iPhone SE 4 release date predictions, price, specs, and must-know features
What we know so far
Unlike the standard iPhones that get annual updates, the SE series tends to have a more unpredictable release timeline. While Apple's plans for the iPhone SE 4 launch are still a bit of a secret, there is a good chance that 2025 could be the year we finally see it. So, if you are itching for the iPhone SE 4, be prepared for a little wait.
With smartphone prices on the rise, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a higher price tag compared to the last model. However, that increase might just be worth it. We’re expecting improvements like an upgraded camera system, a design that aligns more closely with the stylish iPhone 14, and enhanced display specifications.
When it comes to battery life, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to get a major boost, potentially featuring a battery capacity almost double that of its predecessor. This upgrade could mean significantly longer battery life for users.
We've gathered all the info we could find about the iPhone SE 4 in one place. Just keep in mind, these details are still preliminary and subject to change. We'll only know for sure once the iPhone SE 4 is officially released.
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iPhone SE 4 release date
The iPhone SE doesn’t follow the typical iPhone release schedule. So far, we've seen only three versions, making its launch pattern a bit of a mystery. Historically, the time between each generation has varied from 2 to 4 years. What we do know for sure is that the iPhone SE 4 won’t drop at the same time as the regular iPhone lineup.
Generally, Apple's budget smartphone is released in Spring, at the company's first event for the year. A report from the Korean media outlet The ELEC says that the production of the new iPhone SE would be pushed to 2025. Another leak, supposedly revealing Apple's product roadmap, backs up the claim of a 2025 release.
And that’s not all. A recent leak also suggests that the next-generation iPhone SE could be launching sometime between March and May 2025.
| Model | Release Date |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE (1st generation) | March 31, 2016 |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | April 24, 2020 |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | March 18, 2022 |
| iPhone SE (4th generation) | March, 2025* |
* - probable dates
iPhone SE 4 price
The starting price of the iPhone SE, and standard iPhones, in general, has been gradually increasing over the years. Given this trend, we anticipate a similar situation with the iPhone SE 4.
Looking at previous releases, consumers can anticipate the iPhone SE 4 to start at approximately $450-500. Given the expected significant upgrades, it wouldn't be surprising if the price tag goes even higher. And actually, well-known tipster Ice Universe suggests the price point for the next iPhone SE will likely fall between $499 and $549.
However, to remain competitive in the mid-range segment, Apple should avoid increasing the price too much.
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE (1st. generation) | $399 |
| iPhone SE (2nd. generation) | $399 |
| iPhone SE (3rd. generation) | $429 |
| iPhone SE (4th. generation) | $499* |
* - anticipated prices
Meanwhile, another rumor suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will hit the shelves with a $429 price tag, the same as its predecessor at launch. It would be fantastic to see Apple release its budget-friendly smartphone at this price point, but it's wise to take the rumor with a grain of salt.
iPhone SE 4 camera
The iPhone SE has traditionally lacked a standout camera. As a budget-friendly option, one of its main drawbacks has consistently been its inferior camera quality. Reports suggest that this time around it will again feature a single rear camera, similar to previous iPhone SE models.
Rumors circulating online suggest that the iPhone SE 4 could potentially include a single 48MP rear camera. If true, this would mark a significant enhancement over the 12MP rear camera found in its predecessor. However, it's advisable not to get too excited until official details are confirmed.
If the rumor indeed turns out to be true, and the upcoming iPhone SE 4 features a 48MP camera, similar to the one found in the iPhone 15, it sure will pose a potential challenge to the Pixel 7a's claim as the best mid-range camera.
iPhone SE 4 storage
Storage options always pose a challenge with Apple. Considering the company's Pro iPhones still start with a modest 128GB of internal storage, the base configuration of the iPhone SE 4 might offer no more than half of that (i.e., 64GB).
However, a recent rumor suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will boast 6GB of RAM and offer two storage options: a base option of 128GB and a higher-tier one of 512GB.
Once again, given the fact that the device is in its very early stages of production, there is simply no concrete information at this time. So, let's put it that way, for the time being, we expect to see:
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 512GB
iPhone SE 4 design
This is where things start to become interesting. According to Jon Prosser, the next iPhone SE will be recycling the iPhone XR's design. This means that the iPhone SE 4 will be bigger and will come with a notch for the first time in the lineup's history.
Given that the standard iPhones, both Pro and non-Pro versions, transitioned to the Dynamic Island design with the iPhone 15, the SE can now freely adopt the notched design, first introduced with the iPhone X.
However, a leak from Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the iPhone SE will have an even more modern look and will essentially be a "minor modification of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14".
Rumors by tipster @URedditor, aka Unknownz21 support the claim, saying that the iPhone SE 4 will be based on the iPhone 14. What is more, recently leaked CAD renders show the resemblance between the iPhone SE 4 and the iPhone 14.
And yet, a leak surfaced from the tipster Majin Bu, suggesting that the upcoming iPhone SE might resemble the next-generation iPhone 16. Yes, you read that right!
According to the tipster, the iPhone SE 4 is indeed expected to feature Dynamic Island and a single camera on the back. While it may have the aesthetics of the iPhone 16, its dimensions are anticipated to be similar to those of the iPhone XR.
The same tipster, however, later shared a supposed iPhone SE 4 case design, indicating that the potential design could differ from their previous description. It appears there might indeed be a notch after all.
I understand that design speculations can be confusing right now. However, it seems unlikely that Apple will use the iPhone 16 as the foundation for the iPhone SE. It's more likely that the iPhone SE 4 will be based on the iPhone 14 instead and renowned Apple insider Mark Gurman recently backed this up as well.
Once again, we will have to wait to see which iPhone Apple has chosen for inspiration and whether the notch will stay or go.
iPhone SE 4 display
With the new design, could also come a new screen size. According to Ross Young, a well-known and trusted display analyst, the iPhone SE 4 could sport a 6.1-inch display, similar to the one found on the iPhone XR.
Additionally, a more recent report indicates that the iPhone SE could use the panel of the iPhone 13, which could make the former the first device in the lineup's history to feature an OLED screen.
Most recent rumors also suggest that the iPhone SE 4 would come with an OLED screen. Regardless of which display technology Apple finally opts for, the iPhone SE 4 will almost certainly not be featuring ProMotion (i.e. adaptive 120Hz refresh rate).
iPhone SE 4 battery
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt the same battery as the base model iPhone 14, with leaked prototypes featuring lithium-ion batteries (A2863) used in previous Apple models. Internal documents have confirmed this change, showing an increase in capacity from 2018mAh in the iPhone SE 3 to 3279mAh in the upcoming iPhone SE 4.
This A2863 battery brings a substantial boost of over 1250mAh compared to the third-gen iPhone SE, potentially delivering longer battery life. This move (using the same battery as ones found in older devices) aligns with Apple's pattern, as the second-gen iPhone SE also shared its battery with the older iPhone 8.
Recent rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will come with a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port. This change is more likely to happen than not, especially considering that the iPhone 15 series supports USB-C.
iPhone SE 4 features and software
The iPhone SE 4 might mark the definitive end of the Home button era. This suggests that Apple may need to explore alternative methods for implementing biometric authentication in its new budget smartphone.
With the "notch" Apple could give the iPhone SE 4 Face ID, which is actually supported by the latest rumors. And not only but it is also rumored that Apple would add an Action button, which replaced the ring/silent switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone SE 4 will certainly ship with the latest iOS version upon its release. Currently, iOS 17 is the publicly available version, with iOS 18 already announced and expected to launch later this fall. Therefore, even if the iPhone SE 4 doesn't debut this year, it will come pre-installed with iOS 18 at the very least.
iPhone SE 4 hardware
There is a big question mark over the chipset that will be powering the iPhone SE 4. The current iPhone SE (2022) features an A15 processor. If Apple wants to increase the raw performance of the SE, it will have to make the jump to A16 (which is reportedly very costly) or an even newer SoC, such as the A17.
Recently, rumors have surfaced suggesting that the iPhone SE 4 might come equipped with an A18 processor, just like the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. If true, this would make the SE 4 potentially faster than the regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, which are expected to use the A17 chip. However, keep in mind that this info should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Should you wait for the iPhone SE 4?
- You should wait for the iPhone SE 4 if you are not in a rush and are looking for an Apple smartphone on a budget. After all, if the price rumors are accurate and there are indeed design upgrades and improved camera, the wait could definitely pay off.
- You should not wait for the iPhone SE 4 if you are currently in the market for a smartphone. No matter how substantial the upgrade turns out to be, the release of the new iPhone SE 4 is still a ways off. It could be at least several months, or even a year before the new entry-level iPhone makes its official debut.
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