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The iPhone SE has been hustling hard since its debut in 2016, initially positioning itself as the “affordable yet savvy” Apple phone. Essentially, it’s the iPhone-without-the-fuss choice, protecting your bank account from devastation. Aye, sound indeed.
Apple launched the previous SE in 2022, but let’s face it – its design felt as fresh as a Greggs pasty left under the blazing sun. Now, there are whispers about the upcoming SE. Is it finally time for Apple to pull their budget model into the present? Here’s what we’ve picked up about the iPhone SE 4 so far.
When’s the iPhone SE 4 Making Its Debut?
So, this chap Mark Gurman – a bit of an insider on all things Apple – suggests a “redesigned iPhone SE” will be hitting the market in early 2025. That’s looking like some point between January and June, if the chatter is accurate. Place your bets now, folks.
The word on the street (or, you know, the Internet) suggests March 2025 might be the big month, alongside some fresh iPads. Apple’s been keeping things on the down-low recently with these announcements, so don’t expect a full parade.
But don’t get too comfortable just yet, mate. Apparently, Apple’s been giving this project the old start-and-stop routine. Will it actually happen? Who knows. Apple keeps us on our toes, like a bad Tinder encounter.
What’s This Gonna Set Me Back?
Now, here comes the juicy part. Some speculate that Apple’s eyeing a price tag of $499 for the SE 4 in the USA. That translates to about £500 for us in the UK, but given fluctuating exchange rates and Apple’s “magical pricing wizardry,” who can say for certain? PhoneArena estimates it’ll fall between $499 and $549. Either way, it still costs less than selling a kidney for an iPhone 16, though likely pricier than previous SE versions. Cheers to that, inflation.
Past iPhone SE pricing:
- iPhone SE (2016): $399/£359
- iPhone SE 2 (2020): $399/£419
- iPhone SE 3 (2022): $429/£419
Apple’s not going to underprice its main cash cow, the iPhone 16, which starts at a wallet-tightening $799/£799. Good luck keeping it “affordable,” folks.
What Features Are We Looking At?
Alright, let’s dive into the intriguing details. Rumor has it this model is based on the iPhone 14 design. That means a 6.1-inch full-screen display – finally waving goodbye to those bulky bezels and home buttons. Welcome to 2025, SE.
Design
Gone are the days of your nan’s iPhone look. We’re looking at a notch up top (Face ID, perhaps?), no home button, and whispers of an Action Button replacing the familiar mute switch. Everyone seems to want to be the next James Bond gadget now, right?
USB-C? Aye, that’s a definite. The EU’s forced Apple to abandon their cherished Lightning port. Cheers, Brussels – you’ve done us all a solid.
Display
No more LCD screens, thank goodness. The SE 4 is expected to feature an OLED display, just like the iPhone 14. Bright colors, deep blacks – it’s about time.
Performance
Rumors are split between the A16 and A18 chip for this model. Regardless, this thing’s going to perform exceptionally. It might not reach Pro speeds, but it’ll certainly outperform most Android phones. And if the A18 rumor holds true? That’s flagship performance in a mid-range package. Not too shabby, eh?
Cameras
Don’t anticipate a multi-lens spectacle – Apple’s keeping it straightforward with one 12MP camera. Though there are murmurs about a 48MP sensor making an entrance. Imagine that on a “budget” device. The SE could finally shed its “potato camera” label.
Battery & Charging
The battery life could see a significant improvement, with talks of reusing the iPhone 14’s 3279mAh battery. That’s a 60% increase over the last SE model. Quite decent, provided it can keep up with TikTok doom-scrolling.
Charging is still lagging at 20W, though. Apple, mate – let’s speed things up here, yeah? Not everyone’s packing chargers in their back pockets.
Software
iOS 18 is likely a given by the time this beauty arrives. Expect the usual Apple enchantments – and updates until the heat death of the universe (or seven years, more or less).
Connectivity
5G’s already onboard, and Apple’s tinkering with their own proprietary 5G chip. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are likely sticking around as well. No complaints from this end.
Should You Care?
Look, if you’re in the market for an iPhone without giving up your soul (or kidney), the SE 4 could be just the ticket. Especially with its modern design, OLED display, and solid performance. But if Apple starts nudging the price upwards, it’ll lose its charm pretty quickly. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Summary: Aye, It’s an iPhone Without the Elitism
So there you go – the iPhone SE 4 looks like it could emerge as an unexpected contender. Apple’s budget phone finally gets a refresh, but you’ll have to pay for the privilege. Is it worth it? Time will reveal all. Now, pardon me while I go debate with my Jack Russell over who claims the couch tonight.
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