iPhone SE 4: What to expect from Apple’s upcoming affordable iPhone

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to bring a significant design overhaul, a transition to USB-C charging, and improved camera capabilities. Set for a spring 2025 release, it promises to offer modern features while maintaining an affordable price point.

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As the iPhone 16 lineup makes its way into customers’ hands, anticipation is already building for what Apple has in store next. The forthcoming model isn’t the iPhone 17 but rather the iPhone SE 4, expected to launch in spring 2025. This marks the first significant update to the iPhone SE series in three years, likely introducing a range of enhancements and features that will set it apart from its predecessors.

An essential change anticipated in the iPhone SE 4 is its design. Apple has maintained the iPhone 8 design since the launch of the iPhone SE 2 in 2020, featuring a 4.7” LCD and a home button. However, rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring a larger 6.1” OLED display, flat edges, and Face ID technology. The device is anticipated to retain a single rear camera, in contrast to the dual-camera system found on the iPhone 14.

In addition to the design overhaul, the iPhone SE 4 may also include an Action Button, a feature first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and now available across the iPhone 16 lineup. This customizable button will replace the traditional mute switch, offering users a new level of functionality.

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Another significant change in the iPhone SE 4 is the expected transition to USB-C, moving away from the Lightning connector that has been a staple in Apple devices. This change aligns with EU regulations mandating a universal charging port and allows users to charge their iPhones with the same cable used for other Apple devices, such as iPads and laptops.

Camera capabilities are also set to improve dramatically in the iPhone SE 4. Reports suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will include a 48MP rear sensor akin to the one found in the iPhone 15, marking a substantial enhancement compared to the 12MP sensor in the iPhone SE 3. Additionally, the front-facing camera will likely match the iPhone 15’s 12MP selfie camera, enhancing photo quality for users.

The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to feature Apple Intelligence, driven by the A18 chip and equipped with 8GB of RAM. This inclusion will provide users with access to new features such as advanced writing tools, photo editing capabilities, and an improved Siri experience.

Moreover, the iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to be the first to feature Apple’s in-house modem, a move that aims to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. This modem, codenamed Centauri, is set to support 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, potentially lowering the overall production cost of the device.

Pricing for the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to start around $499, which, while a bit higher than previous models, still positions it as an affordable option within Apple’s lineup. As the iPhone 14 is expected to be discontinued following the release of the iPhone SE 4, consumers can look forward to a more streamlined selection of iPhones, all equipped with USB-C charging.