Apple hasn’t updated the iPhone SE series for a while, and many people have high expectations for the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
Apple is indeed due for a new iPhone SE. The third-generation iPhone SE was released in 2022, more than two years ago.
Since the release of the third-generation iPhone SE, there has been a constant stream of leaks about the new model, and everyone is looking forward to the new model coming out soon.
Here are some of the changes we think the fourth-generation iPhone SE might have, based on various leaks.
Design
One of the most notable changes is that the new iPhone SE is finally getting a new look, and as usual, Apple is sticking with the design of previous iPhones rather than introducing an all-new look.
Rendering of the new iPhone SE
The new iPhone SE may adopt a design similar to the iPhone 2023 released in 2023, rather than continuing the current iPhone 8 style. Several leakers have stated that an update to the design of the new iPhone SE is underway.
However, a whistleblower from Weibo insisted that the new iPhone SE will be designed based on the yet-to-be-released iPhone 16, but this remains to be verified.
Regardless of which design it’s based on, the new iPhone SE will indeed look similar, but it will ultimately be a phone with a large-bezel display and flat sides.
Display
Speaking of the screen, there are reports that the new iPhone SE will use OLED technology for the first time.
BOE is currently considered the main supplier of iPhone SE 4 screens. LG Display, as a member of the long-term supply chain, will participate as a secondary supplier.
As the main supplier, BOE will continue to occupy a large share. Because it has encountered some problems, it is reasonable for LG Display to be a backup supplier.
The new iPhone SE screen itself is expected to be 6.1 inches, larger than the current 4.7-inch screen. Previous iPhone SE phones did not adopt a borderless design, but instead had top and bottom bezels and a front-mounted home button.
Notch and camera
The design of the top of the new iPhone SE screen is a bit mysterious. Some whistleblowers mentioned that it might adopt the Smart Island design, while others mentioned that it might retain the notch for the front camera.
At this stage, Apple may choose any of the designs. The notch design is an older design element, which is consistent with Apple’s usual approach to the iPhone SE series.
However, Apple seems to be inclined to transfer the Smart Island design to the iPhone SE model. From this perspective, the possibility of Smart Island is greater.
The new iPhone SE will still have a single rear camera, as is the norm for low-cost iPhone designs. Apple may continue to use a 12-megapixel sensor, but there’s also the possibility that it could upgrade to 48 megapixels to keep things consistent with newer iPhones.
performance
The new iPhone SE will be equipped with Apple’s latest A18 processor, which is said to be the same as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Apple usually uses this configuration for several years. With the latest processor and 8GB of RAM, the durability of the new iPhone SE is beyond doubt.
With these upgrades, the new phone will have at least two important features. The first is Face ID. Because the physical Home button is gone, there is no place for Touch ID. This means that Touch ID will be eliminated from the stage of history.
This is important to consumers because it means the last iPhone with Touch ID will be a swan song.
The second feature is Apple Intelligence, which is a new thing that is being actively tested in the developer beta of iOS 18. Apple Intelligence includes a series of artificial intelligence features, such as customized emojis, writing assistance tools, and a more powerful and smarter Siri.
It wouldn’t make sense for Apple not to launch Apple Intelligence on its cheapest model, which means that Apple Intelligence will be fully functional across all current iPhone lineups by the time the iPhone SE is released.
Bringing Apple Intelligence to the iPhone SE could help Apple have more compatible devices when it charges for some features in the future. That might not happen until 2027 at the earliest, so there’s plenty of time for Apple Intelligence to expand its reach.
Ports and Buttons
The Lightning port is almost certainly going to be replaced by USB-C. Apple is gradually phasing out the old port in its products and switching to USB-C, and the iPhone SE will be next.
Like other new iPhones, the iPhone SE should also support MagSafe charging and Qi2 wireless charging standards.
While unlikely, at least one rumor has mentioned that an action button might be coming. It seems like Apple really wants people to use this button, and removing the mute switch would also bring it in line with current iPhones.
price
With so many expected changes, the price of the new iPhone SE may also be adjusted.
The current iPhone SE 3 normally retails for $429, and Apple is said to be planning to price the iPhone SE 4 below $500, with a maximum possible price of $499, which would make it the most expensive iPhone SE ever.
From early January to late February 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone SE 4 had been canceled. But he later said the phone was back on track and expected to be released in early 2025.
Given that previous models have had similar timelines, a spring 2025 launch for this budget iPhone seems very reasonable.
