The iPhone SE series has been popular since the first model was released. No wonder, as it offers great value for money.
The last iPhone SE came out in 2022 and while it’s still a great phone, the looks of the iPhone 8 are quite different from Apple’s current design language, and many fans of the brand are waiting for a refresh.
Good news, then: Apple could be working on a new version of the budget-friendly iPhone SE. However, rumours regarding the phone are inconsistent, and it remains uncertain whether it will be released. Here’s everything we know so far.
When will the iPhone SE 4 (2024) be released?
One of the biggest mysteries of the iPhone SE 4 is whether it will appear at all.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in January that plans for the iPhone SE in 2024 had been cancelled, before stating in February that the project had been revived. Later in April, Kuo stated that the model he was referring to might be just an engineering prototype and “there are no plans for mass production and sales.”
The iPhone SE series is not being released on a fixed schedule, as is the case with the flagship iPhones that come out every year. Here’s when previous models had their launches:
In 2016, Apple introduced the initial iPhone SE, followed by a refreshed model with more storage options in 2017, and then realeased improved versions in 2020 and 2022. This pattern suggests that the company may have transitioned to a biennial release schedule. That means the iPhone SE 4 could be unveiled in Spring 2024.
A report from MacRumors seems to confirm that Apple is indeed working on the new iPhone SE. However, analyst Jeff Pu claims it will launch in 2025.
At this point, we do not know which of these dates is more likely or whether Apple will decide to release it at all.
How much will the iPhone SE 4 (2024) cost?
Apple has been slightly increasing the price of the phone over the last few years. Here’s how much previous models cost at their initial launch:
Looking at this trend, it is possible that the iPhone SE 4 will also be more expensive than its predecessor. However, the price of the iPhone 15 (at least in the UK) is lower than that of the iPhone 14. So this gives some optimism that Apple will decide to reduce prices slightly or not change them at all.
What specs and features will the iPhone SE 4 (2024) have?
Design & display
Reports from MacRumors and Unknownz21 suggest that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will essentially be a slightly modified version of the iPhone 14, boasting a 6.1in all-display design. The iPhone SE currently stands as the last remaining iPhone model equipped with an LCD display, but it looks like it will transition to OLED technology.
Apple is expected to give iPhone SE 4 a notch instead of a Touch ID Home button. However, the inclusion of Face ID and the TrueDepth camera system in the notch remains uncertain due to potential cost bumps.
Unknownz21 also claims that the iPhone SE 4 will introduce an Action Button, taking the place of the mute switch on the phone’s side. Considering that this particular feature was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro model (shown below), it may be challenging to imagine it being present on the iPhone SE 4. It is, however, possible.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Furthermore, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a USB-C port, aligning with the connectivity standard adopted by flagship models.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Performance
Details regarding the chip in the iPhone SE 4 are limited, but if the phone indeed undergoes a substantial revamp based on the iPhone 14, it would be logical to anticipate the inclusion of Apple’s A15 Bionic chip.
As a point of reference, the existing iPhone SE is powered by the same A15 chip found in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models. Therefore, there’s a possibility that the iPhone SE 4 might feature a previous-generation chip upon its release. That’s why we expect it to have the Apple A16 Bionic chip.
Software
The iPhone SE 4 will most likely debut with iOS 17 if it arrives early next year.
However, if its release is in 2025, it will surely run iOS 18 straight out of the box.
Cameras
The existing iPhone SE is equipped with a 12Mp camera. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 might also opt for a single-lens camera configuration to manage costs, yet there is speculation that it could feature the 48Mp primary lens used in the iPhone 15 (below).
Chris Martin / Foundry
However, reports claim that Apple has been exploring various designs for the cameras in the iPhone SE 4. Consequently, it remains uncertain what the ultimate decision will be, and it’s possible that a final choice has not been reached yet.
Battery & charging
The new design provides an opportunity for Apple to incorporate a larger battery within the iPhone SE 4.
Current design limits the physical capacity for a sizable battery. With the expanded dimensions of the iPhone 14, Apple could have the space to accommodate a significantly larger battery, potentially elevating the iPhone SE’s battery life to higher level.
However, we do not have any certain information about this and it is only speculation.
Connectivity
Ming-Chi Kuo stated that Apple was testing the in-house 5G baseband chip with the iPhone SE 4 prototype. Report from MacRumors also confirms this.
The current iPhone SE already features 5G technology, and it’s probable that the next-generation iteration will receive an enhanced 5G chip with expanded support for additional bands.
There’s also speculation that it might even be the first iPhone to integrate Apple’s in-house modem chip, although this remains uncertain at present.
That’s all we currently know about the highly anticipated iPhone SE 4. We’ll update this article when we find anything new.
In the meantime, feel free to check out our chart for the best iPhone. We’ve also rounded up the best USB-C iPhone charging cables and best USB-C iPhone chargers.
