The iPhone SE series is Apple’s entry-level smartphone lineup, offering great performance and features at an affordable price point. The last model – the iPhone SE 3 – was released in March 2022. Rumors are already swirling about the next iteration – the iPhone SE 4.
iPhone SE 2 Release Date
There is a lot of uncertainty around the release date for the iPhone SE 4. Originally, rumors pointed to a 2024 launch. However, several reports now suggest it may not arrive until 2025 or even later:
- Analyst Jeff Pu claims the iPhone SE 4 will launch in 2025.
- Reputed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said there are currently no plans for mass production or sales of the next iPhone SE 4.
- Barclays analysts also state the iPhone SE 4 is “unlikely to launch” in 2024.
The iPhone SE doesn’t follow a predictable release schedule like Apple’s flagship iPhones. If the 2-year cycle holds up, we could see the iPhone SE 4 in March/April 2024. But with multiple reports claiming otherwise, 2025 seems more realistic at this point.
Design
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a completely overhauled design compared to the current model:
- It will likely be based on the iPhone 14 chassis and have a similar flat-edge design.
- The display will be upgraded to a 6.1-inch OLED panel versus the 4.7-inch LCD on the iPhone SE 3.
- The phone may lack a physical home button, instead relying fully on Face ID for biometric authentication.
- It will feature a single, oblong-shaped rear camera bump instead of the circular protrusion on the back of the iPhone SE 3.
- The iPhone SE 4 will have a USB-C port, in line with legislation requiring a common charging standard.
- The latest rumors suggest that iPhone SE 4 will have vertical camera design and dynamic island.
So, in terms of design, the iPhone SE 4 will essentially be a modified iPhone 14 with some minor changes. This will give it a much more modern look compared to the dated iPhone 8-inspired design of the current model.
Features & Specs
Here are some of the rumored specs and features of the iPhone SE 4:
Display
- 6.1-inch OLED display
- Improved brightness, contrast ratio, and energy efficiency compared to LCD
- Dynamic island
Chipset
- A15 or A16 Bionic chip
- Fast performance on par with flagship iPhones
Camera
- 48MP main rear camera
- Significantly improved over 12MP camera on iPhone SE 3
- Advanced features like Night mode
- Vertical camera set up
Battery
- Same 3,279 mAh battery as iPhone 14
- Faster wired charging up to 20W
Biometrics
- Face ID instead of Touch ID
Other Features
- 5G connectivity
- USB-C port
- Ceramic Shield front glass
- A16 chip with better performance and efficiency
Hence, the iPhone SE 4 could see massive upgrades to its design, display, camera, biometrics, and other features – making it much more competitive with mid-range Android devices. It will retain the great performance and software experience iPhone SE models are known for, at an affordable price.