iPhone SE 2: Multiple retailers gear up for the iPhone 9, Apple's US$349 smartphone, ahead of imminent release

The iPhone SE 2, as we are still calling it, has been a long time coming. Previous rumours tell us that the device will be sporting the body and display of an iPhone 8 but internal hardware from the iPhone 11 series. Accordingly, the iPhone SE 2 will have a 4.7-inch LCD, Touch ID and will measure about 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm while being 148 g thick. Additionally, Apple is said to be including its A13 Bionic SoC, along with a 12 MP rear-facing camera. A 5.5-inch Plus model is apparently in development, too.

While rumours about Apple launching the iPhone SE 2 on April 5 did not come to pass, there has been talk of the device arriving on April 14 or April 15, instead. Now, retailers have been caught gearing up for its release. Specifically, JD.com has created a product page for the device, which it refers to as the iPhone 9. Likewise, Verizon has added the iPhone 9 under its trade-in program.

Both retailers listing the device as the iPhone 9 does not necessarily mean that Apple will market the device as such, though. On the contrary, the iPhone 9 is probably a placeholder until Apple confirms the device's final name. Likewise, neither retailer has stated when it will be taking pre-orders, either. However, multiple retailers listing the device on their websites suggests that we are close to its release. The iPhone SE 2 is expected to start at US$349 for the 64 GB model, with prices for the 256 model possibly ranging from US$499 to US$549.