Rumor mill: The iPhone SE 4 was long rumored to debut in early 2025, but until now, there was no clear launch timeframe. A new report changes that, claiming that Apple will unveil its next-generation "affordable" iPhone as early as next week, with availability expected later this month.
According to Bloomberg, the iPhone SE 4 could have a low-key debut, with Apple likely to announce it via a press release rather than a full-scale launch event. While Apple's high-profile events at Apple Park in Cupertino are typically reserved for flagship iPhones, the third-generation iPhone SE was introduced at the company's Peak Performance event in March 2022.
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature premium hardware with support for Apple Intelligence. Rumors suggest it could be powered by the A18 chip from the iPhone 16 lineup and include at least 8GB of RAM. Additionally, the device may debut Apple's first-generation in-house cellular modem, replacing the Qualcomm modems currently used in iPhones.
Apple plans to unveil a long-anticipated overhaul of the iPhone SE in the coming days, ahead of it going on sale later in the month https://t.co/sNZ18OUv5K
– Bloomberg (@business) February 6, 2025
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to undergo a major redesign as part of Apple's efforts to modernize its budget-friendly lineup. It is rumored to adopt the iPhone 14's form factor, featuring a bezel-less design with a large notch instead of the Dynamic Island. This redesign would also bring a 6.1-inch OLED display, replacing the 4.7-inch LCD panel found on the 2022 model.
Another significant change is the switch to a USB-C charging port, replacing the Lightning connector from the iPhone SE 3. The SE 4 could to be the first iPhone SE to feature gesture-based navigation and Face ID, marking the end of the Home Button and Touch ID. Camera upgrades may include a single 48MP rear sensor and a 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
If these rumors prove accurate, the next-gen iPhone SE could strengthen Apple's position in the mid-range market, particularly in developing regions where flagship iPhones remain prohibitively expensive. However, reports suggest the SE 4 may carry a higher price tag than its predecessor, which could hinder Apple's efforts to compete against mid-range leaders like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi.