The tech world is buzzing with anticipation for the next generation of Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE. Rumors and leaks suggest a significant redesign and powerful upgrades are on the horizon, potentially making the iPhone SE 4 a game-changer in the affordable smartphone market. Let’s dive into everything we know so far about this highly anticipated device.
Release Date and Price Predictions
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed a launch date, industry whispers and analyst predictions point towards a possible release in the spring of 2025, perhaps around March, mirroring the iPhone SE 3’s launch timeframe. Pricing is expected to remain competitive, with estimates ranging from $450 to $500, making it significantly more affordable than the flagship iPhone 16.
The back of the Apple iPhone SE (2022).
iPhone 16E: A New Naming Convention?
While most rumors refer to the upcoming device as the iPhone SE 4, some speculate that Apple might align its naming with the iPhone 16 series, potentially calling it the iPhone 16E. This would integrate the SE more closely into the current iPhone family.
Design Overhaul: Embracing the iPhone 14 Aesthetic
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to undergo a significant design transformation, potentially adopting the sleek look of the iPhone 14. Leaked renders showcase a similar form factor, with the most noticeable difference being a single rear camera. The iconic home button with Touch ID might be replaced by Face ID, bringing the SE in line with modern iPhone design language.
iPhone SE 4 leak by Majin Bu.
Renders of the iPhone SE 4 from Spigen.
A Larger Display: Goodbye Bezels, Hello Modernity
A significant upgrade is expected in the display department. The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to boast a 6.1-inch screen, a substantial increase from the 4.7-inch display on the current model. This larger display would offer a more immersive viewing experience and eliminate the large bezels of its predecessors. The notch is likely to return, making the Dynamic Island unlikely for this generation.
Render of the iPhone SE 4 design.
Furthermore, the addition of an Action button, similar to the one on the iPhone 15 Pro, and the transition to USB-C are anticipated enhancements. Rumors also hint at a potential iPhone SE 4 Plus variant with a 6.7-inch display, catering to those who prefer larger screens.
Display Technology: Will OLED Finally Arrive?
While previous SE models have relied on LCD technology, there’s speculation that the iPhone SE 4 might finally make the jump to OLED. This would bring richer blacks, improved contrast, and a more vibrant viewing experience to Apple’s budget offering. However, considering Apple’s cost-conscious approach with the SE line, it’s also possible that LCD will remain. A 120Hz refresh rate is considered unlikely.
An iPhone 14 laying on a table. The display is on and showing the home screen.
Performance Boost: A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence
Under the hood, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to pack the same powerful A18 Bionic chip as the iPhone 16. This would be a major performance upgrade, bringing significant speed improvements and potentially enabling Apple Intelligence features, albeit possibly on a smaller scale. This suggests a minimum of 8GB of RAM, the baseline for Apple devices running its AI stack.
The iPhone SE 2022 and the iPhone 14 Plus
Another intriguing possibility is the inclusion of Apple’s in-house 5G modem, marking a significant step in the company’s transition away from Qualcomm.
Camera Upgrades: A 48-Megapixel Leap
While maintaining a single-lens rear camera setup, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a significant sensor upgrade to 48 megapixels. This would allow for higher resolution images, improved low-light performance, and potentially new camera features. A 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera is also anticipated, facilitating Face ID functionality.
The Apple iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE 4 leak by Majin Bu.
Battery Life: Room for Improvement
The iPhone SE has historically been criticized for its less-than-stellar battery life. The larger chassis of the iPhone SE 4 should allow for a bigger battery, potentially addressing this weakness. However, the increased power demands of the A18 chip and potentially an OLED display could offset some of these gains.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) being plugged in to charge.
Conclusion
The iPhone SE 4 promises to be a significant upgrade over its predecessors, potentially bridging the gap between budget-friendly and flagship features. While these are still rumors, the potential for a redesigned chassis, a larger display, a powerful processor, and improved camera capabilities makes the iPhone SE 4 a device to watch out for.
