While the iPhone 17 rumors garner most of the attention, Apple also has another new iPhone model in the works. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be a dramatic update to Apple’s most affordable iPhone, with an all-new design, USB-C for charging, and more.
Here are five things to expect from the iPhone SE 4.
iPhone SE 4: New features
New design with a bigger display
The biggest change for the iPhone SE 4 will be its design. The current-generation iPhone SE features an iPhone 8-style design with large bezels around the 4.7-inch display and a Home button at the bottom. The iPhone SE 4, however, will reportedly bring a modern overhaul similar to the iPhone 14.
According to leaked CAD files, the iPhone SE 4 will feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch cutout at the top. We can also expect a new flat-edged design instead of the iPhone SE’s current rounded edges.
According to 91mobiles, the iPhone SE 4 will measure 147.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm. The current iPhone SE measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm.
Face ID
While the current iPhone SE features a Home button with Touch ID, the next-generation iPhone SE 4 will reportedly make the jump to Face ID.
This change is enabled by the iPhone SE 4’s new design with a notch cutout in which the Face ID components will be housed.
Faster performance
The third-generation iPhone SE is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which offers excellent performance for the device’s low price point. The iPhone SE 4 will further improve on that performance.
Last October, 9to5Mac exclusively reported that the iPhone SE 4 will be powered by the A18 chip. The device is also expected to feature 8GB of RAM. The combination of these upgrades means the iPhone SE 4 will be fully capable of running Apple Intelligence features.
USB-C
Finally, the iPhone SE 4 will make the switch from Lightning to USB-C for charging. This aligns with the latest iPhone 16 lineup, and is legally required due to legislation in the European Union.
Apple modem
In a major shift, the iPhone SE 4 will not feature a modem from Qualcomm for cellular connectivity. Instead, it will rely on a modem designed by Apple. The device will mark the first-ever product to feature an Apple-designed modem.
For the end-user, this change shouldn’t even be noticeable. Apple’s goal is to ship its first-ever modem and maintain the same level experience that customers have today. If this change flies under the radar, then it’s a win for Apple.
Wrap up
It seems like we are finally nearing the release of the iPhone SE after over a year of rumors. Bloomberg reports that the device could be announced as soon as next week. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be revealed via a press release on Apple’s website, not a dedicated event.
What do you think of the rumored iPhone SE 4? Is it a logical addition to Apple’s lineup, or is it time for Apple to forgo the “iPhone SE” strategy entirely?
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