The iPhone SE series is Apple's entry-level smartphone lineup. The last addition to the series came two years ago in the form of the iPhone SE 3, but there are already lots of rumors that a successor is in the works.
Unlike the regular iPhones, which receive yearly updates, the SE series doesn't follow the same schedule. So, if you're eagerly awaiting the iPhone SE 4, you might be in for a wait. Apple's plans for the iPhone SE 4 launch are shrouded in secrecy for now.
However, we've put together all the details we could find about the iPhone SE 4 in one spot. But remember, this info is just a preview and might change. We won't know for sure until we get our hands on the actual iPhone SE 4.
The iPhone SE doesn't follow the same regular release schedule as other iPhones. And with just three versions out there so far, it is tough to figure out a clear pattern.
Model
Release Date
iPhone SE (1st generation)
March 31, 2016
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
April 24, 2020
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
March 18, 2022
iPhone SE (4th generation)
March, 2025 (rumored)
Looking at past releases, we've seen the time between generations vary from 2 to 4 years. That being said, one thing is clear: the iPhone SE 4 won't launch alongside the standard iPhone lineup.
Generally, Apple's budget smartphone is released in Spring, at the company's first event for the year. Because most rumors point to a possible release within two years' time, previously our best estimate for an iPhone SE 4 announcement was Spring, 2024.
However, a recent leak claims that no iPhone SE models are "currently part of Apple's new product planning for 2024/2025" and a report from the Korean media outlet The ELEC supports the claim, saying that the production of the new iPhone SE would be pushed to 2025.
The initial cost of the iPhone SE (and standard iPhones, in general) has steadily increased over the years. With this trend in mind, we expect a similar situation with the iPhone SE 4.
Model
Starting Price
iPhone SE (1st. generation)
$399
iPhone SE (2nd. generation)
$399
iPhone SE (3rd. generation)
$429
iPhone SE (4th. generation)
$450 (speculated)
Based on past numbers, users can expect a starting price of around $450-500. Because the iPhone SE 4 will likely be introducing a number of substantial upgrades, an even higher price tag is very much possible.
iPhone SE 4 camera
The iPhone SE has never had a standout camera. Being a budget option, one of its main drawbacks has always been its inferior camera quality. For the time being, there is no information on the camera specs of the iPhone SE 4 but reports suggest that it will have only one camera on the back, similar to the previous iPhone SE models.
Recent rumors are getting people excited by hinting that the iPhone SE 4 might feature a solo 48MP rear camera, a major upgrade from the 12MP rear-facing camera in its previous model, but you should not be holding your breath.
However, if the rumor turns out to be true, and the upcoming iPhone SE 4 features a 48MP camera, similar to the one found in the iPhone 15, it sure will pose a potential challenge to the Pixel 7a's claim as the best mid-range camera.
iPhone SE 4 storage
Storage options are always a tricky subject when it comes to Apple. Given that the company's "Pro" iPhones still have a measly base 128GB of internal storage, it is likely that the entry-level configuration of the iPhone SE 4 will come with no more than half of that (i.e. 64GB).
However, a recent rumor suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will boast 6GB of RAM and offer two storage options: a base option of 128GB and a higher-tier one of 512GB.
Once again, given the fact that the device is in its very early stages of production, there is simply no concrete information at this time.
iPhone SE 4 design
This is where things start to become interesting. According to Jon Prosser, the next iPhone SE will be recycling the iPhone XR's design. This means that the iPhone SE 4 will be bigger and will come with a notch for the first time in the lineup's history.
Given that the standard iPhones (both Pro and non-Pro versions) transitioned to the Dynamic Island design with the iPhone 15, the SE can now freely adopt the notched design, first introduced with the iPhone X.
However, a leak from Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the iPhone SE will have an even more modern look and will essentially be a "minor modification of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14". Rumors by tipster @URedditor, aka Unknownz21 support the claim, saying that the iPhone SE 4 will be based on the iPhone 14. What is more, recently leaked CAD renders show the resemblance between the iPhone SE 4 and the iPhone 14.
According to the tipster, the iPhone SE 4 is indeed expected to feature Dynamic Island and a single camera on the back. While it may have the aesthetics of the iPhone 16, its dimensions are anticipated to be similar to those of the iPhone XR.
The same tipster, however, later shared a supposed iPhone SE 4 case design, indicating that the potential design could differ from their previous description. It appears there might indeed be a notch after all. Once again, we will have to wait to see which iPhone Apple has chosen for inspiration and whether the notch will stay or go.
iPhone SE 4 display
With the new design, could also come a new screen size. According to Ross Young, a well-known display analyst, the iPhone SE 4 could sport a 6.1-inch display, similar to the one found on the iPhone XR.
Additionally, a more recent report indicates that the iPhone SE could use the panel of the iPhone 13, which could make the former the first device in the lineup's history to feature an OLED screen.
Most recent rumors also suggest that the iPhone SE 4 would come with an OLED screen. Regardless of which display technology Apple finally opts for, the iPhone SE 4 will almost certainly not be featuring ProMotion (i.e. adaptive 120Hz refresh rate).
iPhone SE 4 battery
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt the same battery as the base model iPhone 14, with leaked prototypes featuring lithium-ion batteries (A2863) used in previous Apple models. Internal documents confirm this change, revealing an increased capacity from 2018mAh in the iPhone SE 3 to 3279mAh in the upcoming iPhone SE 4.
This A2863 battery brings a substantial boost of over 1250mAh compared to the third-gen iPhone SE, potentially delivering longer battery life. This move (using the same battery as ones found in older devices) aligns with Apple's pattern, as the second-gen iPhone SE also shared its battery with the older iPhone 8.
Recent rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will come with a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port. This change is more likely to happen than not, especially considering that the iPhone 15 series supports USB-C.
iPhone SE 4 features and software
The iPhone SE 4 could see the definitive end of the Home button. This means that Apple might need to find a different way of implementing biometric authentication in its new budget smartphone.
With the "notch" Apple could give the iPhone SE 4 Face ID, which is actually supported by the latest rumors. And not only but also it is rumored that Apple would add an Action button, which replaced the ring/silent switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
There is also a big question mark over the chipset that will be powering the iPhone SE 4. The current iPhone SE (2022) features an A15 processor. If Apple wants to increase the raw performance of the SE, it will have to make the jump to A16 (which is reportedly very costly) or an even newer SoC.
Needless to say, things could change considerably before the release of the SE 4. Lastly, the iPhone SE will undoubtedly be running a future version of iOS, the latest being iOS 17.
Should you wait for the iPhone SE 4?
Despite how big of an upgrade the new iPhone SE 4 ends up being, its release is nowhere on the horizon. It might be several months, or even a year or more, before the new entry-level iPhone officially makes its debut. Thus, if you are currently in the market for a smartphone, it simply makes little sense to wait, especially in light of the fact that the iPhone SE 2022 is not that old.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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