Latest rumor has Apple's 4-inch phone named the iPhone 5e; device will launch in March with the A8 inside

Last month, we passed along a roadmap for the world's largest carrier, China Mobile. The map included a release in April for the rumored 4-inch iPhone that was labeled the iPhone 7c. Other names we've heard for the handset include the iPhone 6c. Out of China today comes a report stating that the actual name of the new 4-inch Apple smartphone will be the iPhone 5e. The e  reportedly stands for "enhanced." The report dovetails with earlier speculation that the phone uses the design of the Apple iPhone 5c, albeit with a metal casing.

Today's report revises some of the specs we have heard previously. Instead of being powered by Apple's current A9 chipset, the iPhone 5e will feature the A8 under the hood, along with 1GB of RAM. The device will support Apple Pay, NFC and VoLTE. It will come with an 8MP rear-camera, and retail for the equivalent of $500 USD.

The Apple iPhone 5e is supposedly being assembled right now at Foxconn facilities, and will be launched in March with 16GB and 64GB versions available. The report adds that Apple is aiming the phone at emerging markets, hoping to spread the use of Apple Pay.


source: MyDrivers (translated) via CultofMac