In a recent update, 9to5Mac shed light on the rumoured changes for the iPhone SE 4, revealing significant updates expected in Apple’s upcoming budget-friendly device.
iPhone SE 4 New Design
Apple has kept a relatively conservative approach with its SE series, reusing existing designs and offering modest updates. However, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to change that pattern, reportedly featuring a substantial redesign that departs from the iPhone 8-inspired layout seen in previous models. According to 9to5Mac, the upcoming SE will adopt a design similar to the iPhone XR and iPhone 14, with a modern edge-to-edge display, no home button, and a notch at the top for Face ID functionality.
This design upgrade means the SE line will transition to a 6.1-inch display, marking a shift from its traditional smaller-screen appeal. The elimination of the physical home button aligns the SE more closely with Apple’s flagship designs, positioning it as a more modern device with an updated aesthetic and enhanced functionality.
OLED Display for Better Visual Experience
One of the standout upgrades revealed by 9to5Mac is the possibility of the iPhone SE 4 featuring an OLED display. This marks a major improvement over the older LCD technology used in previous SE models, including the latest 2022 version. OLED technology offers deeper blacks, sharper contrast, and improved energy efficiency. Additionally, colours appear richer and more vibrant, providing a better overall viewing experience, especially in darker settings and for high-definition content. OLED screens are also thinner, which contributes to a sleeker, lighter design, further supporting the iPhone SE’s transition to a more modern look.
This move aligns the SE with Apple’s mid-range and flagship devices, as nearly all iPhone models currently use OLED displays. The new screen will not only enhance the SE’s visual appeal but also keep it competitive with other mid-range smartphones that have embraced OLED technology.
Face ID Technology Replaces the Home Button
Another notable change 9to5Mac highlighted is the inclusion of Face ID technology. For years, the SE model has retained the traditional Touch ID sensor, allowing for fingerprint recognition through a physical home button. The iPhone SE 4, however, is expected to fully embrace Face ID, in line with Apple’s commitment to modernizing its product lineup. Removing the home button enables a more immersive screen experience and aligns the SE design with the iPhone X and later models.
Face ID technology not only offers added convenience but also enhances security. With the same TrueDepth sensor system found in flagship iPhones, the iPhone SE 4 will allow for fast and reliable facial recognition. For users concerned with security, Face ID ensures that unlocking their phone is quick and private.
Camera Upgrades
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a single-lens rear camera system, an approach that contrasts with the multi-lens setups seen on premium models. However, sources indicate that the SE 4 will have an upgraded 48-megapixel camera, marking a significant improvement over the previous 12-megapixel camera. This upgrade will elevate the SE’s photographic capabilities, bringing higher resolution, more detailed images, and possibly improved low-light performance. Apple is known for delivering high-quality images even with fewer camera lenses, so this upgrade is likely to meet users’ photography needs for everyday use.
Apple’s computational photography capabilities, such as Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and possibly even Night Mode, are expected to enhance the SE’s camera quality. These software improvements allow the camera to produce more dynamic photos by balancing highlights and shadows, which is particularly valuable for outdoor photography. This means that while the SE will still have a single camera, the software features will help deliver results that are comparable to other high-end smartphones.
Performance Enhancements
9to5Mac suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will include a more advanced processor, likely the A16 or A17 Bionic chip, which would bring a significant boost in processing power. This is a key feature for the SE line, as Apple typically includes recent processors to ensure its devices maintain competitive performance over time. With a new chip, the SE 4 would be able to handle intensive tasks more smoothly, offer faster response times, and extend support for future iOS updates.
Upgrading to a newer A-series chip would also improve the SE’s energy efficiency, further enhanced by the OLED screen. Battery life is expected to see modest improvements, allowing users to spend more time using their phones without frequent recharging. The updated processor will enhance multitasking, improve gaming performance, and support advanced features, making the SE 4 a powerful yet budget-friendly option.
iPhone SE 4 Price and Release Date
As for the release, 9to5Mac and other sources speculate that Apple is targeting a launch in the spring of 2025. Apple typically prices its SE models competitively, aiming to attract a more budget-conscious audience while delivering a premium experience. The SE 4 could see a starting price of around $429, although the addition of features like OLED and Face ID could push it slightly higher. Apple’s pricing strategy with the SE series has always focused on affordability, so even with upgrades, the SE 4 should remain within reach for a broader consumer base.
How the iPhone SE 4 Fits into Apple’s Lineup
With these rumoured upgrades, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to stand as Apple’s most impressive budget option yet. By modernizing the design, improving the display, and upgrading the camera and performance, Apple aims to make the SE 4 a competitive choice for those who want an iPhone without breaking the bank. This aligns with Apple’s strategy of making quality tech accessible, ensuring a high level of quality even in lower-cost devices.
The iPhone SE 4 may not have all the premium features of the Pro lineup, but it is set to deliver core experiences that users expect from an iPhone, such as strong performance, reliable security, and high-quality design. Apple’s decision to integrate features like Face ID, an OLED screen, and an advanced camera demonstrates the company’s commitment to offering value in every price range.
As the rumoured spring 2025 release approaches, Apple fans and tech enthusiasts eagerly await official confirmation of these exciting updates. The iPhone SE 4 could reshape the mid-range smartphone market, providing a high-quality iPhone experience for a broader audience.
Arthur is a senior member of the communications team who has worked at several well-known companies over the past 10 years. As a writer with many years of experience in the technology sector, focusing on reviewing mobile phones and accessories, he has written about many products or has been hands-on with them at some point
