New iPhone SE will steal one of iPhone X’s best features

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iPhone SE encryption
iPhone SE set for biggest upgrade yet.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s new iPhone SE is shaping up to be the biggest upgrade the smallest, most affordable iPhone has seen in years. Alongside more powerful internals, the 4-inch device is expected to come with a tweaked design that makes way for one of iPhone X’s best features.

The iPhone SE hasn’t had a proper refresh in more than two years. Apple did release new models with increased storage options last spring, but it upgraded nothing else. It is expected to make up for that next month with the “iPhone SE 2.”

iPhone SE won’t get an edge-to-edge display and Face ID just yet — Apple needs to maintain its affordable price tag. But it will be a big improvement over its predecessors.

iPhone SE 2 will go wireless

Reliable leaker Benjamin Geskin claims the new iPhone SE, codenamed Jaguar, will feature wireless charging just like iPhone X. To make that possible, Apple is expected to scrap the handset’s aluminum unibody first introduced with iPhone 5 in favor of a shiny glass back panel.

Geskin says this information comes from his own supply chain sources.

The new design, depicted in the gorgeous render above, will fit in nicely alongside Apple’s newest iPhone lineup, which now features glass back panels across the board. It is also expected to lose its headphone jack, but it will retain Touch ID and a physical Home button.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard the iPhone SE 2 could come with wireless charging, which would allow users to conveniently top up using any Qi charging pad. Check out our roundup of the best wireless charging pads for iPhone if you haven’t already snapped one up.

The new iPhone SE, with a faster A10 Fusion processor, will make its official debut next month, according to recent reports.

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