Is the iPhone SE 4 the affordable upgrade you’ve been looking for? Here’s why it could be worth the wait!
“SE4 may be gone… The name may be completely changed to ‘16e’,” says Fixed Focus Digital. Apple appears to be giving the SE a fresh new look to match its higher-end models, which could help attract budget-minded buyers and possibly win back market share from brands like Huawei and Xiaomi. And If the iPhone SE 4 leaks hold, the handset could feature upgrades from the latest model, making it even more enticing.
Could the iPhone SE 4 (or 16e) be exactly what you’re looking for? This would be the first major refresh since 2022 when the SE got 5G capabilities. So, if you’re torn between waiting for this new model or jumping on the iPhone 15 or 15 Pro, let’s take a closer look to see if it’s worth the wait.
1. iPhone SE 4 design
The upcoming iPhone SE will reportedly ditch the iPhone 8’s classic home button design and adopt something more like the iPhone 14. This means we’ll see an edge-to-edge screen with a notch at the top. Just like the iPhone 15, the SE 4 will likely move to a USB-C port instead of the Lightning one.
In concept images shared by kdc on X, the front of the SE 4 looks very similar to the iPhone 14, with uniform bezels. While the bezels might not be the thinnest, they should be about the same as those on the iPhone 14. Additionally, leaked images from a Weibo user show a dummy unit with a notch for Face ID components, meaning Apple will likely say goodbye to Touch ID. Sure, some people might argue that Touch ID is still more convenient in certain cases, like Apple Pay, and I get where they’re coming from. But Face ID has quite improved since the iPhone 12. My iPhone 15 Pro, for instance, can capture my face even when it’s flat on the table. And for Apple Pay, turning off “Require Attention for Face ID” makes it much smoother.
2. Action button and display
Majin Bu has recently said on X that the iPhone SE 4 will “feature a design similar to the iPhone 14, with an OLED display and an action button. The available colors will be white and black.” The OLED display part lines up with Mark Gurman’s September iPhone SE 4 leaks, so it seems pretty reliable. But here’s the twist. The Action button first showed up on the iPhone 15 Pro models and later made its way to all iPhone 16 versions. However, it’s still unclear if the iPhone SE 4 will include it, especially since a recent case leak didn’t show a cutout for the button.
3. Camera
The iPhone SE 4 will feature a single rear camera, dropping the dual-camera setup from the iPhone 14. While Apple hasn’t confirmed the specific lens, numerous reports suggest the same 48MP rear sensor as the iPhone 15. If this holds, it’s a dramatic leap from the iPhone SE 3’s 12MP sensor. After all, the 3rd generation SE dates back to the iPhone 8.
Up front, the selfie camera is likely getting an overhaul too. It’s rumored the SE 4 will adopt the iPhone 15’s 12MP front-facing sensor, doubling the resolution of the iPhone SE 3’s 7MP camera. It could significantly enhance video calls and selfies, making it a standout feature for an entry-level iPhone.
4. Apple Intelligence
Right now, only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 series work with Apple Intelligence. But here’s something you might not know. The upcoming SE phone will also support Apple Intelligence, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That’s a big deal for a more affordable option!
With that in mind, I’d make an educated guess that the next-gen iPhone SE will come with 8GB RAM, which is the minimum requirement for Apple Intelligence.
5. Release date and price
In early October 2024, Gurman mentioned that Apple is getting close to rolling out a new iPhone SE. Based on previous release patterns, it’s safe to bet that the new model will likely launch in March 2025.
Here’s a quick look at the past release dates:
- iPhone SE (1st gen) – March 31, 2016
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) – April 24, 2020
- iPhone SE (3rd gen) – March 18, 2022
The current iPhone SE starts at $429, which is hundreds less than the standard iPhone but more expensive than many of its rivals. The new model will be the first with Apple’s own 5G modem, according to Korean leaker Lanzuk. This shift means Apple won’t be paying Qualcomm for a 5G modem anymore, which could help keep the price under $500.
Parting thoughts on iPhone SE 4 leaks
The iPhone SE 4, possibly renamed the 16e, brings a fresh design and new features that could be perfect for you. Apple is working to offer a more affordable option without compromising on quality or performance. With its potential March 2025 release, the SE 4 might offer exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Nonetheless, make sure to check out Gadget Flow’s Cool New Gadgets category to catch the latest releases and tech trends.