iPhone SE 4: Leaks Point to a March 2025 Launch With Design Overhaul

Caitlyn Pauley

iPhone SE4

The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is expected to be a big mid-year launch event for Apple, given that the SE 4 is rumored to be a pretty powerful phone for the budget market. The phone will mix some of the best elements from the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 all in a phone that will retail between $450 and $549. Recent insider leaks are pointing to the release date for the iPhone SE4 to be slated for March 2025.

The new model is expected to feature a modern design, the A18 Bionic chip, and an attractive price point, aiming to redefine Apple’s budget offering. While it generates buzz for its value, other brands like Google and Samsung provide competitive affordable options. This shift in design and performance makes the iPhone SE 4 a significant contender for budget-conscious consumers looking for a premium smartphone experience.

What to Expect From the Next iPhone SE

The iPhone SE has historically served as Apple’s entry-level option for those wanting to join its ecosystem without the high price tag of flagship models. However, the SE has often been criticized for its outdated design, which resembles older iPhones. This may change with the upcoming model, likely called the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16e.

A New Look for the Budget iPhone

Rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will have a design more aligned with the iPhone 14, featuring a larger display and eliminating the Home button. Speculation indicates that it could even include the Dynamic Island—a pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen seen on the iPhone 14 Pro.

The potential design overhaul includes a shift to a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display similar to that of the iPhone 14, which would provide a significant increase in screen size and a more modern aesthetic. Despite this, there is ongoing debate regarding the display’s cutout. Some sources claim that the new SE will adopt the Dynamic Island, while others suggest it may stick with a more traditional notch, like that of the standard iPhone 14. This variation in reports underscores the uncertainty surrounding the final design.

Adding to the intrigue, leaked dummy models from Sonny Dickson depict an iPhone 14-like design with a single rear camera. It is also rumored that the new SE will retain the classic mute switch instead of introducing the new Action Button found on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Inside the iPhone SE 4

The current iPhone SE is powered by the A15 chip, which is still a usable chip but is starting to show its age (it also isn’t able of running Apple Intelligence). However, the upcoming SE 4 will feature a much faster and Ai capable A18 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 16. If this rumor is accurate, the SE 4 will be very powerful for its price, giving it a significant advantage over other budget smartphones.

In addition to the A18 Bionic chip, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to include several other internal upgrades. There is speculation that it could be the first iPhone to use Apple’s in-house 5G modem, codenamed “Sinope,” which is expected to offer sub-6 GHz 5G support, though it likely won’t feature mmWave capabilities. This move could help Apple reduce costs and improve power efficiency.

Furthermore, it’s suggested that the SE 4 might incorporate Apple’s own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, codenamed “Proxima,” which would enhance the integration of Apple’s hardware ecosystem. The device is also rumored to come with 8GB of RAM, which is essential for meeting the demands of the A18 chip and supporting the advanced features of Apple Intelligence.

Camera and Other Features

We don’t have much information about the SE 4’s camera yet. However, it will likely feature a single rear camera, similar to previous SE models. Apple may enhance this camera, potentially equipping it with a single 48-megapixel sensor, which would be a significant upgrade from earlier versions. This higher-resolution sensor could allow for a 2x “optical zoom” mode by cropping into the center of the image, much like the functionality found in the iPhone 15. Such an improvement would give users more flexibility in framing their shots without needing a dedicated telephoto lens.

The SE 4 will support 5G, as this has become standard on most new smartphones. It will likely offer more storage options than the current model as well.

When Will It Arrive?

Apple often releases new SE models in the spring. Many believe the iPhone SE 4 will come out in March 2025. But Apple has not said anything official. So, this is just a guess based on past releases and rumors.

Comparing iPhone SE Models

Here’s a table comparing the current and past iPhone SE models with what we expect from the SE 4:

FeatureiPhone SE (1st Gen)iPhone SE (2nd Gen)iPhone SE (3rd Gen)Expected iPhone SE 4
DesigniPhone 5s-likeiPhone 8-likeiPhone 8-likeiPhone 14-like
ChipA9A13A15A18
Screen4-inch LCD4.7-inch LCD4.7-inch LCD6.1-inch OLED
CameraSingle rearSingle rearSingle rearImproved single rear (48MP rumored)
5GNoNoYesYes
Touch ID/Face IDTouch IDTouch IDTouch IDFace ID

What About the Price?

The iPhone SE is known for being affordable. The current model starts at $429. The SE 4 will probably cost a bit more, especially with the rumored upgrades. But it should still be cheaper than Apple’s flagship iPhones.

Is the iPhone SE 4 Right for You?

If you want an iPhone but don’t want to pay a lot, the SE 4 may be a good choice. It will likely have a fast chip, 5G, and a modern design. But if you want the best camera or the latest features, you might want to consider a more expensive iPhone.

Other Affordable iPhone Options

If you’re looking for a cheaper iPhone right now, you have a few options. You could buy an older iPhone model, like a used iPhone 12 or 13. These phones are still good and often cost less than a new SE. Or you could wait for the iPhone SE 4 to come out. It depends on how soon you need a new phone and what features are important to you.

Short Summary:

  • The new iPhone SE is expected to feature a design similar to the iPhone 14.
  • Anticipated upgrades include an A18 Bionic chip, a 48MP main camera, and Apple Intelligence support.
  • Industry insiders predict a release date in March 2025 with a price range between $450 to $500.

Apple’s foray into the mid-range smartphone market continues as leaks reveal details regarding the next iteration of its budget-friendly iPhone model, known unofficially as the iPhone SE 4. According to insiders, the device is being prepared for an early 2025 launch. This latest version is designed to attract both loyal Apple customers and new users looking for quality features without the premium price tag associated with flagship models.

Mark Gurman, a renowned Apple analyst, has indicated that Apple is nearing the production phase for the iPhone SE 4, hinting at a probable March 2025 release. Historically, the SE series has not followed a strict annual cycle, with previous models launched in March 2016, April 2020, and March 2022, which aligns with the anticipated timing for the upcoming model.

“We’re expecting Apple to continue the trend of releasing the SE model in the spring, making March 2025 the likeliest timeframe for the announcement,” said Gurman.

Design Evolution

Sources hint that the design of the iPhone SE 4 may pivot away from the compact design of its predecessors, adopting a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display reminiscent of the iPhone 14. Notably, this could eliminate the physical home button in favor of a notch to accommodate Face ID technology, marking a significant shift for the SE series.

One notable leak from industry insider Sonny Dickson showcases these updated design “blanks,” intended for accessory manufacturers, offering insight into the dimensions and controls of the device. The images reveal that traditional design elements, such as the mute switch, will return instead of adopting more modern features seen in higher-end models.

Camera Capabilities

Apple is expected to enhance the photography experience with a singular yet advanced rear camera equipped with a 48MP sensor, a radical improvement from the SE 3’s 12MP capability, enabling better image clarity and low-light performance.

“The expectation is that this new camera will significantly elevate the photo-taking experience for iPhone SE users,” a source revealed.

Additionally, the front-facing camera could be upgraded to match the 12MP capabilities of the latest iPhone models, enhancing video calls and selfies. This attention to the camera system underscores Apple’s commitment to providing capable photography options, even within their budget lineup.

Powered Performance

The iPhone SE 4 may leverage Apple’s potent A18 Bionic chip, which powers the iPhone 16 series. This upgrade will not only boost performance but is expected to also contribute to improved battery efficiency, lifespan, and overall user experience.

With computing demands on the rise, the SE 4’s expected 8GB of RAM will support advanced features such as Apple Intelligence—Apple’s generative AI suite—ensuring a user-friendly interface and offering multi-tasking capabilities that previous models could not achieve.

Software and AI Integration

Alongside the hardware improvements, the SE 4 is set to run on iOS 18 out of the box, incorporating Apple Intelligence functionalities that will heighten the capability of Siri and offer enhanced search and response features across various apps.

This integration of AI tools reflects Apple’s broader strategy of embedding artificial intelligence capabilities across its devices, thus appealing to a wider audience.

“Having the SE 4 equipped with Apple Intelligence will make it a more attractive option in the budget market while maintaining the quality associated with Apple products,” hints a tech industry analyst.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch with iOS 18 out of the box, fully integrating Apple Intelligence features. This means users can anticipate enhancements to Siri’s capabilities, including more natural language understanding and more complex task execution. Apple Intelligence is also expected to improve search functionality across various apps, providing more relevant and contextual results. It is also rumored the release of iOS 18.4 will coincide with the launch of the iPhone SE 4.

Market Positioning and Pricing

The SE 4 is projected to sit in the competitive mid-range smartphone market, where brands like Google and Samsung offer high-spec options at lower prices. This demands a careful balancing act by Apple as they strategize the pricing of their next release.

Current price estimations suggest that the SE 4 could be priced between $450 and $500, positioning it below Apple’s flagship models while offering compelling features and performance that can rival competitors. Initial reports indicate that moving to their own 5G modem will facilitate cost savings, allowing Apple to keep the price competitive.

“If Apple maintains affordability without compromising quality, the SE 4 is poised to capture interest from consumers looking to upgrade from older devices,” said a smartphone market researcher.

The iPhone SE 4 will enter a competitive mid-range market, facing strong competition from devices like the Google Pixel a series and Samsung Galaxy A series. These competitors offer compelling features at similar price points, making it crucial for Apple to strike the right balance between price and performance. The use of Apple’s own 5G modem is expected to contribute to cost savings, allowing Apple to potentially maintain a competitive price.

Several pricing scenarios are possible. If Apple positions the SE 4 as a replacement for the iPhone 14 in its lineup, we could see a starting price around $599. However, if Apple aims to create a new, lower price point, the SE 4 could start closer to $499. The final pricing will likely depend on the storage configurations offered and Apple’s overall market strategy.

Release Event and Launch Strategies

Unlike flagship launches typically held at the Apple Technical Theater, the introduction of the iPhone SE is expected to follow a “press release” approach. This shift towards an online-focused strategy offers greater flexibility in scheduling and distribution.

Recent product unveilings have shown that pre-recorded videos and website showcases enhance the online experience, allowing Apple to adjust launch plans with minimal logistical issues. The process usually includes an online announcement, pre-recorded videos that highlight the device, and updates to Apple’s website.