The video isn’t clear, but the top of this dummy unit does seem to show a notch-style position for the front camera
A new video claiming to show a dummy iPhone SE 4 unit contradicts recent rumors saying that it will have a Dynamic Island rather than the older-style notch.
It’s regularly been claimed that the forthcoming iPhone SE 4 will be based on the iPhone 14, which featured a notch. The most recent rumor, however, was that the iPhone SE 4 would instead feature a Dynamic Island.
Leaker Majin Bu has shown off what he or she claims are dummy iPhone SE 4 units, and done so with a series of photos and one video. As it’s a dummy unit, the iPhone is not working and so the screen is completely blank, but it still appears to show the old-style notch.
Dummy units are made by case manufacturers, based on the best information they have, which may often be no more than rumors. Since their aim is to make cases that fit the device, there’s usually no reason to care what the screen itself shows or comprises.
Conceivably, there could be cases that have cutouts for the Live Activities part of an iPhone screen, although the space those take up varies. However, Live Activities also need an always-on display, and it is not expected that the iPhone SE 4 will have that feature.
So even if the dummy unit is real, it’s still not conclusive proof either way.
Leaker Majin Bu’s photographs are clearer, but all of the back of two such purported dummy units.
One factor backing up the opposing claim that the iPhone SE 4 will have a Dynamic Island is the economy of scale. Once Apple discontinues the iPhone 14, every current iPhone model would have the Dynamic Island.
It’s still possible that Apple will retain the notch for the iPhone SE 4, though. For one thing, the company is reported to be aiming to keep the iPhone SE 4 low cost, compared to the other models.
Then equally, Apple will need to keep sufficient differentiation between its models and a visual difference could be significant.
Note that leaker Majin Bu has a poor track record in Apple leaks. Previous claims have included that an iPhone 15 Ultra would be released in 2022, and feature two front-facing cameras.
