Apple CEO Tim Cook recently teased a new product launch on February 19, hinting at the “newest member of the family.” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman quickly identified this as the highly anticipated refresh of the iPhone SE. This launch promises to be the most significant overhaul of the SE line in years, bringing exciting changes and potential price adjustments.
A New Era for the iPhone SE
The next-generation iPhone SE is generating considerable buzz due to several key upgrades. Most notably, it’s rumored to be the first iPhone to feature an in-house modem, moving away from long-time supplier Qualcomm. This transition is expected to eventually extend to the flagship iPhone and iPad lines.
Tim Cook teases the new iPhone SE.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 13, 2025
Another major change is a long-awaited design refresh. The new SE is expected to adopt the modern design language of the iPhone 14 series, featuring slimmer bezels and Face ID authentication, replacing the traditional thick bezels and Touch ID.
Leaked iPhone SE 4 mockups. Credit: Majin Bu
This redesign also allows for a larger display and increased battery capacity, addressing two common requests from users. Furthermore, the Lightning port will finally be replaced by a USB-C port, aligning the SE with current industry standards.
Performance and AI Capabilities
The new iPhone SE is also expected to be the most affordable Apple device to feature Apple Intelligence. This suggests the inclusion of a powerful A18 series processor and at least 8GB of RAM, promising significant performance improvements. While internal storage upgrades are hoped for, it remains uncertain whether Apple will increase the base storage options.
iPhone SE 4 renders from Spigen.
Recent leaks and case renders hint at a familiar design with one notable difference: a single rear camera without a prominent camera bump. This streamlined look further modernizes the SE’s aesthetic.
Price Predictions and Expectations
With these substantial upgrades, a price increase is anticipated. Industry experts predict a price point around $500, compared to the current $430 for the existing iPhone SE. The previous price hike was largely attributed to the inclusion of 5G, and the extensive hardware improvements in the new SE likely justify a further increase.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Affordable iPhone?
The upcoming iPhone SE promises a significant upgrade in design, performance, and features, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking an entry point into the Apple ecosystem. While the price increase is expected, the combination of powerful hardware, modern design, and AI capabilities positions the new SE as a potentially strong competitor in the mid-range smartphone market.
