Evidence is looking good that Apple is preparing to release the iPhone SE 4 sometime soon, and considering the rumor mill has been churning for nearly two years, this is a great thing. For those who may need a refresher, the iPhone SE series is Apple’s answer for an affordable iPhone model.
Typically, the SE series is a bit behind on the latest hardware, yet it makes up for it with an easier price for the consumer. Let’s take a look at the rumors surrounding this device and I’ll explain why it can be a sure-fire win for Apple and users.
Apple Ramps Up Fourth-Generation SE Production
According to a report from The Information, it would seem that suppliers are scaling their mass production for the iPhone SE 4. However, this production is currently slated to begin in October, so the likelihood that the device will release alongside the iPhone 16 is slim to none. As we reported back in May, however, these rumors align with a March 2025 trajectory.
Of course, these rumors also align with the fact that the three previous generations saw release in March. There is a good chance the fourth generation will likely do the same. Reports also indicate that the device may retail for around $500. Considering this is Apple’s frugal option for consumers, let’s take a quick look at the current rumors, and see if this device will be worth the money.
What We Know About iPhone SE 4 So Far
Perhaps the largest rumor surrounding this device is that it may receive a redesign closely resembling the iPhone 14. This would be a pretty big upgrade for the iPhone SE series, which models itself on the iPhone 8 and still implements Touch ID via a Home button.
If true, this is likely to make the size of the device larger as well. Reports online are expecting the display to measure around 6.06 inches, which is far larger than the 4.7-inch SE models currently available. In terms of redesign, many are also expecting Face ID to arrive alongside USB-C charging capabilities. However, unlike the iPhone 14, users should expect the SE to come with a single-lens camera over the dual lens, likely to save on the cost of the device. Rumors suggest it will be an upgraded 48-megapixel camera.
Additional rumors include the possibility of an Action Button, an upgrade from LCD to OLED for the display, the potential for the flagship notch in the screen, upgraded 5G tech, and an upgrade to the A15 chip currently found in iPhone 13. Reports also suggest the device will use the same battery as the iPhone 14, meaning consumers will find 3279 mAh powering the SE 4.
Why iPhone SE 4 Will Be Great for Consumers
If the rumors are true, the iPhone SE 4 will likely be a big hit for Apple and consumers. While the third-generation SE had a strong start, it didn’t take long for sales of the device to slump, at least, according to supply chain reports. It’s also worth noting that in 2024, sales of iPhone 15 dropped a bit, yet older models began picking back up according to reports found in July.
In my opinion, this may be a great time for Apple to release a budget-friendly device that packs more features and options than SE models in the past. While speculative, the third-generation SE’s performance may have been hindered by its limited upgrades over predecessors. The fourth-gen SE may change all of that.
Everything looks promising — the only potential downside is the larger display found in the fourth-gen. I don’t have the same sales figures as Apple does, but it was a great thing when the company offered a smaller-sized device. This can be a bigger draw for folks who feel bored of smartphones with larger screens.
Why the iPhone SE 4 is Great for Apple
Overall, I think this is a much-needed upgrade for a device that still offers plenty of potential to consumers, which ultimately ties back to being great for Apple. Sales are what continue to drive releases, so if Apple believes that an SE 4 should be on the horizon, the company is likely to be on the money.
Having options that are more affordable for consumers while still offering a quality product can often be a balancing act. If the cheaper alternative is better than what’s available, then there is little reason to plunk down the extra money. However, it’s pretty likely that Apple is going to have a rabid fanbase that buys the latest devices regardless of what’s happening.
While it’s unlikely that the iPhone SE 4 will be Apple’s best-selling device, the flipside will be that Apple will be able to adopt more users into the company’s ecosystem. And iPhone purchase often opens the doors for other devices within the ecosystem, such as AirPods or Apple Watch.
The Final Word
In the end, I’m a big fan of Apple releasing a cheaper option iPhone. It makes things more accessible to a larger audience, and in turn, it introduces more people to everything Apple provides. While I personally wish for the company to keep a smaller device in the supply, it’s pretty likely that the general public wants a larger screen anyway. Regardless, if the rumors are true, folks can expect to see the iPhone SE 4 sometime in early 2025. With luck, the company will continue this budget-friendly model for generations to come.
You may also want to know what to expect from the iPhone 16 series.