The iPhone SE has been Apple’s most affordable iPhone since its introduction in 2016. Offering the core Apple experience at a lower price point, the iPhone SE models have appealed to budget-conscious shoppers who want iOS and Apple services without paying premium prices.
The current 3rd generation iPhone SE was released in March 2022. However, rumors are already swirling about a potential 4th generation iPhone SE in 2025. Here’s what we know so far about the possible iPhone SE 4 release date, pricing, design changes, specs, and other key details.
In a Nutshell:
- Release Date: Expected in 2025 (Q1 or Q2)
- Pricing: Potentially $499-$529 starting price
- Design: All-screen with notch, 6.1″ OLED display
- Specs: A16 Chip, 5G, improved battery, USB-C, Face ID
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Release Date
Apple has not officially confirmed plans for an iPhone SE 4 or provided a release timeframe. However, multiple reports suggest 2025 as the likely launch target.
Notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo originally predicted the next iPhone SE for 2024 but later revised his forecast to 2025. This aligns with a report from Korean publication The Elec stating that Apple delayed iPhone SE 4 production to 2025.
The delayed timeline allows Apple to incorporate its rumored in-house 5G modem chip, reportedly codenamed “Haloband.” Previous iPhone SE generations followed a 2-year release cadence in 2016, 2020, and 2022. If Apple targets 2025, it would represent the longest gap between iPhone SE refreshes so far.
Barring any further delays, the most likely release window for iPhone SE 4 is Q1 or Q2 2025. This would follow Apple’s pattern of spring iPhone SE launches.
Pricing
Pricing for the iPhone SE 4 remains unconfirmed as of February 2025. However, Apple has slowly increased the starting price with each iPhone SE generation:
- iPhone SE (2016): $399
- iPhone SE (2020): $399
- iPhone SE (2022): $429
The iPhone SE 4 could potentially start between $499-529 given rumored upgrades like an OLED display. However, Apple may target the $449-479 range to keep the iPhone SE 4 affordable compared to flagship iPhones. Solid storage starting at 128GB seems likely.
Design and Display
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt an all-screen design for the first time, with a 6.1-inch OLED display and notch. This represents a significant shift from the classic iPhone 8-style form factor used on prior iPhone SE models.
Rumors indicate the notch will house the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID. This means the iPhone SE would lose Touch ID and the iconic Home button. The display size bump provides more screen real estate while retaining a compact footprint.
Other design changes tipped for iPhone SE 4 include:
- Flat-edge chassis similar to iPhone 14
- Single rear camera lens
- Glass back (for wireless charging)
- USB-C charging port instead of Lightning
- New Action button like iPhone 15 series
If the rumors hold true, the iPhone SE 4 design would essentially resemble an iPhone 14 but with some cost-driven downgrades like a single camera.
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Specs and Features
The iPhone SE 4 will likely feature Apple’s A16 Bionic chip from the iPhone 14 Pro lineup. This ensures speedy performance on par with 2022 flagship iPhones.
Other potential specs based on rumors:
- Improved battery life via iPhone 14 battery (3,279 mAh capacity)
- 5G connectivity powered by Apple’s own modem chip
- 128GB base storage
- Single 12MP wide rear camera with software enhancements
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Face ID
While not confirmed, the iPhone SE 4 could also add new photography features like Night mode and improved low-light performance. Enabling more flagship camera capabilities would further boost the value proposition.
Wrap Up
The iPhone SE 4 in 2025 looks to deliver the most substantial upgrades ever seen in Apple’s budget iPhone lineup. With an all-new design, expanded display, improved battery life and 5G performance, it may be the most compelling iPhone SE yet for the price.
However, Apple has not provided official confirmation if or when an iPhone SE 4 will be released. As the rumored 2025 timeline approaches, concrete details should emerge to confirm these expectations or if Apple has other plans for its entry-level iPhones moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as additional iPhone SE 4 rumors and reports surface on what could be an exciting new chapter for Apple’s most affordable iPhone.