iPhone SE 4: Major Upgrades Expected for Apple's Mid-Tier Device
- Apple’s budget iPhone just got a whole lot more exciting—wait until you hear about the new display.
- Mid-range no more: iPhone SE 4 could be packing some serious power with an A18 chip and 8GB of RAM.
- Say goodbye to Touch ID—this leak hints at Face ID making its debut on the SE series.
A significant leak has surfaced regarding Apple's much-anticipated iPhone SE 4, hinting at substantial changes that could reshape the mid-range smartphone market.
A New Design Language
Rumors have been mixed iPhone SE 4 is rumored to embrace the design of the iPhone 14, potentially ditching the iconic Touch ID in favor of Face ID. It is also expected to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display, moving away from the LCD screens of previous models. This change would bring the SE line closer to Apple's flagship devices in terms of display quality.
Photo via India Today // Phone SE 3 vs. Rumored iPhone SE 4.
Hardware Boosts and Apple Intelligence
One of the more exciting updates is the possibility that the iPhone SE 4 will be the first Special Edition model to support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s much-hyped AI suite. If this is the case, it would require 8GB of RAM, a substantial increase from the 4GB seen in previous models. This could make the SE 4 a more competitive device, narrowing the performance gap between Apple's mid-tier and premium models.
Additionally, there is speculation that the iPhone SE 4 will come equipped with the A18 chipset, an upgrade from the A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 14, further enhancing its processing power.
Pricing Speculation: Where Will the iPhone SE 4 Land?
With its increased specifications, many are wondering about the price point of the new iPhone SE. For comparison, the iPhone SE 3 launched at $375, while the iPhone 14 starts at $599. This places the SE 4 in a tricky position where Apple must balance offering premium features while maintaining the SE's status as a more affordable alternative.
Photo via 9to5Mac // Rumors are saying the next iPhone SE, iPhone SE 4, may look very different.
Notable Features:
- 6.1-inch OLED display
- 8GB of RAM
- Face ID replacing Touch ID
- Possible A18 chipset
Will the SE 4 Retain Classic iPhone Features?
Leaker Sonny Dickson shared that a supposed case for the iPhone SE 4 still shows a traditional cutout for the mute switch. This suggests that the SE 4 may not adopt the Action Button introduced with the iPhone 16 models. The lack of a dedicated camera control button has also sparked discussion, though it remains unclear how these features will affect the overall user experience.
Why the iPhone SE 4 Matters for Apple
The iPhone SE 4 isn’t just another mid-range model. According to industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo, this device could be the first to feature Apple's in-house 5G modem, replacing Qualcomm's. This move marks a significant shift for Apple as it seeks to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm for its modem technology. If Kuo’s predictions are accurate, Apple could ship 35-40 million devices with its own modem next year, ramping up to 90-110 million by 2026.
Incorporating this modem into the SE 4 would be a major milestone for the company. As Kuo notes, "Apple’s major shift begins next year, and iPhone SE 4 may be the first one to witness it."
What to Expect: March 2025 Launch
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch in March 2025, alongside an ultra-slim iPhone 17 model, which will also feature the new 5G modem. With its upgraded hardware and Apple's first in-house modem, the SE 4 could mark the beginning of a new era for Apple's mid-range devices.
Anticipated Upgrades:
- 6.1-inch OLED display
- 8GB of RAM
- A18 chipset
- Apple's first in-house 5G modem
- Face ID and USB-C
The iPhone SE 4, with its rumored OLED screen, larger display, and Face ID, is shaping up to be a more premium offering than its predecessors. Paired with Apple's powerful AI suite, this device could provide a lot of bang for your buck.
Until the official unveiling, all eyes will be on Apple's next moves as leaks and rumors continue to swirl. One thing is clear: the SE 4 is poised to be much more than just another mid-range option.
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