Apple’s flagship iPhones often steal the limelight, but the iPhone SE stands out as an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers. Unlike the main iPhone lineup, which sees yearly updates, the SE series follows a slower refresh cycle of around two years. Based on this pattern, the next iPhone SE 4 is expected to arrive in 2025.
iPhone SE 4: Release Date
When Apple launched the first iPhone SE in 2016, many assumed it was a standalone release. However, the series made a comeback in 2020, followed by a third version in 2022, proving its lasting appeal.
A report from MacRumors in November suggests that March 2025 is a strong possibility. This timing aligns with Apple’s past releases, as the iPhone SE 3 was introduced in March 2022. If the pattern holds, the new model could arrive almost exactly three years later.
iPhone SE 4 Specs and Features
Rumors indicate that the iPhone SE 4 could break this trend by featuring the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16. This would bring improved performance and enable Apple Intelligence features, though likely with some limitations compared to the flagship models.
Apple may introduce its in-house 5G chip in the iPhone SE 4. This development stems from Apple’s 2019 acquisition of Intel’s modem business, aiming to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
If the iPhone SE 4 includes support for Apple Intelligence, it will likely come with at least 8GB of RAM. This would mark a significant performance boost compared to previous SE models, making it the most powerful version in the lineup.
Every iPhone SE model to date has featured a single-lens camera, and the iPhone SE 4 is expected to continue this approach. A December report provided insight into the camera setup of the iPhone SE 4. To stay competitive, it is expected to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera.
iPhone SE 4 Design
Speculation suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will come with a 6.1-inch display, aligning with the size of Apple’s mainline iPhones. This would mark a significant increase from the 4.7-inch screen found on the 2022 model.
Adopting a 6.1-inch design means the iPhone SE 4 will likely ditch the home button and Touch ID, transitioning to Face ID like the rest of Apple’s lineup. However, instead of featuring the Dynamic Island, the device is expected to retain the notch.
The iPhone SE 4 could introduce an Action button, a feature first seen on the iPhone 15 Pro, replacing the traditional silent/ring switch. Additionally, it is expected to move from the Lightning port to USB-C, aligning it with Apple’s latest iPhones.
Display
Previous iPhone SE models have all featured LCD displays, but the iPhone SE 4 may mark a shift to OLED technology. Since the iPhone 12, Apple has used OLED panels in its flagship devices, and bringing this upgrade to the SE lineup would enhance display quality while keeping costs lower than premium models. OLED screens offer deeper blacks, improved contrast, and a more vibrant viewing experience, making this a significant leap for Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone.
Battery Life
A major drawback of the iPhone SE series has been its battery life, primarily due to its compact design. The iPhone SE 3, for example, comes with a 2,018mAh battery, which falls short compared to the larger batteries found in flagship iPhones, resulting in shorter battery life.
Expected Price of iPhone SE 4
Even with several upgrades, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to remain affordable, likely staying under $500. The current model starts at $429, so while a slight price increase is possible, it will still be a more budget-friendly option compared to the iPhone 16.
If Apple adopts the iPhone 14 design for the iPhone SE 4, there would be more space for a larger battery. The iPhone 14 currently houses a 3,279mAh battery, offering better performance than the SE. However, this improvement might not lead to significantly longer battery life. With the inclusion of Apple Intelligence and a potential OLED display, the increased power demands could require a higher-capacity battery, yet the overall battery life may not see a dramatic boost.
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