With the iPhone 16 series now available for purchase, many users might be pondering the future of Apple’s smartphone lineup. Though, the focus isn’t on the iPhone 17 just yet; something else is on the horizon.
Anticipating the next iPhone, it looks like the iPhone SE 4 is next up, likely arriving in the spring, just around three months away. This model will mark the first refresh of the iPhone SE in three years and is expected to be the most significant overhaul since the series began.
Updated Design and Enhanced Display
Since introducing the iPhone SE 2 in 2020, Apple has maintained the iPhone 8 design. This model retains a 4.7” LCD display, rounded edges, and a home button. However, the forthcoming iPhone SE is set to break away from this trend.
We anticipate a design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, featuring a larger 6.1” OLED display, a flat-edge aesthetic, Face ID capabilities, and a smaller notch. Expect a single-camera configuration, in contrast to the dual camera found in the iPhone 14.
Display analyst Ross Young has indicated that the iPhone SE 4 will utilize the same 6.1″ OLED panel as seen in the iPhone 14, with supplies coming from both BOE and LG Display.
Transition to USB-C
In contrast to the iPhone 14 and the current iPhone SE, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is set to move away from the Lightning connector.
This shift is largely influenced by new EU regulations mandating that all devices with charging ports switch to a standardized connector, specifically USB-C.
Apple took its first step toward USB-C with the iPhone 15 series last year, and the iPhone SE is expected to be the last iPhone model to adopt this change. For iPhone SE users, this will mean the convenience of charging their device using the same cable as their iPad and MacBook.
Enhanced Camera Features
The new iPhone SE is likely to include the same 48MP rear camera found in the iPhone 15, representing a significant upgrade from the 12MP sensor used in the iPhone SE 3, which is based on the iPhone 8.
Moreover, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have the same 12MP front-facing camera as the iPhone 15, providing a remarkable improvement over the 7MP selfie camera from the iPhone SE 3.
Integration of Apple Intelligence
Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that the forthcoming iPhone SE will incorporate Apple Intelligence, likely powered by an A18 chip with 8GB of RAM. This move may come as a surprise, as Apple appears focused on making cutting-edge technology more accessible, even on its most affordable iPhone model.
Apple Intelligence promises to deliver a range of new features, including Writing Tools, Photo Cleaning, Genmoji, Image Playground, Notification Summaries, and an updated version of Siri.
Introduction of Apple’s First Modem
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to debut Apple’s first self-developed modem, a project years in the making. Following the acquisition of Intel’s former modem division in 2019, Apple’s goal was to create its own modem technology and lessen reliance on Qualcomm.
We’ve learned exclusively at DMN that Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, codenamed Centauri, will be included in the iPhone SE 4. This modem will also manage Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS functions.
Considering that Qualcomm’s 5G chips are among the costliest components in the iPhone, Apple’s endeavor to switch to in-house modems could significantly influence the starting price of the iPhone SE 4, keeping it attractively low while embracing modern features.
iPhone SE Pricing Details
Rumors suggest that the new iPhone SE could come at a higher price point, potentially around $499. Nonetheless, this remains a competitive price for a highly modern smartphone.
For context, the current iPhone 14 is priced at $599. Obtaining a modernized iteration of a phone for less would be a great value. It’s likely that Apple will phase out the iPhone 14 following the iPhone SE release, resulting in a streamlined iPhone lineup that could appear as follows:
- iPhone SE: $499
- iPhone 15: $699
- iPhone 15 Plus: $799
- iPhone 16: $799
- iPhone 16 Plus: $899
- iPhone 16 Pro: $999
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1199
This pricing structure creates a cohesive iPhone lineup, with all models featuring USB-C connectivity. It could raise eyebrows if the budget-friendly iPhone SE includes Apple Intelligence support while a higher-priced model like the iPhone 15 does not, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple decided to discontinue that model as well.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming iPhone SE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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