The highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 is set to pave the way for Apple’s next wave of innovation, following the encouraging reception of the iPhone 16 lineup. While there might still be some buzz surrounding the latest flagships, many tech enthusiasts are eager to know what Apple has planned for its budget-friendly smartphone. The iPhone SE 4, expected to launch in spring 2025, marks the first significant refresh since the SE 3 hit shelves back in 2022. This forthcoming model is not only projected to modernize its hardware but also aims to integrate advancements from higher-end models like the iPhone 14 and even the future iPhone 16.
Historically, Apple has kept the same design for the iPhone SE series since the second generation was released, which is based on the iPhone 8 aesthetics. With its 4.7-inch LCD display, rounded edges, and iconic home button, the existing design has served its purpose well. Nevertheless, the upcoming SE 4 is reportedly moving away from this classic look to embrace something fresher and sleeker. Rumors suggest we can expect the iPhone SE 4 to sport design elements reminiscent of the iPhone 14 features, boasting a generous 6.1-inch OLED display, flat edges, and the latest Face ID technology. This potentially allows for easier and faster unlocking compared to the traditional Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
The upgrade from LCD to OLED translates to richer colors, sharper text, and higher overall display quality, much like those found on its more expensive siblings. But before you get too excited, it’s important to note the SE 4 may still feature a single rear-facing camera, rather than the dual-camera setup found on the iPhone 14. That means excellent photos during the day, with perhaps some limitations for low-light sessions. Display analyst Ross Young indicated the new OLED panels will be supplied by industry giants BOE and LG Display, improving visibility and response time.
Another area where the SE 4 is expected to shake things up is connectivity. The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to transition from the Lightning connector to the more ubiquitous USB-C port, aligning with recent EU regulations manding standardization for charging ports across devices. This change means iPhone users can finally ditch the array of cables and enjoy compatibility across their Apple devices, such as iPads and MacBooks.
Camera capabilities are perhaps one of the most exciting upgrades coming with the iPhone SE 4. It's rumored to feature the same highly praised 48MP wide-angle rear camera found in the iPhone 15, which is leaps and bounds over the 12MP sensor utilized by the SE 3. This major enhancement is likely to improve image quality, especially for those who love capturing details and colors. On the selfie front, Apple is expected to equip the iPhone SE 4 with the same 12MP front camera present on the iPhone 15, which is also great news for content creators eager to capture stunning self-portraits.
On the performance side, multiple sources suggest the SE 4 will run on Apple's latest A18 chip, providing lightning-fast processing speeds and ensuring excellent multitasking capabilities. Combined with 8GB of RAM, this device promises to deliver a seamless experience whether users are gaming, streaming, or managing productivity tasks. Notably, the inclusion of Apple Intelligence features is intended to offer users advanced functionalities like smart writing tools and personalized notifications, even on this budget-friendly model.
But perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of this upcoming release is the incorporation of Apple’s first-ever proprietary modem. After purchasing Intel’s modem division back in 2019 for $1 billion, Apple has been working tirelessly to develop its own modems. This strategic decision allows Apple to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm, whose 5G modems are seen as costly components. The SE 4 is set to feature this new modem, codenamed Centauri, which will also encompass functionalities for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
When it boils down to pricing, many insiders speculate the iPhone SE 4 could retail around $499. While this marks a slight increase compared to the present-generation model, the saying “you get what you pay for” certainly rings true here. On the spectrum of modern smartphones, securing these innovative features and performance for under $500 would still be considered quite the bargain.
Lastly, the rollout strategy is rumored to be quite straightforward: with Apple potentially discontinuing the iPhone 14 following the iPhone SE 4’s launch, all eyes will be on the organized line-up of products. If the SE 4 manages to attract budget-conscious consumers, it could help streamline the iPhone line, ensuring consistency across models with the transition to USB-C.
From the upgrades in processor capability and camera resolution to modern connectivity options and design aesthetics, the iPhone SE 4 looks to be shaping up as one of the most compelling entries in Apple’s budget range. With the prospect of advanced features typically reserved for higher-priced models, this upcoming release is poised to significantly shake up the budget smartphone segment.
With all of these improvements, it’s no wonder excitement is building around the iPhone SE 4. Will it successfully merge quality with affordability? Only time will tell, but potential buyers are advised to keep their eyes peeled for more news as we approach the expected release window next spring—after all, there’s never been a more interesting time to be iPhone curious!
