iPhone SE 4 could look like the iPhone 14 with just one rear camera
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Apple could finally be ready to unveil the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025, and it could be the cheapest iPhone with access to Apple intelligence. Here's what's rumored to be coming soon.
The iPhone SE was last updated in 2022 with a third-generation model. It's the last iPhone to feature a Home button, Touch ID, Lightning, and an LCD display.
That's all expected to change with the iPhone SE 4, which is rumored to be modeled after the iPhone 14. While it will resemble that iPhone on the outside, there will be plenty of modern changes that will make the iPhone SE 4 its own thing.
The rumor cycle for the new iPhone SE has been a bit of a rollercoaster. First it was supposed to be a simple update, then Apple apparently planned it to be a test bed for its internal modem. Then it was canceled, and then resurrected again.
Here's what we know about the iPhone SE 4 so far.
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Design
All signs point to the iPhone SE 4 being very similar to the iPhone 14, but with some changes. It will have a notch with Face ID, but the back will be different due to the different camera system.
Apple is expected to offer only a single camera on the back with a flash module on the right side. Leaked cases show a horizontal cutout for the camera, which could mean that it will not have a camera bump and will have a single lens protruding from the back.
The Lightning port will likely be replaced by a USB-C port, which will be another difference from the iPhone 14. Some test units allegedly had an Action button, but discussions about its inclusion have died down and it is likely not going to happen.
iPhone SE 4 will have an OLED display and a notch
Apple will try to reduce the overall cost by reusing components from the iPhone 14, since it will have identical dimensions. For example, the battery could be reused in the iPhone SE 4.
So far, all of this design information has been confirmed to AppleInsider from a reliable source.
Features
Apple’s budget iPhone aims to offer the bare minimum iPhone experience without sacrificing too much. That means keeping security, privacy, performance, and a great camera in a device that can handle modern features for years to come.
The latest premium iPhone models, like the iPhone 16, offer some powerful cameras, Dynamic Island, an action button, a camera button, and other features that define the product. However, Apple wants to sell a stripped-down version of that, just like it sold the iPhone 8-like iPhone SE for years after the iPhone X debuted.
The 2022 iPhone SE resembled the iPhone 8
So this time, Apple has a tough choice: what will it cut to achieve that in today’s budget model. The answer seems to be “not much,” given current rumors.
Some have speculated that Apple will make one camera 48-megapixels, putting it on par with the iPhone 15's main camera. That would make sense given Apple's focus on computational photography in recent years.
MagSafe and Qi2 charging are a no-brainer given the iPhone 14’s design. USB-C charging is convenient, but so are the range of peripherals supported by the new port.
MagSafe, USB-C, and an edge-to-edge display for the next iPhone SE
Flip the device face-up, and the iPhone SE 4 will look identical to the iPhone 14. The notch will house the Face ID components and the selfie camera, and the display will be OLED instead of LCD.
Aside from the camera, port, display, and design, there’s not much else to say about the user experience other than the chipset. The most important features will be determined by which A-series chip Apple chooses for the iPhone SE, and it looks like there’s only one option.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is Apple's take on artificial intelligence, which includes large language models and generative tools. To run these models, an iPhone needs at least the A17 Pro.
Apple Intelligence Will Likely Be Available on the iPhone SE 4
Apple isn’t going to use a “pro” chip in the budget iPhone SE, so that leaves the A18, which is offered in the iPhone 16 today. Yes, that means the iPhone SE could be on par with the latest flagships in performance, but it will lack other specs that Apple might consider.
It seems highly unlikely that Apple would release any new product without access to Apple Intelligence, especially since the iPhone SE might not get another update until 2026 or later.
There’s always the chance that Apple could use a scrapped version of the A18. This would cut costs and use chips rejected for the iPhone 16.
Apple Intelligence may not have produced the super-cycle analysts expected, but it’s still an important feature set to support. The iPhone SE competes more directly with budget Android phones that have access to Google Gemini and the like, so Apple can't afford not to have AI built into its budget smartphone.
Beyond AI, the use of the A18 also ensures a longer lifecycle and support cycle for the iPhone SE 4. Since the device will likely be purchased by people who want to use it for a longer period of time, it is easier for Apple to support the new chipset.
Camera controls and visual intelligence will likely remain premium features of the iPhone
iPhone SE 4 release date and price
According to supply chain reports, Apple is gearing up for an early 2025 release. Spring could be a busy time for Apple, as the iPad 11 and M4 MacBook Air are also expected.
The current iPhone SE costs $429, and Apple is rumored to be aiming to hit that price point below $500. Expect an announcement in March 2025.
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