Apple’s iPhone SE has long been the go-to choice for those who want a premium iPhone experience without the hefty price tag. But as we approach 2025 with no iPhone SE 4 released this year, fans are left hoping that the old saying holds true, good things come to those who wait.
Thankfully, the wait may soon be over. Apple is rumoured to be gearing up for the release of the iPhone SE 4, expected in early 2025. Industry insiders, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, are already hinting at a release date and suggesting that this iteration will bring far more substantial upgrades than its 2022 predecessor. While the 2022 iPhone SE was a modest refresh, mainly adding 5G and a better chipset, its successor promises to usher in a new era for Apple’s affordable handset.
With a couple of months left in 2024, the excitement is building as we anticipate new features, design overhauls, and powerful hardware for the next iPhone SE. Here’s a closer look at the rumours surrounding the iPhone SE 4 and why it could be a game changer for budget-conscious iPhone fans.
A Fresh New Look
The current iPhone SE’s design is stuck in the past, with its chunky bezels and outdated 4.7-inch display. But rumour has it that Apple is finally embracing a more modern aesthetic for the iPhone SE 4. Early reports suggest that the iPhone SE will adopt a design closer to the iPhone 14, featuring a larger 6.1-inch display and slimmed-down bezels.
While it may not incorporate the latest Dynamic Island technology, reserved for Apple’s flagship models. The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly use a notch to house its Face ID sensors and TrueDepth camera. This redesign could be a breath of fresh air, leaving the iPhone 8-inspired look in the past where it belongs.
Power-Packed A18 Chipset
Historically, the iPhone SE has borrowed its chipset from the flagship iPhone released just prior to it. For instance, the iPhone SE 2022 came equipped with the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13. If Apple sticks to this trend, we can expect the iPhone SE 4 to feature the A18 chip introduced in the iPhone 16 series.
The A18 chipset offers several advantages, including a significant boost in performance. Benchmarks from the iPhone 16 show that the A18 far outperforms competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, meaning the iPhone SE 4 is likely to deliver flagship-level speed and power. Moreover, the improved efficiency of the A18 could lead to longer battery life, an area where the iPhone SE has traditionally lagged.
Apple Intelligence
Another exciting rumour involves the inclusion of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-driven suite of features, in the iPhone SE 4. While currently limited to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models, this advanced AI capability could make its way to the iPhone SE 4, marking a significant leap for a budget-friendly phone. This move would put the iPhone SE in direct competition with AI-enabled budget phones like Google’s Pixel 8a, offering high-end features like AI photo editing, smart battery management, and more.
OLED Display
The iPhone SE 4 is also rumoured to finally ditch the LCD display in favour of OLED technology. While the current SE model is the last in Apple’s lineup to feature LCD, the switch to OLED would bring more accurate colours, deeper blacks, and an overall enhanced viewing experience. However, don’t expect the iPhone SE 4 to include a Pro-level refresh rate, as Apple typically reserves that feature for its top-tier models.
Potential Camera Upgrade
While the chances of a dual-camera system seem slim, Apple might enhance the iPhone SE 4’s single rear lens with an upgraded 12MP sensor. This would align the SE with the 2023 iPhone 15’s camera, offering better photo quality without significantly increasing the device’s cost.
With a modern design, powerful A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, and improved display, this could be the most impressive budget iPhone yet. While we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see how much Apple decides to upgrade its least expensive model.