's entry-level smartphone lineup. The last addition to the series came two years ago in the form of the
Unlike the regular iPhones, which receive yearly updates, the SE series doesn't follow the same schedule. So, if you're eagerly awaiting the iPhone SE 4, you might be in for a wait. Apple's plans for the iPhone SE 4 launch are shrouded in secrecy for now.
With smartphone prices on a steady rise, we expect that the iPhone SE 4 will come at a higher price compared to its predecessor. However, this increase might be justified as we expect to see a smartphone with an upgraded camera system, a design similar to the more modern iPhones like the iPhone 14, and improved display specifications.
Battery-wise, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to see significant upgrades, too, potentially featuring a battery capacity nearly double that of its predecessor. This improvement could translate to a longer battery life for users.
We have put together all the details we could find about the iPhone SE 4 in one spot. But remember, this info is just a preview and might change. We won't know for sure until we get our hands on the actual iPhone SE 4.
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iPhone SE 4 release date
The iPhone SE breaks away from the usual iPhone release cycle. With just three iterations launched thus far, its release pattern remains somewhat unpredictable. Looking at past releases, the gap between generations has ranged from 2 to 4 years. That being said, one thing is clear: the iPhone SE 4 won't launch alongside the standard iPhone lineup.
Generally, Apple's budget smartphone is released in Spring, at the company's first event for the year. A recent leak claims that no iPhone SE models are "currently part of Apple's new product planning for 2024/2025" and a report from the Korean media outlet The ELEC supports the claim, saying that the production of the new iPhone SE would be pushed to 2025.| Model | Release Date |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE (1st generation) | March 31, 2016 |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | April 24, 2020 |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | March 18, 2022 |
| iPhone SE (4th generation) | March, 2025* |
* - probable dates
iPhone SE 4 price
The starting price of the iPhone SE, and standard iPhones, in general, has been gradually increasing over the years. Given this trend, we anticipate a similar situation with the iPhone SE 4.
Looking at previous releases, consumers can anticipate the iPhone SE 4 to start at approximately $450-500. Given the expected significant upgrades, it wouldn't be surprising if the price tag goes even higher. However, to remain competitive in the mid-range segment, Apple should avoid increasing the price too much.
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE (1st. generation) | $399 |
| iPhone SE (2nd. generation) | $399 |
| iPhone SE (3rd. generation) | $429 |
| iPhone SE (4th. generation) | $499* |
* - anticipated prices
iPhone SE 4 camera
The iPhone SE has traditionally lacked a standout camera. As a budget-friendly option, one of its main drawbacks has consistently been its inferior camera quality. Reports suggest that this time around it will again feature a single rear camera, similar to previous iPhone SE models.
Rumors circulating online suggest that the iPhone SE 4 could potentially include a single 48MP rear camera. If true, this would mark a significant enhancement over the 12MP rear camera found in its predecessor. However, it's advisable not to get too excited until official details are confirmed.iPhone SE 4 storage
Storage options always pose a challenge with Apple. Considering the company's Pro iPhones still start with a modest 128GB of internal storage, the base configuration of the iPhone SE 4 might offer no more than half of that (i.e., 64GB).
However, a recent rumor suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will boast 6GB of RAM and offer two storage options: a base option of 128GB and a higher-tier one of 512GB.Once again, given the fact that the device is in its very early stages of production, there is simply no concrete information at this time. So, let's put it that way, for the time being, we expect to see:
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 512GB
iPhone SE 4 design
This is where things start to become interesting. According to Jon Prosser, the next iPhone SE will be recycling the iPhone XR's design. This means that the iPhone SE 4 will be bigger and will come with a notch for the first time in the lineup's history. Given that the standard iPhones, both Pro and non-Pro versions, transitioned to the Dynamic Island design with the iPhone 15, the SE can now freely adopt the notched design, first introduced with the iPhone X. However, a leak from Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the iPhone SE will have an even more modern look and will essentially be a "minor modification of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14". According to the tipster, the iPhone SE 4 is indeed expected to feature Dynamic Island and a single camera on the back. While it may have the aesthetics of the iPhone 16, its dimensions are anticipated to be similar to those of the iPhone XR.
The same tipster, however, later shared a supposed iPhone SE 4 case design, indicating that the potential design could differ from their previous description. It appears there might indeed be a notch after all.I understand that design speculations can be confusing right now. However, it seems unlikely that Apple will use the iPhone 16 as the foundation for the iPhone SE. It's more likely that the iPhone SE 4 will be based on the iPhone 14 instead.
Once again, we will have to wait to see which iPhone Apple has chosen for inspiration and whether the notch will stay or go.
iPhone SE 4 display
With the new design, could also come a new screen size. According to Ross Young, a well-known and trusted display analyst, the iPhone SE 4 could sport a 6.1-inch display, similar to the one found on the iPhone XR. Additionally, a more recent report indicates that the iPhone SE could use the panel of the iPhone 13, which could make the former the first device in the lineup's history to feature an OLED screen. Most recent rumors also suggest that the iPhone SE 4 would come with an OLED screen. Regardless of which display technology Apple finally opts for, the iPhone SE 4 will almost certainly not be featuring ProMotion (i.e. adaptive 120Hz refresh rate).iPhone SE 4 battery
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt the same battery as the base model iPhone 14, with leaked prototypes featuring lithium-ion batteries (A2863) used in previous Apple models. Internal documents have confirmed this change, showing an increase in capacity from 2018mAh in the iPhone SE 3 to 3279mAh in the upcoming iPhone SE 4.
This A2863 battery brings a substantial boost of over 1250mAh compared to the third-gen iPhone SE, potentially delivering longer battery life. This move (using the same battery as ones found in older devices) aligns with Apple's pattern, as the second-gen iPhone SE also shared its battery with the older iPhone 8.
iPhone SE 4 features and software
The iPhone SE 4 might mark the definitive end of the Home button era. This suggests that Apple may need to explore alternative methods for implementing biometric authentication in its new budget smartphone.
With the "notch" Apple could give the iPhone SE 4 Face ID, which is actually supported by the latest rumors. And not only but it is also rumored that Apple would add an Action button, which replaced the ring/silent switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.The iPhone SE 4 will certainly ship with the latest iOS version upon its release. Currently, iOS 17 is the publicly available version, with iOS 18 already announced and expected to launch later this fall. Therefore, even if the iPhone SE 4 doesn't debut this year, it will come pre-installed with iOS 18 at the very least.iPhone SE 4 hardware
There is a big question mark over the chipset that will be powering the iPhone SE 4. The current iPhone SE (2022) features an A15 processor. If Apple wants to increase the raw performance of the SE, it will have to make the jump to A16 (which is reportedly very costly) or an even newer SoC, such as the A17.Should you wait for the iPhone SE 4?
- You should wait for the iPhone SE 4 if you are not in a rush and are looking for an Apple smartphone on a budget. After all, if the price rumors are accurate and there are indeed design upgrades and improved camera, the wait could definitely pay off.
- You should not wait for the iPhone SE 4 if you are currently in the market for a smartphone. No matter how substantial the upgrade turns out to be, the release of the new iPhone SE 4 is still a ways off. It could be at least several months, or even a year before the new entry-level iPhone makes its official debut.
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