Apple iPhone SE 4: everything we know so far

While the mainstream Apple iPhone models always take center stage, the iPhone SE —s a great choice for those on a budget.

The iPhone SE is a great choice for those with budget constraints.

The first iPhone SE came out in 2016, and then Apple updated it in 2020 and 2022, giving it more modern hardware and design. The iPhone SE tends to be updated every two years, rather than annually like the main iPhone lineup. That means we could see a new iPhone SE 4 in 2025.

The new iPhone SE 4 will be available in 2025.

Release Date and Cost

When the iPhone SE first came out in 2016, it seemed to be the one and only model. We didn’t see another iPhone SE until 2020, and then we got a third iteration in 2022.

And then we got a third iteration in 2022.

Based on that, it would seem that 2024 — is a good time for an update. However, rumors vary widely. It was previously reported that the iPhone SE 4, which was originally planned for release in 2024, had been canceled altogether, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo later said that the project had been revived, but that we would see the smartphone itself as early as 2025.

So far, the project has been revived.

Despite the numerous updates, the iPhone SE 4 shouldn’t cost more than $500. The current iPhone SE starts at $429, so the next generation will likely cost about the same. But even if the iPhone SE 4’s price goes up a bit, it will still cost less than the main line of smartphones.

And even if the iPhone SE 4’s price goes up a bit, it will still cost less than the main line of smartphones.

Design

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The original iPhone SE in 2016 was modeled after the iPhone 5s, and the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3 had the same design as the iPhone 8. However, the potential iPhone SE 4 seems ripe for a bigger update in design.

The iPhone SE 3 is the same design as the iPhone 5s.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 would feature a 6.1-inch display, similar to what Apple now offers on the mainstream iPhone models. That makes the new iPhone SE 4 much larger than the current 4.7-inch display on the 2022 model.

The new iPhone SE 4 will have a much larger display than the current 4.7-inch display on the 2022 model.

The 6.1-inch display will also see the Touch ID Home button disappear, putting the iPhone SE in line with other models with Face ID. It’s unlikely we’ll see Dynamic Island, however, as the notch will almost certainly return.

The iPhone SE 4 could also get an Action button, which originally debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro and replaces the silence toggle switch. And to make it more similar to the mainstream iPhone models, it will also switch from Lightning to USB-C.

Display

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All previous iPhone SE models have used LCD technology as the display. However, Apple may switch to OLED in the iPhone SE 4.

The company has been using OLED panels for iPhones since the iPhone 12. The switch to OLED will make the iPhone SE 4 more similar to the flagship models, but at a lower price point.

OLED displays have deeper, richer blacks and better contrast than LCDs. If the transition happens, it will be a big upgrade for the budget iPhone.

And if the transition happens, it will be a big upgrade for the budget iPhone.

Characteristics

The iPhone SE traditionally uses a previous-generation chip to make it more budget-friendly, but rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will run on the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16. This will enable Apple Intelligence features, though probably on a more limited scale than in the flagship models.

And that’s why the iPhone SE 4 will use the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16.

There are also rumors that Apple is working on its own 5G chip, which could appear in the iPhone SE 4. This would result from Apple’s acquisition of Intel’s modem business in 2019, allowing the company to build and use its own modems in future devices rather than relying on Qualcomm.

If the iPhone SE 4 does indeed support Apple Intelligence, it will feature at least 8GB of RAM. Given everything we know about the phone, that looks like a significant increase in power over previous SE models.

So far, that’s a significant increase in power over previous SE models.

Camera

All iPhone SE models so far have featured only a single-lens camera, and the iPhone SE 4 is likely to follow that trend. After all, base iPhone models feature dual cameras and Pro models — triple lenses.

After all, the base iPhone models are equipped with a dual camera, and the Pro models — triple lenses.

But Apple will likely upgrade the single camera to 48MP, rather than the 12MP currently in the iPhone SE 3. The current iPhone SE doesn’t have a decent selfie camera, but perhaps the iPhone SE 4 will increase the resolution and offer more features while still remaining a budget phone.

An iPhone SE 4 will probably increase the resolution and offer more features while remaining a budget phone.

Battery life

One of the most significant drawbacks of the iPhone SE is battery life, which is due to its small size. Currently, the iPhone SE 3 has a battery with a capacity of only 2,018 mAh, which doesn’t last as long as the flagship iPhone models.

The iPhone SE 3 has a battery with a capacity of only 2,018 mAh, which doesn’t last as long as the flagship iPhone models.

But if Apple moves to the iPhone 14 design, there’s more room for a larger battery. Currently, the iPhone 14 has around 3,279 mAh, which is much better than the iPhone SE. That might not be enough, though; thanks to Apple Intelligence and potentially an OLED panel, the iPhone 4 SE could get a higher-capacity battery that won’t result in longer life due to increased power requirements.

The iPhone 4 SE could get a higher-capacity battery that won’t result in longer life due to increased power requirements.

That’s all we know at this point. Take these rumors with a modicum of truth; Apple has a knack for surprising its customers, so we won’t know the official specs until we see the unveiling itself.

And that’s all we know at this point.