Apple's budget iPhone SE 4: what the rumor mill says is on the way

Apple hasn't updated the iPhone SE in years. Here's what to expect from the fourth generation of the budget-focused smartphone.

A new iPhone SE is long overdue from Apple. The third-generation iPhone SE dropped in 2022, making it more than two years since the last update.

This long period since we saw a new iPhone SE has led to a steady stream of rumors and leaks, and the hope that one will arrive soon.

Here's what the rumor mill believes is happening for the fourth generation of Apple's lowest-priced iPhone model.

iPhone SE 4 - redesign

One of the biggest changes is that the budget iPhone will finally get a new design. As usual for the iPhone SE, Apple will be reusing designs of previous iPhone models, rather than coming up with something entirely new.

It will likely be based on the iPhone 14, Apple's model launched in 2023, rather than the current iPhone 8 aesthetic. Multiple leakers have said the design upgrade is on the way.

However, one Weibo-based leaker insists that it is wrong and that it will be based on the unreleased iPhone 16. As a relatively new leaker with as-yet-unknown accuracy, as well as referencing an upcoming model, this is quite doubtful.

Those two phones do look similar, but ultimately it will be a model with a large edge-to-edge display and flat sides.

iPhone SE 4 - display

Speaking of the display, reports peg the new device to adopt OLED for the first time.

BOE is currently thought to be the primary vendor for the iPhone SE 4's display. LG Display, a long-term supply chain member, will apparently be a secondary vendor.

As the primary vendor, BOE will continue to be the main supplier and have the larger share of orders. But they've had some issues, so it makes sense that LG Display is on tap as the backup supplier.

It also adds diversification from Samsung Display in the supply chain.

The screen itself is expected to be a 6.1-inch display, up from the 4.7-inch one it has now.

Offhand, this sounds like the iPhone SE will be giant. But remember that the previous version didn't have an edge-to-edge display, but instead had top and bottom sections and a front-mounted Home button.

iPhone SE 4 - notch and camera

What will be at the top of the screen is a bit of a mystery. Leakers have offered the use of both a Dynamic Island as well as the notch to handle the front-facing camera.

At this stage, Apple could go either way. The notch is an older design element, which plays into how Apple usually treats the iPhone SE.

However, Apple also seems keen to move more devices to the Dynamic Island and its software-assisted features. The smart money would be on the latter.

It will still feature a single rear-facing camera, which is again normal for a low-cost iPhone design. Apple will probably continue using its 12MP sensors, but it could get a bump to 48MP to bring it in line with newer models.

iPhone SE 4 - performance

Internally, this new phone will sport a brand-new chip, which is likely to be Apple's A18 processor. This will be the same one that will be used in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

The reasoning is that Apple usually keeps this model around for a number of years. By putting in its latest processor, it will be more useful over a longer lifespan. And, this is expected to be paired with 8GB of RAM.

With these changes in place, there are at least two big features that should be coming to this phone.

The first of them is Face ID. This is a no-brainer as the physical home button will be gone from the front, and therefore there's a need to replace Touch ID on the model.

This would be major for consumers, as it would be the elimination of the last iPhone model with Touch ID.

The second feature is Apple Intelligence, which is being actively tested in the iOS 18 developer betas. Apple Intelligence covers a bunch of AI features, ranging from custom emoji generation to writing tools, to a refreshed and more powerful Siri.

It wouldn't seem right for Apple to launch Apple Intelligence and leave it out of the cheapest model in the range. These updates should at least mean that Apple Intelligence will be functional across the entire current-gen iPhone collection on the iPhone SE's release.

By building in Apple Intelligence now to the iPhone SE, it could help Apple get a larger install base of compatible devices, when it comes time to start charging for certain Apple Intelligence features. That may not happen until 2027 at the earliest, which gives more time to expand the Apple Intelligence footprint.

iPhone SE 4 - ports and buttons

You can bet the Lightning port will vanish, replaced by USB-C. Apple has been working to eliminate the port in favor of USB-C across most of its hardware, and now would be the ideal time to do so to the iPhone SE.

Just like other modern iPhones, the iPhone SE should support MagSafe charging, as well as Qi2.

It's a long shot, but at least one rumor has said that the Action Button will make an appearance. It seems that Apple does want people to use this button, and removing the mute toggle will also bring it in line with modern iPhones too.

There's a good chance of it happening, if rumors about the non-Pro iPhone 16 are true.

iPhone SE 4 - pricing and availability

With all of these expected changes on the way, that may mean a change in price is also going to happen.

The current iPhone SE 3 retails for $429 usually, though there are often other discounts and specials that bring the price down.

Apple is said to be targeting a sub-$500 price point for the iPhone SE 4. This means it could retail for at most $499, making it the most expensive iPhone SE ever.

Between all these upgrades and prices inching up, that is in the realm of possibility. As for when you can get your hands on one, there's still a fair bit of debate on the matter.

From early January 2023 to the end of February, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone SE 4 was canceled . He eventually reversed course, saying it was back on track and was eyeing an early 2025 release date.

Given that previous models had a similar timing, a spring 2025 launch for the budget iPhone seems highly plausible.