With the recent launch of the iPhone 16 series, many are curious about the next iteration of Apple’s smartphone. Interestingly, the focus shifts not to the iPhone 17 but rather to the upcoming iPhone SE 4, anticipated to be just a few months away.
The next model to look forward to is the iPhone SE 4, projected for release in spring, making it approximately three months until it arrives. This will mark the first refresh of the iPhone SE in three years and is expected to be the most significant redesign since its initial launch.
Fresh Design, Improved Display
Since the iPhone SE 2 debuted in 2020, Apple has maintained the iPhone 8 design. This design includes a 4.7” LCD screen, rounded corners, and a physical home button. However, significant changes are in store for the new iPhone SE…
The upcoming iPhone SE is rumored to adopt a design inspired by the iPhone 14, featuring a larger 6.1” OLED display, flat edges, Face ID, and a sleeker notch. However, it is expected to stick with a single rear camera rather than the dual-camera setup of the iPhone 14.
Display analyst Ross Young indicates that the iPhone SE 4 is likely to utilize the same 6.1″ OLED display as the iPhone 14, provided by both BOE and LG Display.
USB-C Connectivity
In contrast to the iPhone 14 and the existing iPhone SE, it is expected that the iPhone SE 4 will eliminate the Lightning connector.
This transition is largely influenced by EU regulations mandating a uniform charging connector, specifically USB-C.
Apple first made this switch with the iPhone 15 line last year, and the next iPhone SE will follow suit. For iPhone SE users, this means you’ll soon be able to charge with the same cable as your iPad and MacBook.
Enhanced Camera Features
The upcoming iPhone SE is expected to include the same 48MP rear camera sensor as the iPhone 15, representing a substantial upgrade from the 12MP camera found in the iPhone SE 3, which was based on the iPhone 8.
Moreover, the new model will likely incorporate the same 12MP front-facing camera as the iPhone 15, a significant move up from the 7MP camera in the iPhone SE 3.
Apple Intelligence Integration
As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the next iPhone SE is expected to support Apple Intelligence, likely featuring an A18 chip with 8GB of RAM. This indicates Apple’s intention to make Apple Intelligence accessible on its most budget-friendly iPhone.
Apple Intelligence will offer an array of innovative features such as Writing Tools, Photos Clean Up, Genmoji, Image Playground, Notification Summaries, and a revamped Siri.
Apple’s First In-House Modem
The forthcoming iPhone SE is anticipated to include Apple’s inaugural in-house modem, which has been in development for several years. Apple acquired Intel’s former modem division back in 2019 to create its own modems and reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
We previously reported at DMN that the iPhone SE 4 will debut Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, codenamed Centauri. This modem will also manage Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS functionalities.
Given that Qualcomm’s 5G modems rank among the most costly components in iPhones, this strategy could be pivotal in keeping the iPhone SE 4’s price competitive while incorporating modern upgrades.
Pricing for the iPhone SE
Rumors suggest the new iPhone SE could launch at a price of around $499. This remains a reasonable cost considering it will feature a state-of-the-art design for under $500.
At present, the iPhone 14 is priced at $599, so acquiring a modernized variant for a lower price would be a compelling offer. Following the release of the new iPhone SE, it’s expected that Apple will discontinue the iPhone 14, resulting in a streamlined iPhone lineup 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 structured pricing model would create a cohesive iPhone lineup, with every model featuring USB-C. It would be surprising if the lower-cost iPhone SE supported Apple Intelligence while the pricier iPhone 15 did not; hence, a potential discontinuation of the latter model is plausible.
Are you looking forward to the next generation of the iPhone SE? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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