Everything we know about the iPhone 9, Apple's next cheap mobile

It seems that Apple can't get enough of the current catalog of iPhones. On the manufacturer's website we can find up to 6 different models: two versions of iPhone 8 (normal and plus), an iPhone Xr, an iPhone 11 and two versions of the iPhone 11 Pro (normal and Max). The cheapest model is the iPhone 8, which can be purchased for 540 euros. But a cheaper iPhone 9 could soon arrive, with a design similar to the 8, but with the specifications of the iPhone 11. This is all we know so far.

Although the iPhone 9 would arrive with a design similar to the 8 and the Xr, they do not really come to renew these two models, but the iPhone SE. This terminal was a special edition with an aesthetic very similar to the iPhone 5s, but with more powerful features. The iPhone 9 would be the renewal. What's more, the first rumors showed this model as iPhone SE 2, instead of iPhone 9, although the latter name has obtained more prominence in the leaks.

Design: between iPhone 8 and iPhone Xr

The possible design of the iPhone 9, with an aesthetic similar to the Xr.

One of the keys to Apple's budget mobile is that it will feature the front design of the iPhone 8. Therefore, we can expect an iPhone 9 with somewhat pronounced frames at the top and bottom. This also means that it will have Touch ID or fingerprint reader. Of course, the rear will be more similar to that of the Xr, with a single main camera, an LED flash and different color finishes. The frames will be aluminum, and we still don't know if they will have the matte finish, like Apple's cheaper models, or have a glossy finish like the ones we see on the Pro models.

At the moment the only images we have seen of the iPhone 9 are renders created based on information about its dimensions and physical appearance. In the last hours a supposed video with the design of this cheap mobile has been leaked, and the truth is that it seems quite real, but doubts come through the frames. The company intends to change the design of the side frames and make them slightly smoother, as in the iPhone 5. However, this novelty would come with the high-end, which is usually presented in September. Not on the iPhone 9, so the video is most likely fake.

Your screen, a key feature

The screen of this terminal would be one of the key features, as it would be as compact as the iPhone 8. It would have a 4.7-inch panel, LCD technology and HD resolution. For many users it may seem like a small screen, but in this way we could have a much cheaper option. In addition, apple already sells two 'cheap' models with a large screen: the Xr and 11.

Single camera

Although the leaks do not clarify it, the iPhone 9 could arrive with the same main camera that we see in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro. Of course, only with a single sensor on the back. It is a way to lower costs. Of course, including the same sensor we would get the same quality as in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro, unless Apple decides not to include an optical image stabilization. In addition, with a single camera we can also take portrait mode photographs of people, animals and objects.

The front camera would be 5 megapixels, and here there would be nothing new compared to the other models. No improvements to the app and camera modes are expected either.

Same processor as the iPhone 11

Of course, it would also have the same processor that we see in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro: the A13 Chip. Regardless of price, Apple often introduces its latest processor in iPhone models. Of course, the RAM configuration could be somewhat lower, but the user should not notice it on a day-to-day basis. It will also come with iOS 13 and all the improvements that this includes: such as dark mode, the Apple TV app and the ability to download games with Apple Arcade. At the moment we do not know the capacity of the battery

Price and release date

The highlight of the iPhone 9 or iPhone Se 2 is its price. In price, the terminal would be even below the iPhone 8, although it would be slightly higher in specifications. According to rumors, it would cost 400 dollars, about 370 euros. However, as usual, the price would rise compared to the United States, standing at approximately 480 euros. Currently the iPhone 8 can be purchased for about 530 euros.

The iPhone 9 will be presented in a keynote scheduled for March 31, where Apple will also announce an improved iPad Pro, a new Apple TV and other accessories, such as Apple Tags (labels that allow us to locate objects). However, and because of the coronavirus outbreak, the sale of this mobile (in addition to the rest of the objects) could be considerably delayed. Apple has its factories in China and production is practically stopped due to supply constraints.