The iPhone SE has experienced a revival, featuring powerful processors comparable to those found in Apple’s premium phones. However, there’s speculation surrounding the potential iPhone SE 4 launch, with conflicting reports, including analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s suggestion of a potential cancellation.
Apple typically remains tight-lipped about its future products, but given the discontinuation of the iPhone Mini, the iPhone SE gains added significance as the compact and affordable choice in Apple’s lineup. Despite the positive aspects of the 2022 iPhone SE 3, such as its reasonable price and familiar home button, criticisms have arisen, particularly regarding the absence of night mode photos and an outdated design. Meanwhile, competitors like Samsung and Google have made strides with their budget phones, introducing features like high refresh rates and multiple cameras.
The third-generation midrange iPhone SE, launched in 2022, utilized a modified iPhone 8 chassis, making it the lone iPhone in Apple’s current lineup equipped with a Touch ID button. However, the 3rd generation of budget-friendly smartphones failed to make a significant impact. Recent iPhone SE 4 rumors hint at the potential game-changing nature. In contrast to its predecessor, expectations for the iPhone SE 4 envision a more contemporary design, featuring a larger screen, a display notch, and support for Face ID.
MacRumors indicates that Apple is actively developing the upcoming model, codenamed Ghost and identified internally as D59, scheduled for release as the iPhone SE 4. Unlike its predecessor, this next iteration in the iPhone SE series is anticipated to closely resemble Apple’s recent smartphone models, drawing heavy inspiration from the base model iPhone 14. Sources indicate that the iPhone SE 4 will adopt a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis, maintaining iPhone 14 test parameters during internal testing. This is a signal of departure from established design conventions.
Forecasting Apple’s future product releases involves inherent uncertainty until the company issues an official announcement. We all know that it comes on the day of release and is always kept under wraps.
Nevertheless, we can draw insights from credible sources such as Kuo, leaks, and Apple’s historical launch patterns to outline potential expectations for the next budget iPhone SE 4. It’s crucial to acknowledge that the next-gen budget iPhone details are speculative and subject to change until officially validated by Apple.
Do we have an official iPhone SE 4 release date?
The very existence of the iPhone SE 4 has not been confirmed officially. There have been fluctuating predictions from analyst Kuo in recent years that point to the possibility of another SE model in the works. In 2019, Kuo suggested Apple was working on an iPhone SE with a full-screen design resembling the iPhone XR. However, subsequent iPhone SE releases maintained the iPhone 8-inspired design, sparking speculation about the fate of the initially referenced model.
Kuo’s predictions for the iPhone SE 4 in 2023 have been inconsistent. Initially reported in January that a planned 2024 iPhone SE had been canceled, he later stated in February that the project had been revived.
Nevertheless, by April, he adjusted his prediction, suggesting that the model in question might be an engineering prototype for an Apple in-house 5G baseband chip—a feature previously linked to the iPhone SE 4.
Despite these uncertainties, a recent report from MacRumors indicates active development of a new iPhone SE with substantial upgrades.
Let’s have a look at the release cadence followed by Apple for the iPhone SE lineup. It is very different from the regular schedule observed with Apple’s flagship iPhones. The inaugural iPhone SE arrived in March 2016, followed by the second generation in April 2020, and the most recent third generation in March 2022. While a 2024 launch seems in line with recent schedules, the irregular four-year gap between the first two models introduces an element of unpredictability.
Concerning the iPhone SE 4 release date, some sources indicate a potential launch in 2024, but there’s an alternative perspective presented by MacRumors. The analyst Jeff Pu claims the iPhone SE 4 launch date is not until Fall 2025, following the release of the iPhone 16. The timing of Apple’s decision on the unveiling remains hidden, contributing an air of mystery to the much-anticipated device.
However, Ming-Chi Kuo and few reliable sources seem to be in consensus that the anticipated iPhone SE 4 debut in 2024 is not possible. Notably, one of Kuo’s early leaks even suggested a delay until 2025. Consequently, the prevailing expectation is that the iPhone SE 4 release might be pushed to Spring 2026.
What will be the iPhone SE 4 price?
Of late, Apple has demonstrated a consistent upward trend in the pricing of its SE Phones in recent years, evident in the initial launch costs of previous models,
Anticipated upgrades in design and hardware for the iPhone SE 4 suggest a more significant price increase this time around. While the idea of the iPhone SE 4 being priced at $450 is appealing, leaked information indicates that Apple may not pursue such an aggressive pricing strategy in 2025. There’s a possibility that Apple could exceed the $500 mark, potentially surpassing the $500 price point. A more realistic price range for the iPhone SE 4 is estimated to be between $500 and $600.
| iPhone SE Model | Variant | Price |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2016) | 32GB | $399/£379 |
| iPhone SE (2016) | 128GB | $499/£449 |
| iPhone SE 2 (2020) | 64GB | $399/£419 |
| iPhone SE 2 (2020) | 128GB | $449/£469 |
| iPhone SE 2 (2020) | 256GB | $549/£569 |
| iPhone SE 3 (2022) | 64GB | $399/£419 |
| iPhone SE 3 (2022) | 128GB | $449/£469 |
| iPhone SE 3 (2022) | 256GB | $549/£569 |
| iPhone SE 4 (2024) (to be announced) | $500-600 (rumored) |
Given this historical pattern, it’s plausible that the iPhone SE 4 could be introduced with a higher price tag than its predecessor. However, an intriguing observation arises when examining the pricing of the iPhone 15, particularly in the UK, where it is lower than that of the iPhone 14. For context, the iPhone 15 starts at $799.
iPhone SE 4 Specs
iPhone SE 4 Design and Display
Recent reports from reliable sources such as MacRumors and Unknownz21 indicate that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is poised to be an altered version of the iPhone 14, showcasing a 6.1-inch all-display design. Presently, the iPhone SE stands as the sole model with an LCD display, but the iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to transition to OLED technology.
The design of the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt a notch in place of a Touch ID Home button, introducing uncertainties about the inclusion of Face ID and the TrueDepth camera system in the notch, potentially influenced by cost considerations.
According to information from Unknownz21, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to debut an Action Button, positioned to replace the mute switch on the phone’s side. While this feature was initially exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro model, speculation arises that it may find its way into the iPhone SE 4. Moreover, the iPhone SE 4 is projected to embrace a USB-C port, aligning with the connectivity standard prevalent in flagship models.
The most recent design rumors have come from tipsters AppleTrack and @concept_central. They shared design renderings of the iPhone SE 4 from various angles. The design of the iPhone SE 4 appears reminiscent of the iPhone 14 but with notable differences.
The iPhone SE 4 features flat sides with rounded corners, and at the top of the screen, there is a notch housing the front camera and Face ID sensors. Renderings from @concept_central showcase the iPhone SE 4 in four colors: black, white, red, and blue.
Following the design pattern of the iPhone 14, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to sport a larger screen, potentially measuring 6.1 inches. However, it remains uncertain whether the display will continue to use an LCD panel or transition to OLED.
Unlike the iPhone 14, which still utilizes a Lightning port, the iPhone SE 4 is set to adopt a USB-C port, similar to the iPhone 15 series. Additionally, the left side of the device will feature a versatile Action Button, a feature initially introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro series.
iPhone SE 4 Camera
Apple is rumored to be exploring the option of utilizing the iPhone 14 chassis for the iPhone SE 4, intending to maintain comparable dimensions to the 6.1-inch iPhone 14. However, a significant distinction emerges in the rear camera setup. Unlike the iPhone 14’s dual-camera configuration, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt a single 48-megapixel lens. This change necessitates the creation of a new backplate to accommodate the altered camera arrangement.
The current iPhone SE is equipped with a 12MP camera, and there is speculation that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 may retain a single-lens camera configuration to manage costs. Renders by Ian Zelco on Front Page Tech have also come up showcasing the iPhone SE 4 with a single rear camera. However, there are also rumors circulating about the potential inclusion of the 48MP primary lens from the iPhone 15.
This suggests the continued use of the primary 12MP sensor found in the iPhone SE. However, there is a possibility that Apple might introduce the 48MP sensor from the iPhone 15 lineup to the iPhone SE 4 in 2023. Users would likely appreciate enhancements such as Night Mode for improved low-light photography on the upcoming iPhone SE 4.
Reports suggest that Apple has been exploring various camera designs for the iPhone SE 4, and at present, the final decision remains uncertain. It’s conceivable that Apple has not yet made a definitive choice.
The render leaks by @concept_central suggest an oval-shaped module on the rear that houses the rear camera alongside an LED flash. Noteworthy is the iPhone SE 4’s lighter weight, around 6 grams less than the iPhone 14, attributed to its single rear camera. The camera resolution is reported to increase to 48 MP, aligning with the capabilities of the iPhone 15 series.
Regarding the camera hardware of the iPhone SE 4, it is uncertain whether a significant upgrade is in store. Previous models, including the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3, maintained the same camera sensor hardware as the iPhone 8. The leaked feature information mentioned earlier indicates that the iPhone SE 4 will once again feature “only one rear camera.”
iPhone SE 4 Performance
Detailed information about the chip in the iPhone SE 4 is currently limited. However, if the phone undergoes a significant redesign based on the iPhone 14, it would be logical to anticipate the inclusion of Apple’s A15 Bionic chip.
To provide context, the existing iPhone SE is powered by the same A15 chip found in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models. Consequently, there is a possibility that the iPhone SE 4 might feature a previous-generation chip upon its release. This leads to the expectation that the Apple A16 Bionic chip could be incorporated into the iPhone SE 4.
iPhone SE 4 Software
If the iPhone SE 4 is introduced in early 2024, it is anticipated to launch with iOS 17. However, if its release is scheduled for 2025, it will likely come equipped with iOS 18 right from the start.
iPhone SE 4 Battery
The revamped design opens the door for Apple to include a more extensive battery within the iPhone SE 4.
The current design imposes limitations on the physical capacity of a sizable battery. With the enlarged dimensions of the iPhone 14, Apple might have the room to integrate a notably larger battery, potentially boosting the iPhone SE’s battery life to a higher standard.
iPhone SE 4 Features
Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Apple is exploring the incorporation of an in-house 5G baseband chip in the prototype of the iPhone SE 4, a detail supported by a report from MacRumors. While the current iPhone SE already features 5G technology, the next iteration is expected to boast an enhanced 5G chip with expanded support for additional bands.
There is speculation that the iPhone SE 4 could potentially become the inaugural iPhone to integrate Apple’s in-house modem chip, although this remains uncertain at present.
As reported by MacRumors on Friday (17/11/2023), the iPhone SE 4 will maintain the same materials as its predecessor, featuring aluminum with a glass-covered back panel.
The anticipated weight of the iPhone SE 4 is 165 grams, 6 grams lighter than the iPhone 14, attributed to its less complex hardware. The report also suggests a shift from Touch ID to Face ID on the side button, and a transition from the Lightning connector to a USB-C port, aligning with the design choices of the iPhone 15.
Adding to the intrigue, rumors suggest the inclusion of the Action Button from the iPhone 15 Pro in the iPhone SE 4, a feature speculated to extend to the entire iPhone 16 lineup, aligning the new iPhone SE with the expected 2024 iPhone releases.
Regarding storage, there is optimism that the iPhone SE 4 might debut with a baseline of 128GB, following the trend set by the iPhone 13 and 14 series. However, historical launches, such as the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and the redesigned 10th-generation iPad, commenced with 64GB of storage. Depending on its release timing, the iPhone SE 4 could incorporate either the enhanced A15 chip from the iPhone 14 or the newer A16 chip, though neither would present a significant improvement over the A15 in the current model.
It’s crucial to highlight that there is no definite information about the iPhone SE 4 specs, and everything remains speculative at this point.
The upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE is garnering considerable excitement as it has the potential to be one of the most noteworthy iPhone updates in years. The intrigue stems from the uncertainty surrounding its features. If the current leaks, rumors, and reports are accurate, Apple’s budget iPhone may undergo a substantial leap forward in terms of design, functionality, and screen size. This anticipated evolution is anticipated to take place either next year or in 2025 and tech enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly awaiting official confirmation, hoping for a glimpse into the future of Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone lineup.
