When will the iPhone SE 4 be released?

An iPhone SE 3

A new iPhone SE from Apple is long overdue. The third-generation iPhone SE was released in 2022, so it's been more than two years since the last update.

The lengthy period since we've seen a new iPhone SE has led to a steady stream of rumors and leaks, and hope that one will drop soon.

This is what the rumor mill thinks will happen with the fourth generation of Apple's cheapest iPhone model.

One of the biggest changes is that the budget iPhone finally gets a new design. As is typical with the iPhone SE, Apple will reuse designs from previous iPhone models, rather than coming up with something completely new.

It will are likely to be based on the iPhone 14Apple's model was launched in 2023, replacing the current iPhone 8 aesthetic. Multiple leakers have said the design upgrade is coming.

However, one leaker on Weibo claims it is wrong and that it will be based on the yet to be released iPhone 16. As a relatively new leaker with unknown accuracy, and since he's referring to an upcoming model, this is rather questionable.

The two phones look similar, but ultimately it ends up being a model with a large edge-to-edge display and flat sides.

Speaking of the display, according to reports the new device Adopt OLED for the first time.

BOE is currently seen as the primary supplier for the iPhone SE 4's display. LG Display, a long-term member of the supply chain, will reportedly be a secondary supplier.

As a primary supplier, BOE will continue to be the main supplier and will have the majority of orders. But they have had some issues, so it makes sense that LG Display is scheduled as a backup supplier.

It also provides diversification of the supply chain compared to Samsung Display.

An edge-to-edge display on an iPhone 14

The screen itself is expected to be a 6.1 inch displaya lot bigger than the current 4.7 inches.

At first glance, this sounds like the iPhone SE is going to be gigantic. But remember, the previous version didn’t have an edge-to-edge display, instead having a top and bottom bezel and a Home button on the front.

What will be at the top of the display is a bit of a mystery. Leaks have suggested the use of both a Dynamic Island and the notch for the front-facing camera.

At this point, Apple could go either way. The notch is an older design element that plays a role in how Apple generally treats the iPhone SE.

However, Apple also seems to want to move more devices to Dynamic Island and its software-supported features. The smart money would be on the latter.

There will still be a single rear camerawhich is normal for a budget iPhone design. Apple will likely stick with its 12MP sensors, but it could get an upgrade to 48MP to bring it in line with newer models.

Internally, this new phone will feature a brand new chip, which will likely be Apple’s A18 processor. This will be the same one used in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

The reasoning is that Apple usually keeps this model around for a few years. By using the latest processor, it will be usable longer. And this is expected to be accompanied by 8 GB of RAM.

With these changes, there are at least two major features coming to this phone.

Previous models of the iPhone SE

The first of these is Face ID. This is a no brainer because the physical home button on the front will be gone and therefore a replacement is needed Touch ID on the model.

This would have a huge impact on consumers, as it would eliminate the last iPhone model with Touch ID.

The second feature is Apple Intelligencewhich is actively being tested in the iOS 18 developer betas. Apple Intelligence includes a host of AI features ranging from custom emoji generation to writing tools to a redesigned and more powerful Siri.

It wouldn’t seem right for Apple to launch Apple Intelligence and then leave it out of the least expensive model in the lineup. At the very least, these updates should ensure that Apple Intelligence will be functional across the entire current-generation iPhone lineup when the iPhone SE is released.

By building Apple Intelligence into iPhone SE now, Apple can leverage a larger install base of compatible devices when it comes time to begin charging for certain Apple Intelligence features. That might not happen until 2027, providing more time to expand the Apple Intelligence footprint.

You can bet that the Lightning port is going away, replaced by USB-C. Apple has been working on eliminating the port in favor of USB-C on most of its hardware, and now would be a good time to do so with the iPhone SE.

Like other modern iPhones, the iPhone SE should support MagSafe charging, as well as Qi2.

The iPhone SE 4 might look a lot like the iPhone 14.

It’s a long shot, but there’s at least one rumor that the Action Button is coming. It seems like Apple wants people to use it, and removing the mute switch would also bring it in line with modern iPhones.

There's a good chance this will happen, if the rumors about the non-Pro iPhone 16 are true.

With all these expected changes, there may also be a price change.

The current iPhone SE 3 normally retails for $429, but there are often other discounts and special offers that bring the price down.

Apple is reportedly targeting a price point below $500 for the iPhone SE 4. This means the iPhone could retail for a maximum of $499, making it the most expensive iPhone SE ever.

Between all these upgrades and the rising prices, that's within the realm of possibility. As for when you'll be able to get your hands on one, that's still a matter of some debate.

Analyst from early January 2023 to end of February Ming Chi Kuo said the iPhone SE 4 was cancelled He eventually reversed course, saying the film was back on track and that he was targeting an early 2025 release date.

Since previous models had similar timing, spring 2025 The launch of the budget iPhone seems very likely.