The fourth-generation iPhone SE is about to carry a few multitude of visible and practical adjustments taken from earlier iPhone fashions. Here is what to anticipate from Apple, as quickly as subsequent week.
For the previous two iterations, Apple’s iPhone SE has maintained a dated look, with thick bezels and a Contact ID Residence button that make it nearly indistinguishable from an iPhone 8. All of that’s set to vary fairly quickly, because the budget-friendly iPhone SE goes to obtain its first main redesign in years.
Alongside its new design, the iPhone SE 4 will acquire quite a lot of new {hardware} options, lots of that are carry-overs from newer iPhone fashions. With each iPhone launch, nevertheless, it turns into tough for the common individual to know what to anticipate with the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
To treatment the state of affairs and supply our readers with insights in regards to the upcoming system, AppleInsider has spoken to individuals aware of inner designs and pre-production prototypes of the iPhone SE 4. The people we spoke to have offered numerous particulars in regards to the iPhone 16 vary forward of launch.
Leaving no stone unturned, nevertheless, we now have additionally determined to supply a top level view of every part rumored for the fourth-generation iPhone SE, though most of the claims made in regards to the system outright contradict one another.
The rumor cycle of the iPhone SE 4 has been chaotic, extra so than these of ordinary iPhone fashions. Initially, it was rumored to be a comparatively simple replace, derived largely from the design of the iPhone XR. Then it was advised that Apple was testing its new in-house modem with the system, after which the challenge was supposedly canceled and subsequently introduced again.
Here is every part we all know in regards to the iPhone SE 4 thus far, and the way the completely different rumors stack up in opposition to one another.
The iPhone SE 4 will echo the usual iPhone 14
Apple’s next-generation budget-focused iPhone will obtain a big design refresh. Somewhat than resembling the massively outdated iPhone 8, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will function a design derived nearly fully from the bottom mannequin iPhone 14.
The iPhone SE 4 will seemingly be based mostly on the usual iPhone 14, with minor adjustments.
In apply, which means that the iPhone SE 4 can have the identical general dimensions because the iPhone 14, with an aluminum housing manufactured from the identical alloy. This data comes from individuals aware of the matter, who’ve spoken to AppleInsider and precisely revealed particulars about prior Apple {hardware} releases.
For the fourth-generation iPhone SE, Apple plans to make use of a modified model of the iPhone 14 chassis, with minor adjustments equivalent to room for the USB-C port, changing the previously-used Lightning. USB-C has been the usual connector for iPhones because the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Professional, so its inclusion within the iPhone SE 4 is an apparent selection, because it ensures compliance with EU laws.
On condition that the system is basically based mostly on the prevailing, base mannequin iPhone 14, the fourth-gen iPhone SE will acquire an OLED panel and assist for Face ID, each of which have by no means been accessible on the iPhone SE till now. Some pre-production prototypes additionally featured an Motion button instead of the mute change, although it’s unclear if the ultimate mass manufacturing models function this alteration, as Apple examined a number of {hardware} configurations.
Whereas all indicators, together with prototypes, level to the telephone closely resembling Apple’s base mannequin iPhone 14, that hasn’t stopped unreliable leakers from claiming in any other case. Some have mentioned the system will use a modified iPhone 16 chassis, and there is even a weird declare of an alleged “iPhone 16E” advertising title, which might seemingly part out the iPhone SE branding. An unlikely state of affairs in any case.
iFace ID coming by way of iPhone 14-style notch, Dynamic Island unlikely
With the introduction of a 6.1-inch OLED show, Apple will lastly part out Contact ID on the iPhone SE. As a alternative, the iPhone SE 4 will function a extra fashionable type of biometric identification, often called Face ID. This data comes from individuals aware of Apple’s pre-production designs and prototypes.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is anticipated to function a notch moderately than Dynamic Island.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE will probably function a notch close to the highest of the show, the place the TrueDepth Digital camera and related Face ID sensors are situated. This can give the system a glance just like the usual iPhone 14 and iPhone 13, with a smaller notch in comparison with the iPhone 12.
Not like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, the new-and-improved iPhone SE is just not getting Dynamic Island. Apple needs to make its low-end iPhone visually distinct from its flagship fashions, whereas additionally saving on additional improvement prices by re-using iPhone 14 elements and designs.
Although some have claimed the iPhone SE 4 will certainly ship with Dynamic Island, the general consensus is that the system will function a notch. The individuals we spoke to, together with dependable leakers, and a number of completely different dummy models all recommend that Apple’s budget-oriented telephone might be geared up with a notch moderately than Dynamic Island.
One rear digicam, with a formidable 48 MP
One other notable distinction in comparison with the iPhone 14 will be seen within the rear digicam availability of the iPhone SE 4. The system will function a single rear digicam on the again moderately than two.
Although the iPhone SE 4 is getting a brand new 48 MP digicam, its place might be just like the one on the iPhone SE 3.
Which means that Apple has created a customized backplate for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Based on individuals aware of the matter, the corporate experimented with not less than 5 completely different designs for the backplate and rear digicam bump. Even so, the system was all the time purported to function just one rear digicam.
The flash module, in the meantime, might be on the best aspect. Leaked instances present a horizontal cutout for the digicam, which can imply it will not have a digicam bump, however one lens jutting from the again. That is according to the designs Apple examined, AppleInsider was instructed.
The system is supposed to incorporate a 48 MP picture sensor, developed underneath the codename Undertaking Portland. A number of completely different reviews have indicated that the new-and-improved iPhone SE will function a 48 MP rear digicam, leaving little room for doubt.
Apple Intelligence, lastly on the iPhone SE
With the fourth iteration of the iPhone SE, Apple will seemingly usher in assist for its newest suite of generative AI instruments. Generally known as Apple Intelligence, the software program is at present accessible for units with an A17 Professional or newer chip, or iPad and Mac merchandise with an M1 or newer Apple Silicon system-on-chip.
Apple Intelligence will probably be accessible on the iPhone SE 4 straight out of the field.
Apple’s synthetic intelligence options can be found throughout the complete iPhone 16 vary, from highly effective iPhone 16 Professional that includes the A18 Professional to plain iPhone 16 with its A18 chip. The iPhone maker needs to make sure that Apple Intelligence is accessible throughout completely different product tiers moderately than being unique to “Pro” fashions, as is evidenced by the iPad mini 7, which makes use of the A17 Professional chip from the iPhone 15 Professional.
The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to make use of the identical A18 chip discovered within the base mannequin iPhone 16, which partially serves as a method of bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPhone. This is able to permit the telephone to compete and higher place itself in opposition to equally priced Android telephones that embody Google Gemini or related generative AI software program for the top consumer.
The iPhone SE 4 won’t get Visible Intelligence, because the system greater than seemingly will not function the Digital camera Management button.
The recognition and general prominence of synthetic intelligence options has elevated dramatically over the previous few years. Naturally, customers count on a brand new telephone to supply generative AI options in some capability. Apple’s CEO Tim Prepare dinner himself even mentioned that Apple Intelligence influenced iPhone 16 gross sales, and that the system carried out higher in markets and areas the place the corporate’s AI options had been made accessible.
Apple’s iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to ship with iOS 18.3 pre-installed, so customers will seemingly have entry to Apple Intelligence options instantly after buying the system. This assumes, after all, that the system might be geared up with the A18 chip. It might be a logical selection for the iPhone SE, given that individuals will seemingly maintain onto the system for years, all whereas anticipating new software program options.
New modem, older iPhone 14 battery
Whereas not definitive, there’s a robust risk that the iPhone SE 4 would possibly reuse the battery of the prevailing iPhone 14. This looks as if an apparent improve, on condition that the system is closely based mostly on the usual iPhone 14, with solely minor variations between the 2.
The iPhone SE 4 may function Apple’s “Sinope” challenge, a completely new 5G modem.
Pre-production models of the iPhone SE 4 are recognized to have used the identical A2863 battery present in the usual iPhone 14. The A2863 battery has a capability of 3279 mAh, which is 1250 mAh greater than the 2018 mAh battery of the third-generation iPhone SE.
This might result in a big enhance in battery life in comparison with the earlier iteration of the iPhone SE — one other potential promoting level for the system.
Nonetheless, it is value mentioning that the iPhone 14 battery was used on pre-production prototypes of the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Apple usually assessments a number of {hardware} configurations forward of launch, so there aren’t any ensures that the ultimate product will use the identical battery.
There’s additionally speak of a brand new 5G modem, developed in-house by Apple underneath the challenge codename “Sinope” with the intent of changing the prevailing Qualcomm modems present in present iPhone fashions. AppleInsider is aware of the challenge, and there is a good likelihood it should debut with the system, although advantages for the top consumer are unclear, if there even are any.
iPhone SE 4 launch date, availability, and worth
As for pricing, the present third-generation iPhone SE will be bought model new for $429. A number of rumors recommend that Apple needs to take care of a worth level under $500, which might finally make sense for a budget-friendly system just like the iPhone SE.
AppleInsider was instructed that the system may very well be accessible in white and black colour choices, with the latter being internally known as “Midnight” in some cases. This data comes from individuals aware of pre-production prototypes, nevertheless, and should not mirror the ultimate models, although it does align with colours seen on dummy models.
Apple may announce the fourth-generation iPhone SE as quickly because the week of February 14, 2025, whereas the primary models are anticipated to achieve prospects later within the month. It is potential that there might be no devoted launch occasion for this system, and that it’s going to make its debut by way of a easy press launch as an alternative. Earlier rumors have all mentioned that the system can be accessible in early 2025, so the timing is smart in that regard.
