The iPhone 16 line has launched, and while the iPhone 17 is on many minds, Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE 4, expected in early 2025, promises significant advancements. This upcoming release could be a game-changer for Apple, bridging the gap between affordability and cutting-edge technology.
The back of the Apple iPhone SE (2022).
The iPhone SE series has consistently offered older chassis designs with updated internal components. The first iPhone SE (2016) retained the iPhone 5s’s compact 4-inch design with iPhone 6s-level specs. The 2020 and 2022 SE models adopted the iPhone 8 design but with internal upgrades. The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to revolutionize this trend.
A Design Overhaul
The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to ditch the iconic home button, potentially marking the end of this classic hardware feature. Rumors suggest a 6.1-inch display, possibly upgrading from LCD to OLED. The removal of the home button would likely necessitate a notch, though not the Dynamic Island.
The iPhone SE 4 leaks via Prosser.
Further reports indicate a potential Action button and USB-C charging. This could also be the first iPhone to utilize Apple’s in-house 5G modem, a result of the 2019 acquisition of Intel’s modem business. While maintaining a single-camera setup, it’s expected to feature a substantial upgrade to a 48-megapixel sensor from the previous 12MP. Most significantly, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to house the powerful A18 chip, the same as the iPhone 16.
Democratizing Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence on iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple’s approach to AI, with its Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18, has been a staggered rollout, initially limited to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup. This restricted availability contrasts with competitors who offer broader AI integration across their device ranges. The iPhone SE 4 could be pivotal in expanding Apple Intelligence access. It provides an affordable upgrade path for users with older iPhones who desire these features without the premium price tag of flagship models.
Apple Intelligence Summaries on an iPhone 16 Pro
While features like the Clean Up tool in the Photos app, enhanced Siri functionality, and other AI enhancements are beneficial, their restricted availability limits their impact. The iPhone SE 4 offers a potential solution, bringing these advancements to a wider audience.
A Key Release for 2025
Apple Intelligence Call Recording prompt on iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone SE 2 offered a compelling alternative to flagship iPhones. The iPhone SE 3, however, felt less impactful, launching with a five-year-old design and limited upgrades beyond 5G. The iPhone SE 4 has the potential to redefine the budget smartphone segment. By providing access to Apple Intelligence at a lower price point, along with significant design and specification upgrades, it could become one of the most important smartphone releases of 2025. This broader accessibility to AI features, coupled with performance improvements, could position the iPhone SE 4 as a highly competitive option in the market.
