Apple is reportedly preparing a new iPhone model to be launched this year. A new evidence emerged that the release could be as early as March. The new phone is believed to be smaller and cheaper than its current models, and it's called iPhone 5SE.

This new iPhone model is reported to have similar internal components with Apple's iPhone 6. However, the screen would be smaller, the same size as iPhone 5S, which is 4 inches. This new model could be a great alternative for users who prefer smaller devices but want the latest feature, considering that the newest iPhone generations, iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus have respectively 4.7 and 5.5-inch screens.

New iPhone 6S features that could also be seen in the new iPhone 5SE includes 3D Touch, faster fingerprint sensor, and Live Photos. According to Popular Science, the iPhone 5SE would include an A8 processor for power, and M8 for tracking fitness, also NFC that supports Apple Pay. The rear camera would be 8-megapixel, and the front camera would be 1.2-megapixel, more similar to iPhone 6 released in 2014.

As for the physical appearance, iPhone 5SE would have the same rounded edges as the iPhone 6 generations, only with smaller screens. The power button would be placed on the right-hand side, similar to iPhone 6, rather than the top, like the older models of iPhone.

According to Telegraph, Apple has been under pressure to release a cheaper smartphone model. In 2013, Apple released iPhone 5c as a cheaper alternative for the iPhone 5 generation. iPhone 5c didn't have Touch ID and have a plastic case. Unfortunately, the iPhone 5c was not seen as a huge success, so Apple hasn't released another c model.

The information on iPhone 5SE was said to be leaked, instead of an official announcement. The news first breaks on 9to5Mac, which also provided details and the name. SE in iPhone 5 SE was believed to be "special edition". The same report also mentioned that the phone will be introduced in March, and go on sale either at the end of the month or in the next month.

At first, rumors said that iPhone would release an iPhone 6c, but this new information would prove that the rumors were not accurate. Apple was also rumored to plan to introduce a new Apple Watch model in March, but other reports have suggested that it's highly unlikely, and it's believed that Apple would introduce a new Apple model instead.

This cheaper model of iPhone is predicted to be a popular alternative for people who would like to enjoy the newest features but prefer smaller devices. iPhone 5SE is believed to be the model that Apple would introduce in March, instead of the new Apple Watch model.