The fourth-generation iPhone SE is ready to carry a few multitude of visible and purposeful adjustments taken from earlier iPhone fashions. This 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 Touch ID House button that make it virtually indistinguishable from an iPhone 8. All of that’s set to alter 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 achieve a wide range of new {hardware} options, a lot of that are carry-overs from more moderen iPhone fashions. With each iPhone launch, nevertheless, it turns into troublesome for the common particular person to know what to anticipate with the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
To treatment the scenario and supply our readers with insights in regards to the upcoming system, AppleInsider has spoken to individuals accustomed to inside designs and pre-production prototypes of the iPhone SE 4. The people we spoke to have offered countless details in regards to the iPhone 16 vary forward of launch.
Leaving no stone unturned, nevertheless, we have now additionally determined to supply a top level view of all the things rumored for the fourth-generation iPhone SE, although 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 normal iPhone fashions. Initially, it was rumored to be a comparatively easy replace, derived largely from the design of the iPhone XR. Then it was suggested that Apple was testing its new in-house modem with the system, after which the undertaking was supposedly canceled and subsequently brought back.
This is all the things we all know in regards to the iPhone SE 4 thus far, and the way the totally 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 major design refresh. Slightly than resembling the massively outdated iPhone 8, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will function a design derived virtually solely from the bottom mannequin iPhone 14.
The iPhone SE 4 will possible be based mostly on the usual iPhone 14, with minor adjustments.
In observe, which means that the iPhone SE 4 may have the identical total dimensions because the iPhone 14, with an aluminum housing manufactured from the identical alloy. This info comes from individuals accustomed to 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 similar to room for the USB-C port, changing the previously-used Lightning. USB-C has been the usual connector for iPhones for the reason that iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, so its inclusion within the iPhone SE 4 is an apparent selection, because it ensures compliance with EU regulations.
On condition that the system is basically based mostly on the present, base mannequin iPhone 14, the fourth-gen iPhone SE will achieve an OLED panel and help for Face ID, each of which have by no means been out there on the iPhone SE till now. Some pre-production prototypes also featured an Motion button instead of the mute swap, although it’s unclear if the ultimate mass manufacturing items function this variation, as Apple examined a number of {hardware} configurations.
Whereas all indicators, together with prototypes, level to the cellphone closely resembling Apple’s base mannequin iPhone 14, that hasn’t stopped unreliable leakers from claiming in any other case. Some have said the system will use a modified iPhone 16 chassis, and there is even a bizarre claim of an alleged “iPhone 16E” advertising identify, which might seemingly section out the iPhone SE branding. An unlikely situation in any case.
iFace ID coming through iPhone 14-style notch, Dynamic Island unlikely
With the introduction of a 6.1-inch OLED show, Apple will finally phase out Contact ID on the iPhone SE. As a alternative, the iPhone SE 4 will function a extra trendy type of biometric identification, generally known as Face ID. This info comes from individuals accustomed to Apple’s pre-production designs and prototypes.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is predicted to function a notch moderately than Dynamic Island.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE will almost definitely function a notch close to the highest of the show, the place the TrueDepth Digital camera and related Face ID sensors are situated. It will give the system a glance much 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 just isn’t getting Dynamic Island. Apple needs to make its low-end iPhone visually distinct from its flagship fashions, whereas additionally saving on additional growth prices by re-using iPhone 14 parts 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 reliable leakers, and multiple totally different dummy units all suggest that Apple’s budget-oriented cellphone shall be geared up with a notch moderately than Dynamic Island.
One rear digicam, with a powerful 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 shall be much like the one on the iPhone SE 3.
Because of this Apple has created a customized backplate for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. In response to individuals accustomed to the matter, the corporate experimented with at the least 5 totally different designs for the backplate and rear digicam bump. Even so, the system was at all times presupposed to function just one rear digicam.
The flash module, in the meantime, shall be on the appropriate aspect. Leaked cases 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 per the designs Apple examined, AppleInsider was advised.
The system is supposed to incorporate a 48 MP picture sensor, developed beneath the codename Undertaking Portland. Multiple totally different reports 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 possible usher in help for its newest suite of generative AI instruments. Often called Apple Intelligence, the software program is at present out there 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 almost definitely be out there on the iPhone SE 4 straight out of the field.
Apple Intelligence affords a wide range of AI-powered utilities, which had been made available through the iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 updates. With Apple Intelligence, it is potential to edit textual content, remove objects from pictures, summarize conversations, categorize emails, and generate imagery, all by AI.
Apple’s synthetic intelligence options can be found throughout your complete iPhone 16 vary, from highly effective iPhone 16 Professional that includes the A18 Professional to straightforward iPhone 16 with its A18 chip. The iPhone maker wants to make sure that Apple Intelligence is out there throughout totally different product tiers moderately than being unique to “Professional” fashions, as is evidenced by the iPad mini 7, which uses the A17 Professional chip from the iPhone 15 Professional.
The iPhone SE 4 is predicted to make use of the identical A18 chip discovered within the base mannequin iPhone 16, which partially serves as a way of bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPhone. This might enable the cellphone to compete and higher place itself in opposition to equally priced Android telephones that embody Google Gemini or comparable generative AI software program for the top consumer.
The iPhone SE 4 won’t get Visible Intelligence, because the system greater than possible will not function the Digital camera Management button.
The recognition and total prominence of synthetic intelligence options has elevated dramatically over the previous few years. Naturally, shoppers count on a brand new cellphone to supply generative AI options in some capability. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook himself even said 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 out there.
Apple’s iPhone SE 4 is expected to ship with iOS 18.3 pre-installed, so customers will possible have entry to Apple Intelligence options immediately after buying the system. This assumes, in fact, that the system shall be geared up with the A18 chip. It could be a logical selection for the iPhone SE, given that folks will possible 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 chance that the iPhone SE 4 might reuse the battery of the present iPhone 14. This looks like an apparent improve, provided that the system is closely based mostly on the usual iPhone 14, with solely minor variations between the 2.
The iPhone SE 4 might function Apple’s “Sinope” undertaking, a completely new 5G modem.
Pre-production items of the iPhone SE 4 are identified 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 major improve 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 exams a number of {hardware} configurations forward of launch, so there are not any ensures that the ultimate product will use the identical battery.
There’s additionally talk of a brand new 5G modem, developed in-house by Apple beneath the undertaking codename “Sinope” with the intent of changing the present Qualcomm modems present in present iPhone fashions. AppleInsider is accustomed to the undertaking, and there is a good likelihood it’ll debut with the system, although advantages for the top consumer are unclear, if there even are any.
iPhone SE 4 launch date, availability, and value
As for pricing, the present third-generation iPhone SE will be bought model new for $429. Multiple rumors suggest that Apple needs to keep up a value level beneath $500, which might finally make sense for a budget-friendly system just like the iPhone SE.
AppleInsider was advised that the system might be out there in white and black colour choices, with the latter being internally known as “Midnight” in some cases. This info comes from individuals accustomed to pre-production prototypes, nevertheless, and will not replicate the ultimate items, although it does align with colours seen on dummy units.
Apple could announce the fourth-generation iPhone SE as quickly because the week of February 14, 2025, whereas the primary items are anticipated to achieve prospects later within the month. It is potential that there shall be no devoted launch occasion for this system, and that it’s going to make its debut through a easy press launch as a substitute. Previous rumors have all stated that the system could be out there in early 2025, so the timing is smart in that regard.
