Apple is set to launch the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025, featuring a modern design inspired by the iPhone 14. The upcoming model is expected to eliminate the home button, adopt a larger OLED screen, and include advanced features like Face ID and a USB-C port. While it will sport a single 48 MP camera, its pricing may rise significantly, potentially starting at 749 euros, reflecting its upgraded specifications and software capabilities, including Apple Intelligence.
In 2025, Apple is set to make waves beyond the anticipated iPhone 17, as it plans to unveil the new iPhone SE. This will be the fourth iteration since the original model launched in 2016, following the 2022 version by three years. Unlike its predecessors, the upcoming device aims to embrace a high-end market position, featuring a modern design and capabilities previously exclusive to the iPhone 16. Let’s delve into the growing speculation surrounding this intriguing device.
Expected Release Timeline for the iPhone SE 4
Apple has a reputation for unpredictability regarding launch dates. While the high-end iPhones typically debut in early September, other product releases are less certain.
According to well-regarded analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, production for the iPhone SE 4 may kick off in December, starting with an impressive 8.6 million units in the first month. This suggests a potential early launch in 2025, which would be an unusual move for Apple, possibly around springtime, with a timeframe between March and May.
Historically, previous iPhone SE launches have occurred in March or April. However, Apple is not bound to this schedule; we could see an announcement via a press release or during a mini-keynote, similar to the formats used in previous years.
A Shift Towards Premium Design
The current iPhone SE (2022) features a dated 4.7-inch LCD screen and a home button, reminiscent of designs from the iPhone 6 and iPhone 8. This aesthetic is no longer competitive for a brand like Apple, which prides itself on cutting-edge design. It’s likely that this design choice has led to diminished interest among consumers who prefer the sleek looks of newer models like the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13.
The next-generation iPhone SE is slated to discontinue the home button, instead adopting the design language of the iPhone 14, launched in 2022. This transition will likely include a modern 6.1-inch OLED screen with minimal bezels, aligning it closer with the latest offerings.
Insider Mark Gurman indicates that the iPhone SE 4 will draw inspiration from the iPhone 14’s design. It may lack the Dynamic Island but will feature the familiar notch, allowing Apple to better differentiate its product range: those seeking superior design will need to invest more.
This updated model is expected to be the most contemporary SE yet, replacing Touch ID with Face ID and incorporating a USB-C port, consistent with new iPhone trends.
As for the camera, reports suggest that it will include a single rear sensor, likely the 48 MP main sensor from the iPhone 15, moving away from the current 12 MP setup. The ultra-wide sensor is expected to remain exclusive to the iPhone 16.
Enhanced Performance and AI Capabilities
A design upgrade is just the beginning, as Apple plans to ensure that the iPhone SE reflects today’s performance standards while offering extensive software updates. The 2025 version is anticipated to come equipped with advanced Apple Intelligence features, possibly positioning it above the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which may lack compatibility.
Apple could include the A18 chip or the newly launched A17 Pro, ensuring robust performance for this device. Introducing Apple Intelligence to the SE lineup would likely make the iPhone 14 and 15 appear less appealing, given their outdated status in terms of software capabilities. There is speculation that once the iPhone SE is released, Apple may phase out the iPhone 14 and possibly the iPhone 15, while retaining the 15 Plus to maintain size diversity.
In the 2025 lineup, we can expect the iPhone SE alongside the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, and its Pro variants.
The iPhone SE (2025): A Sophisticated Upgrade at a Potentially Higher Price
With contemporary aesthetics resembling those of the iPhone 14 and integrated with Apple Intelligence, the upcoming iPhone SE could shift public perception about the SE line.
If the new iPhone SE takes the place of the iPhone 14 and 15, its price could significantly increase. Currently priced at 529 euros, it’s challenging to envision the 2025 model being advertised for less than 749 euros, aligning it with the iPhone 14’s pricing strategy, as Apple is unlikely to release a superior product at a lower price point.
Equipped with an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, an improved camera, and enhanced battery life, the forthcoming i