iPhone SE 4: Release Date, Price, Design, and What We Know So Far
While Apple’s flagship iPhones often steal the show, the iPhone SE is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option. If you want an iPhone without breaking the bank, the SE model is a solid option.
The iPhone SE made its debut in 2016 and was later refreshed in 2020 and 2022, boasting more modern hardware. Unlike the mainline iPhones, which are updated annually, the SE follows a two-year refresh cycle. Based on this pattern, we can expect the iPhone SE 4 to arrive in 2025.
Here’s everything we know about the iPhone SE 4.
iPhone SE 4: Expected Release Date and Price
The first iPhone SE appeared in 2016, with a long gap until its 2020 successor. A third iteration followed in 2022, suggesting a 2024 release. However, rumors have been mixed. Initially, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested the iPhone SE 4, planned for 2024, was canceled. He later revised his statement, saying the project was back on but wouldn’t materialize until 2025.
Given the timing, a 2025 release seems likely, especially since Apple tends to release SE models in the first half of the year. As for the price, despite upgrades, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to remain under $500, with a slight increase from the current $429. Even with a bump, it will be significantly cheaper than the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17.
iPhone SE 4: New Design
The 2016 iPhone SE mirrored the iPhone 5s, while the SE 2 and SE 3 were based on the iPhone 8. However, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to bring a fresh design. Rumors suggest it will have a 6.1-inch display, matching the size of current flagship iPhones. This change marks a significant upgrade from the 4.7-inch screen on the 2022 model.
With a larger display, the iPhone SE 4 will likely lose the home button and Touch ID, favoring Face ID instead. However, it’s unlikely to adopt Dynamic Island, as it will likely keep the notch. Additionally, the SE 4 could introduce an Action button, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro, and switch to USB-C, ditching the Lightning port.
iPhone SE 4: OLED Display
Previous iPhone SE models have featured LCD displays, but the SE 4 might switch to OLED. Apple began using OLED panels with the iPhone 12, and this change would bring the SE closer to the flagship experience at a lower price. OLED offers better contrast and deeper blacks than LCD, which would be a major improvement for the budget iPhone.
iPhone SE 4: Performance
Historically, the iPhone SE has used older chips to keep costs down, but the iPhone SE 4 may break this trend. It’s rumored to feature the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, enabling more advanced Apple Intelligence features, though likely on a smaller scale than flagship models.
There’s also speculation that the SE 4 could debut Apple’s in-house 5G chip, a result of the company’s acquisition of Intel’s modem business in 2019. This would further reduce Apple’s reliance on Qualcomm. If Apple Intelligence is included, the SE 4 could come with at least 8GB of RAM, representing a significant performance boost over previous SE models.
iPhone SE 4: Camera
The iPhone SE line has always stuck with a single rear camera, and the iPhone SE 4 will likely continue this tradition. Apple reserves dual-camera setups for its standard models and triple lenses for the Pro versions, so the SE will probably stick with one to avoid competing too closely with those models.
However, an upgrade is expected, possibly moving from the current 12MP camera to a 48MP sensor. The selfie camera, which has been underwhelming in past SE models, may also see improvements in resolution and features, while still maintaining the SE’s budget-friendly nature.
iPhone SE 4: Battery Life
Battery life has been a weak spot for the iPhone SE due to its compact size. The current iPhone SE 3 has a 2,018mAh battery, which pales in comparison to the larger batteries found in flagship models.
If the SE 4 adopts the iPhone 14 design, it could benefit from a larger battery, possibly around 3,279mAh, which would be a significant improvement. However, with the inclusion of Apple Intelligence and potentially an OLED display, increased power demands might offset some of this gain in battery life.
Final Thoughts on the iPhone SE 4
While these details are based on rumors, Apple is known for surprising its customers. Until we get closer to the official launch, the specifics of the iPhone SE 4 will remain speculative. That said, the iPhone SE 4 promises significant upgrades, making it a more capable and attractive option than its predecessors.
Read more: Experience Apple’s AI Features Early: Download the iOS 18.1 Public Beta Now