The fourth-generation iPhone SE is ready to deliver a few multitude of visible and useful modifications 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 achieve 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 troublesome for the typical individual to know what to anticipate with the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
To treatment the scenario and supply our readers with insights concerning 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 numerous particulars concerning the iPhone 16 vary forward of launch.
Leaving no stone unturned, nevertheless, we’ve got additionally determined to supply an overview of the whole lot rumored for the fourth-generation iPhone SE, though lots of the claims made concerning 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 easy replace, derived largely from the design of the iPhone XR. Then it was urged 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 the whole lot we all know concerning the iPhone SE 4 thus far, and the way the completely different rumors stack up towards 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. Relatively than resembling the massively outdated iPhone 8, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will function a design derived nearly completely from the bottom mannequin iPhone 14.
The iPhone SE 4 will probably be based mostly on the usual iPhone 14, with minor modifications.
In follow, which means that the iPhone SE 4 could have the identical total dimensions because the iPhone 14, with an aluminum housing fabricated from the identical alloy. This data 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 modifications 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.
Provided that the system is basically based mostly on the prevailing, 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 obtainable on the iPhone SE till now. Some pre-production prototypes additionally 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 telephone closely resembling Apple’s base mannequin iPhone 14, that hasn’t stopped unreliable leakers from claiming in any other case. Some have stated the system will use a modified iPhone 16 chassis, and there is even a weird declare 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 by way of iPhone 14-style notch, Dynamic Island unlikely
With the introduction of a 6.1-inch OLED show, Apple will lastly section out Contact ID on the iPhone SE. As a substitute, the iPhone SE 4 will function a extra fashionable type of biometric identification, often called Face ID. This data comes from individuals accustomed to Apple’s pre-production designs and prototypes.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is predicted to function a notch fairly 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 Digicam and related Face ID sensors are positioned. This may 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 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 growth 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 items all recommend that Apple’s budget-oriented telephone can be geared up with a notch fairly than Dynamic Island.
One rear digital camera, with a formidable 48 MP
One other notable distinction in comparison with the iPhone 14 may be seen within the rear digital camera availability of the iPhone SE 4. The system will function a single rear digital camera on the again fairly than two.
Although the iPhone SE 4 is getting a brand new 48 MP digital camera, its place can be much 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 accustomed to the matter, the corporate experimented with at the very least 5 completely different designs for the backplate and rear digital camera bump. Even so, the system was all the time presupposed to function just one rear digital camera.
The flash module, in the meantime, can be on the suitable facet. Leaked circumstances present a horizontal cutout for the digital camera, which can imply it will not have a digital camera 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 beneath the codename Undertaking Portland. A number of completely different studies have indicated that the new-and-improved iPhone SE will function a 48 MP rear digital camera, leaving little room for doubt.
Apple Intelligence, lastly on the iPhone SE
With the fourth iteration of the iPhone SE, Apple will probably usher in help for its newest suite of generative AI instruments. Referred to as Apple Intelligence, the software program is at the moment obtainable 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 obtainable on the iPhone SE 4 straight out of the field.
Apple Intelligence gives quite a lot of AI-powered utilities, which have been made obtainable by way of the iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 updates. With Apple Intelligence, it is attainable to edit textual content, take away objects from images, summarize conversations, categorize emails, and generate imagery, all by means of AI.
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 fairly than being unique to “Professional” 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 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 could enable the telephone to compete and higher place itself towards equally priced Android telephones that embrace Google Gemini or comparable generative AI software program for the tip consumer.
The iPhone SE 4 is not going to get Visible Intelligence, because the system greater than probably will not function the Digicam Management button.
The recognition and total 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 stated 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 have been made obtainable.
Apple’s iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to ship with iOS 18.3 pre-installed, so customers will probably have entry to Apple Intelligence options instantly after buying the system. This assumes, after all, that the system can be geared up with the A18 chip. It might be a logical selection for the iPhone SE, given that individuals will probably 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 sturdy risk that the iPhone SE 4 would possibly reuse the battery of the prevailing iPhone 14. This looks as if 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 may function Apple’s “Sinope” challenge, a wholly new 5G modem.
Pre-production items 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 major 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 price mentioning that the iPhone 14 battery was used on pre-production prototypes of the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Apple typically 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 discuss of a brand new 5G modem, developed in-house by Apple beneath the challenge codename “Sinope” with the intent of changing the prevailing Qualcomm modems present in present iPhone fashions. AppleInsider is accustomed to the challenge, and there is a good probability it is going to debut with the system, although advantages for the tip 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 may be bought model new for $429. A number of rumors recommend that Apple needs to take care of a value level beneath $500, which might in the end make sense for a budget-friendly system just like the iPhone SE.
AppleInsider was instructed that the system could possibly be obtainable in white and black coloration choices, with the latter being internally known as “Midnight” in some cases. This data comes from individuals accustomed to pre-production prototypes, nevertheless, and should not replicate the ultimate items, although it does align with colours seen on dummy items.
Apple may 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 attainable that there can 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 stated that the system could be obtainable in early 2025, so the timing is smart in that regard.
