Apple iPhone SE 4 'Confirmed' for March 2025 Launch
- The iPhone SE is about to get a serious makeover—think iPhone 14 style on a budget.
- Rumor has it Apple's cooking up their own 5G modem for the SE 4, and that's a game-changer.
- March 2025 can't come soon enough; something big is brewing in Apple world.
Apple's budget iPhone is set for a significant upgrade next year. According to Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley, who recently returned from a trip to Asia after meeting with various electronics manufacturers and suppliers, the fourth-generation iPhone SE is "confirmed" to launch towards the end of the first quarter of 2025. This timing points directly to a March release, aligning with the launch pattern of previous iPhone SE models.
Photo via IndiaToday // Apple's current iPhone SE 3 (left) vs. a rendered concept of Apple's upcoming iPhone SE 4 (right).
A Major Overhaul in Design and Features
For those of us who've appreciated the iPhone SE for its affordability but wished for a more modern design, this is exciting news. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt the sleek aesthetics of the iPhone 14, marking a departure from the dated look of its predecessor, which resembled the iPhone 8 with its Touch ID button and thick bezels.
Rumored features include:
- 6.1-inch OLED Display: Offering vibrant colors and deeper blacks, a significant upgrade from the LCD screens of past models.
- Face ID Authentication: Moving away from the physical home button to a more seamless unlocking experience.
- Apple-Designed 5G Modem: The most intriguing aspect, as it signifies Apple's move towards hardware independence.
- USB-C Port: In line with the company's shift away from Lightning ports.
- Single 48-Megapixel Rear Camera: Enhancing photography capabilities significantly.
- 8GB of RAM: To support Apple Intelligence features, potentially unlocking new AI and machine learning functionalities.
Photo via Tom's Guide // iPhone SE 4 concept rendering: a peek at what to expect from Apple's 2025 budget-friendly iPhone.
Apple's Journey to an In-House 5G Modem
Apple has been working on its own 5G modem since 2018, aiming to reduce and eventually eliminate its reliance on Qualcomm. In 2019, Apple acquired the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business, gaining a valuable portfolio of cellular-related patents. While earlier this year Apple extended its 5G modem supply agreement with Qualcomm through 2026, the debut of its own modem in the iPhone SE 4 marks a significant milestone.
It's worth noting that Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected Apple analyst, previously mentioned that the upcoming "iPhone 17 Air" will also feature Apple's in-house 5G modem. This gradual transition suggests that while Apple is ready to introduce its modem technology, a complete shift across all devices will take time.
Photo via MacRumors // iPhone SE 4 will reportedly be the first Apple iPhone to feature its own in-house 5G modem, which has been in the works since 2018.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
The big question on everyone's mind is whether Apple's 5G modem will offer tangible benefits over Qualcomm's offerings. While it's too early to say definitively, the move could lead to better integration between hardware and software, potentially improving battery life and performance. As someone who's keen on tech advancements, I'm particularly interested to see if this results in faster data speeds or more reliable connections.
Pricing Expectations
Given the substantial upgrades, a price increase seems likely. The current iPhone SE starts at $429 in the U.S., but with features aligning more closely with higher-end models, the new SE might inch closer to the $500 mark. Personally, I believe that if Apple can keep the price competitive, the iPhone SE 4 could be a hit among consumers looking for premium features without the flagship price tag.
Photo via 4RMD // Another concept rendering of Apple's upcoming 2025 iPhone SE 4 in various colors, including black, silver and red.
March 2025: A Big Month for Apple
The iPhone SE 4 might not be the only device we see in March. Rumors suggest that the 11th-generation iPad and the 7th-generation iPad Air could also debut around the same time, both expected to support Apple Intelligence features.
Final Thoughts
As an Apple enthusiast, I'm thrilled about the potential the iPhone SE 4 holds. The combination of modern design, enhanced features, and Apple's own 5G modem makes this one of the most significant updates to the SE line yet. While we should temper our expectations until official announcements are made, the consistent reports from reliable analysts make it hard not to get excited.
Photo via Apple // The featureset of Apple's 2022 iPhone SE 3.
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