Apple iPhone SE 4 Price Could Start at $499 USD: Arriving in March 2025?

The iPhone SE series has long been Apple's answer to budget-conscious consumers, offering a blend of older design elements with updated internals. However, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 appears poised to break from tradition with substantial redesigns and notable feature upgrades.

According to recent rumors, the next iteration of Apple's budget-friendly iPhone could see significant changes, including the adoption of Face ID and an OLED display, marking a shift towards a more modern design.

The End of Touch ID

The current iPhone SE is the last model in Apple's lineup to feature Touch ID, a hallmark of earlier iPhone models. However, a credible leak from Ice Universe, a well-known source for Apple-related information, suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will move away from Touch ID in favor of Face ID. This change aligns with Apple's broader move towards Face ID across its product lineup, enhancing security and user convenience.

Concept Render of Apple iPhone SE 4, which I think is pretty accurate. Source: @TheGalox_ on X

A Modern Display

One of the most anticipated upgrades for the iPhone SE 4 is its display. The rumor mill indicates that the new model will feature an edge-to-edge 6.06-inch OLED screen, a significant improvement over the current model's LCD. This transition to OLED will likely bring richer colors, deeper blacks, and overall better display quality, providing a more premium viewing experience for users.

Design Overhaul

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring a Face ID notch and an edge-to-edge display. This would be a substantial departure from the traditional design language of the SE series, which has typically reused the body of older iPhone models. If these rumors hold true, the SE 4 will not only look more modern but also offer a larger screen in a similar footprint, enhancing usability without compromising on size.

Upgraded Internals

Performance is another area where the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to shine. The device is expected to be powered by Apple's latest A18 chip, ensuring it remains competitive in terms of speed and efficiency. Accompanying the new chip, the SE 4 might come with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which would be a notable upgrade from the current model's 4GB. This boost in performance will make the SE 4 more capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking.

Camera Improvements

Despite being a budget model, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a significant camera upgrade. The new SE might sport a 48-megapixel camera, a considerable leap from the 12-megapixel camera found in the current SE model. This upgrade would likely result in better image quality, improved low-light performance, and enhanced overall photography capabilities, making it a more attractive option for photography enthusiasts on a budget.

Price Increase

With all these upgrades, it's not surprising that the iPhone SE 4 is expected to come with a higher price tag. Currently, the iPhone SE 3 starts at $429 for the 64GB model. However, rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will start at $499 for the base model, with prices reaching up to $549 for the version with the most storage. This price increase reflects the enhanced features and improved design, but it also means that the SE 4 might be less accessible to some budget-conscious consumers.

Design Rumors and Release Date

There has been some speculation about the final design of the iPhone SE 4. While some sources suggest it will mirror the design of the iPhone 14, others have hinted that it might take cues from the upcoming iPhone 16. This has led to uncertainty about whether the SE 4 will launch alongside the iPhone 16, potentially in a simultaneous release that could introduce a unified design language across Apple's lineup.

Expected Launch

According to a recent post on Weibo, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch in Spring 2025 or around March. This timeline gives Apple ample opportunity to finalize the design and incorporate the latest technology, ensuring that the SE 4 is a competitive and appealing option in the budget smartphone market. Also, this reflects or goes with the March 2024 launch of Apple iPhone SE 3.

A lot to look forward to

 

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade over its predecessors, with rumors pointing towards a modern design, Face ID, an OLED display, and substantial internal improvements. While these enhancements come with a higher price tag, they also position the SE 4 as a more capable and attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who want a taste of Apple's premium features without breaking the bank. As we await official announcements, the anticipation for the iPhone SE 4 continues to build, promising a compelling addition to Apple's lineup.