-like design including power button on top

As revealed in images obtained by MacRumors, distributors offering "iPhone 5se" cases for bulk purchase are carrying cases of both rumored designs, which include one very similar to the iPhone 5 or 5s design with the power button on the top and another more like the iPhone 6 design with rounded edges and the power button on the side.

iphone_5se_case_2

iPhone 5se/SE case with iPhone 6-like design including power button on side

Early case leaks have historically been fairly accurate indicators of new iPhone designs, though there have been a few notable exceptions. With two distinct case designs still floating around this close to the iPhone SE's launch, it's clear there is still confusion over just what Apple intends to release.

Yesterday, we published our own take on one way to reconcile the conflicting rumors, combining a curved-edge front glass panel that has been a consistent feature of iPhone 5se/SE rumors with a metal chassis that has a bit of the iPhone 5s design aesthetic including glass antenna windows at the top and bottom of the device's back.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Home Hub Command Center with Dome Base Feature

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Saturday August 16, 2025 6:45 am PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system codenamed "Charismatic," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple smart home hub concept This is likely Apple's long-rumored "homeOS" operating system. In a report this week, Gurman said both Apple's rumored smart home hub in 2026 and tabletop robot in 2027 will run the new operating system. He said the software platform will blend...
Golden Apple Logo

Every Apple Secret That Leaked Wednesday

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:13 am PDT by
Apple made a major slip Wednesday when it accidentally included hardware identifiers in software code linking to numerous unannounced products. The leaked information provided MacRumors with concrete evidence of Apple's hardware development across multiple product categories. Here's everything that was confirmed through the code discoveries: New HomePod mini with updated chip – New...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Max's Internal Design With Metal Battery Allegedly Leaks

Friday August 15, 2025 9:13 am PDT by
Alleged images of the iPhone 17 Pro Max's internal design have surfaced, offering a potential look inside the device before it is announced by Apple next month. The images were shared by the account "yeux1122" this week, in a blog post on the Korean platform Naver. The account aggregates Apple rumors and leaks, so it is likely not the original source of the images, and it is unclear if they...
iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

Alleged iPhone 17 Pro Chassis Offers First Look at All-Aluminum Body

Thursday August 14, 2025 3:40 am PDT by
An alleged iPhone 17 Pro production leak may provide a first look at the device's milled all-aluminum chassis, which this year includes the camera bump – in contrast to last year's iPhone 16 Pro model that features a glass camera module attached to an all-glass back panel. Originally shared by leaker Majin Bu, the image below could be of a moulding, but it still lines up with rumors that...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Reportedly Set to Receive 'Significant Redesign' Next Year

Friday August 15, 2025 1:31 pm PDT by
At least one new Apple Watch model launching next year will feature a "significant redesign," according to Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes. In a paywalled report this week, citing supply chain insiders, DigiTimes claimed that a high-end 2026 Apple Watch model will feature "exterior design" changes, including but not limited to "eight sensors arranged in a ring pattern visible...
apple beta 26 lineup

Mark Gurman Responds to Last Week's Apple Device Leaks

Sunday August 17, 2025 7:03 am PDT by
Last week, Apple released and then pulled a software tool that accidentally contained identifiers for many unreleased devices and chips, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. His findings included new models of the Studio Display, Apple TV, Apple Watches, Apple Vision Pro, iPad mini, HomePod mini, and more. Here is what was uncovered in the file, according to MacRumors contributor ...
Apple TV 2025 Thumb 2

New Apple TV Coming Later This Year With A17 Pro Chip

Wednesday August 13, 2025 5:29 pm PDT by
Rumors suggest that Apple is working on an updated version of the Apple TV that's slated for launch later this year. Information about the upcoming device that was found in Apple code indicates that it will be equipped with the A17 Pro chip. There have been multiple rumors about a new Apple TV coming in 2025 with a new A-series processor, but it hasn't been clear which chip Apple would use...

Top Rated Comments

smacrumon Avatar
124 months ago
Protruding camera, terribly obvious antenna lines, no 3d touch will mean no upgrade from my 4s, a time when good clean design principles actually mattered to Apple. I will wait another two more years or change brand.

Customers collectively pay Apple billions of $ to make decisions about products that exceed design standards in every way across many criteria. It's not acceptable for Apple to continue to release products that are unresolved and feature compromises such as that seen in the iPhone 6/6s.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yaxomoxay Avatar
124 months ago
Protruding camera, terribly obvious antenna lines, no 3d touch will mean no upgrade from my 4s, a time when good design principles actually mattered. I will wait another two more years, or change brand.
I jumped from 5s to 6S+. Best decision of my (iPhone) life. I thought that I would've never loved it, now I can't live without it.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ValO Avatar
124 months ago
Protruding camera, terribly obvious antenna lines, no 3d touch will mean no upgrade from my 4s, a time when good design principles actually mattered. I will wait another two more years, or change brand.
There are lots of people like this.
They don' t even like the design of the 5/s.
" back in de old days".......

I think the 4s was great for its time, I loved the design. But when I got hold of the stealth black iPhone 5, I never looked back.
The 4s looks dated now, really...
Try something new, you could grow to like it...
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WaxedJacket Avatar
124 months ago
This is news? A case? Not the phone itself... but a CASE?
The case sheds some light on the form factor of the physical phone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iZac Avatar
124 months ago
Either Apple have been baiting leakers with incorrect/varied specs, or they're releasing two 4" phones - a 6s mini and a new 'budget' 5 series.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Michael Scrip Avatar
124 months ago
My personal preference is to carry a smaller device.

I use an iPad mini for more in depth work which isn't much larger than 6s+.
Isn't much larger?

Ummmm...



:D
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)