iPhone SE 4: Mass Production Date Set as Apple Gears Up for 2025 Launch
- Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE 4 is getting a sleek new look—wait until you see what’s coming.
- Mass production starts sooner than you think, setting the stage for a big 2025 launch.
- Could Apple’s latest budget phone steal the show from the iPhone 16?
Apple is preparing to begin mass production of its highly anticipated fourth-generation iPhone SE in December this year, according to prominent supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The announcement comes as excitement builds around the predicted first quarter 2025 release of this budget-friendly iPhone, expected to sport several significant upgrades over its predecessor.
Photo via Apple Scoop // A concept image rendering of Apple's upcoming iPhone SE 4.
Key Features of the iPhone SE 4
The upcoming iPhone SE is rumored to closely resemble the base model of the iPhone 14, with some impressive improvements:
- 6.1-inch OLED display: A leap from the previous models’ LCD screens, offering more vibrant colors and deeper blacks.
- Face ID: A major upgrade from the current Touch ID sensor.
- Apple's new A-series chip: Providing enhanced performance.
- Single 48-megapixel rear camera: Expected to deliver better photos with improved clarity.
- 8GB of RAM: Supporting Apple Intelligence features.
- USB-C port: Aligning with the industry-wide shift toward USB-C for faster data transfer and charging.
- First-ever Apple-designed 5G modem: A major step for Apple's control over its hardware ecosystem.
Photo via BGR // Pictured: iPhone SE 3 (left). iPhone SE 4 concept image based on iPhone 14 design (right).
Production and Launch Timeline
Kuo expects the iPhone SE 4 to hit the market in the first half of 2025, likely in March or April. With mass production slated for December, Apple is on track to meet this timeline. The analyst predicts that Apple suppliers will manufacture approximately 8.6 million units during the first quarter of 2025, ensuring ample stock to meet demand.
The iPhone SE line is Apple's most affordable offering, and the new model is expected to be a big hit in markets where the cost of flagship devices may be prohibitive. By incorporating premium features from its higher-end models, Apple is positioning the SE 4 to capture a broader customer base globally.
Apple will try to build up a substantial stock to meet the strong demand for pre-orders as well as the weeks following availability.— Kuo said. With its low price point and significant upgrades, the new iPhone SE is anticipated to draw attention from consumers looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on features.
Photo via IndiaToday // The iPhone SE 4 has been rumored to come in standard size and a 'Plus' model, although analysts are split on whether this is likely or not.
Apple Cuts iPhone 16 Production Orders by 10 Million Units
In contrast, Apple has recently adjusted production for the current flagship line, the iPhone 16. Kuo revealed that Apple reduced production orders by 10 million units for the regular iPhone 16, focusing on the more popular Pro models, which boast higher-end features like improved cameras and better displays.
Kuo’s updated estimate places iPhone 16 production for the second half of 2024 at 84 million units, down from an initial projection of 88 million. This decline is expected to continue into 2025, with production numbers for the first two quarters of the year now forecasted at 45 million units (Q1) and 39 million units (Q2), respectively—both slightly lower than previous estimates.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple's latest iPhone, the iPhone 16, has allegedly had its production cut by 10 million units, according to Ming-Chi Kuo.
iPhone revenues are expected to come under pressure in 1H25 due to a YoY shipment decline and a less favorable product mix due to the launch of SE4.— Ming-Chi Kuo
What This Means for Apple’s Strategy
The shift in production priorities suggests that Apple is preparing for a shift in consumer demand as the iPhone SE 4 enters the market. With its strong feature set and competitive price, the SE 4 could siphon off some demand from the iPhone 16 lineup, particularly in markets where budget models dominate sales.
The potential for the iPhone SE 4 to undercut sales of the standard iPhone 16 may explain the reduction in production numbers for the latter, especially given the current global economic climate and fluctuating consumer spending habits.
Analyst's View on Apple's Future in AI
Kuo also expressed optimism about Apple's future in on-device AI, particularly with its upcoming Apple Intelligence service, which could become a paid offering in the future.
I believe that Apple is best positioned to succeed in on-device AI, and I am confident about the long-term potential for Apple Intelligence to become a popular paid service.— Ming-Chi Kuo
However, Kuo emphasized that substantial growth in iPhone shipments would likely require further hardware innovation to complement these AI advancements.
Conclusion
Apple is once again relying on its extensive supply chain and production capacity to ensure a smooth launch. Given that the iPhone SE line has traditionally been a popular choice for price-conscious consumers, all eyes are now on Apple to see if the iPhone SE 4 can live up to expectations.
As Apple enters the final months of preparation for its next major launch, the tech world will be watching closely to see how this strategic shift impacts the broader smartphone market.
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Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 23rd October, 2024.
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