As Apple continues to evolve its flagship iPhone lineup, the budget-friendly iPhone SE remains an important part of its product family. The iPhone SE has always been a fan favorite for those seeking a more affordable, compact iPhone without sacrificing essential features. With rumors and leaks swirling about the next-generation iPhone SE 4, expected to launch in early 2025, excitement is building for what could be Apple’s biggest upgrade yet for the SE series.
Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone SE 4, based on reports from Bloomberg, MacRumors, and reliable Apple analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo.
iPhone SE 4: Expected Release Date
- Launch Timing: Apple’s release schedule for the iPhone SE has been somewhat irregular, with previous models launching in 2016, 2020, and 2022. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to debut in early 2025, possibly in March, consistent with earlier iPhone SE launches. While the timing has been subject to speculation in recent years, all signs now point to a launch within the first quarter of 2025.
Bigger OLED Display
The most anticipated change for the iPhone SE 4 is the introduction of a 6.1-inch OLED display, replacing the older LCD screen. This would mark a major leap forward for the SE lineup, bringing richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast to Apple’s budget model. With the iPhone SE 4 likely inheriting the iPhone 14 design, it’s expected to feature narrower bezels and a larger screen, aligning it more closely with Apple’s modern flagship iPhones.
| Feature | iPhone SE 3 | iPhone SE 4 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches (LCD) | 6.1 inches (OLED) |
| Resolution | 750 x 1334 pixels | 2532 x 1170 pixels (approx.) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Screen Design | Thick borders, Home button | All-screen, Face ID |
Modern Design: Goodbye Touch ID, Hello Face ID
Another significant change in the iPhone SE 4 is the likely removal of Touch ID, with Face ID becoming the standard across all iPhones. This shift would modernize the SE’s design, eliminating the Home button and creating a more seamless, all-screen look, similar to the iPhone 14.
- Face ID Integration: The transition to Face ID means the iPhone SE 4 could have a notch, just like the iPhone 14, though reports suggest it may be slightly smaller.
- Action Button: According to some rumors, the iPhone SE 4 could also feature the Action Button, which made its debut on the iPhone 15 Pro. This customizable button can be programmed for various functions, such as camera access, flashlight, or shortcuts.
Enhanced Camera System
While the iPhone SE 4 is unlikely to adopt the multi-lens setup of Apple’s flagship iPhones, reports suggest it will feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, similar to the one on the iPhone 15. This is a massive improvement over the 12-megapixel camera in the current SE model, allowing for much sharper photos and better low-light performance.
| Camera Features | iPhone SE 3 | iPhone SE 4 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Front Camera | 7 MP | 10.8 MP |
| Night Mode | No | Yes (likely) |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Zoom | Digital zoom only | 2x optical zoom (Fusion) |
Apple is also expected to bring its Fusion camera technology to the iPhone SE 4. This tech allows for 2x optical-quality zoom even without a telephoto lens, offering greater versatility with a single-camera system.
Apple Intelligence: AI-Powered Features
Perhaps the most exciting rumor about the iPhone SE 4 is its support for Apple Intelligence, a suite of new AI-powered features. These tools are designed to enhance usability by using machine learning and on-device intelligence. Some key features expected to be included:
- Text Summarization: Rewrite, summarize, and proofread text automatically.
- Improved Siri: Apple’s voice assistant will have enhanced language understanding and be able to handle complex queries more naturally.
- Image Clean-Up: Easily erase objects in photos or enhance image quality using AI tools.
- Notification Summaries: Get a more intelligent view of your notifications, organized by relevance.
These features are powered by Apple’s newest processors, making it likely that the iPhone SE 4 will run on the same A17 or A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 series, ensuring smooth performance for AI tasks.
New Processor and 5G Chip
Historically, the iPhone SE uses the same processor as the most recent flagship iPhone. Therefore, it’s expected that the iPhone SE 4 will be equipped with the A17 or A18 Bionic chip, ensuring it stays competitive with premium models in terms of speed and efficiency. This processor will be essential for running Apple Intelligence features, making multitasking and AI-driven tools faster and more efficient.
Additionally, the iPhone SE 4 could be the first to include an Apple-made 5G modem, allowing the company to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers like Qualcomm. While this modem was initially expected to debut in 2024, it seems likely that Apple will use the iPhone SE 4 to test its in-house 5G technology.
Improved Battery Life
The iPhone SE 4 will likely have a larger battery compared to its predecessor, especially given its larger OLED screen and new features. While Apple doesn’t typically disclose battery capacities, reports suggest that the SE 4 could inherit the iPhone 14’s battery, offering up to 20 hours of video playback compared to the 15 hours on the current SE model.
USB-C Charging and Connectivity
As expected, the iPhone SE 4 will ditch the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, following in the footsteps of the iPhone 15 series. This shift is largely driven by European regulations, but it will also make the iPhone SE 4 more versatile, allowing it to charge with the same cables as MacBooks, iPads, and many Android devices.
Pricing and Availability
While official pricing hasn’t been confirmed, rumors suggest the iPhone SE 4 could start at $499, which is slightly higher than the $429 price of the current SE model. This reflects the larger OLED screen, more powerful chip, and improved camera system, making it a more valuable offering while still staying within budget territory.
| Model | Price (Expected) |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE 4 | $499 (approx. ₹49,990) |
| iPhone SE 3 | $429 (₹43,900) |
iPhone SE 4: A Big Leap for Budget iPhones
The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade for Apple’s most affordable iPhone. With a 6.1-inch OLED screen, a 48-megapixel camera, Apple Intelligence AI features, and USB-C connectivity, this device is expected to deliver much of the premium experience found in Apple’s flagship models at a more budget-friendly price.
Key Takeaways:
- Launch: Early 2025 (likely March)
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID
- Camera: 48 MP rear, 10.8 MP front
- Processor: A17 or A18 Bionic, with AI features
- Charging: USB-C, larger battery
- Price: Expected around $499 (₹49,990)
For anyone in need of a powerful yet affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE 4 could be the perfect device, offering a balance between price, performance, and portability. Apple enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers alike should keep an eye out for this exciting release.
