iPhone SE4 coming early 2025? Expected launch date, specifications and everything else we know

The iPhone SE4 is highly likely to arrive in early 2025, possibly during Apple's spring launch event. The new affordable iPhone is expected to be powered by an A18 series chip, house Apple's in-house modem, and feature other significant updates.

In Short

• iPhone SE4 is expected to arrive in early 2025
• It is rumoured to be the most affordable iPhone by Apple Intelligence
• Apple is rumoured to power iPhone SE4 with A18 series chip

The iPhone SE4 is one of the most highly anticipated smartphones expected in 2025. As part of Apple's budget-friendly lineup, the SE series has consistently appealed to users by offering powerful performance and Apple's iPhone experience at an affordable price. The 2022 launch of the iPhone SE3 was even one of the top sellers for Apple, giving tough competition to mid-range smartphones.

However, it has been more than two years since Apple last launched a new-generation iPhone SE. But 2025 is reportedly the end of this hiatus. Not only will there be a new iPhone SE4, but Apple is also said to introduce some major changes, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessor.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone SE4 in early 2025, aligning with previous SE release patterns. According to reports by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, production for the device is set to begin in December 2024, with an imminent launch likely sometime in the first quarter of 2025—possibly in the last week of March or the first week of April. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed a release date or provided any hints, industry insiders suggest the phone will debut alongside new iPad Air models and an updated Magic Keyboard early next year.

iPhone SE4 design and display upgrades

The design of the iPhone SE4 is said to be one of its major highlights. The new-generation iPhone is rumoured to adopt an iPhone 14-style design, featuring a larger 6.1-inch OLED display. This upgrade would mark a significant leap, as the current iPhone SE features a much smaller 4.7-inch LCD display.

With this display and design overhaul, another notable change expected with the iPhone SE4 is the elimination of the Home button and Touch ID, replaced by Face ID.

However, there will reportedly be no Dynamic Island, as Apple is said to be reserving this feature for its flagship iPhones for now. The iPhone SE4 is expected to stick with the older notch design to keep production costs lower. Some reports suggest the notch will house a 12-megapixel front camera, similar to the iPhone 16.

Additionally, the iPhone SE4 is rumoured to include the Action Button, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro lineup and is expected to extend across the iPhone 16 series.

iPhone SE4 with A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence

The iPhone SE4 is expected to be powered by Apple’s latest A18 series chip, the same chipset family that powers the iPhone 16 series. This will allow Apple to offer its AI-suit Apple Intelligence in its affordable iPhone.

Apple Intelligence also requires a minimum of 8GB RAM, and the iPhone SE4 is rumoured to meet this standard. With Apple Intelligence, iPhone SE4 will be offering AI features such as smarter Siri interactions, improved photo editing, and predictive text suggestions.

iPhone SE4 camera upgrades

While there will be no addition to the number of camera sensors at the back, the iPhone SE4 will reportedly include a single-lens rear camera to keep costs down. However, this lens is expected to be a 48-megapixel sensor, a major upgrade from the 12-megapixel camera in the current SE model.

On the other hand, the front-facing camera, housed within the notch, is rumoured to be a 12-megapixel shooter, offering better selfies and improved video calling.

iPhone SE4 battery and charging improvements

The iPhone SE4 is expected to feature a 3,279 mAh battery, the same as the iPhone 14. Users can therefore expect similar battery performance, a noticeable improvement over the smaller battery in the current iPhone SE. Additionally, the iPhone SE4 is likely to include a USB-C charging port, aligning with Apple’s recent transition away from the Lightning connector.

iPhone SE4 to include Apple’s in-house modem

Another big upgrade expected with the iPhone SE4 is the inclusion of Apple’s first in-house 5G modem. Apple has been reportedly working on its modem chips for years to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.And many reports suggest that the iPhone SE4 to house Apple’s own modem and will even feature the company's proprietary 5G technology, potentially offering better connectivity and power efficiency.

iPhone SE4 pricing in India

The iPhone SE4 is expected to remain Apple's most affordable iPhone. As we have seen, since iPhone 12 Apple has kept the starting price of vanilla iPhone at Rs 79,900. On the same note, Apple is expected to keep the price of its affordable iPhone similar or around the same price point that of its predecessor. In India, the iPhone SE4 is expected to launch at around under Rs 50,000, given that the iPhone SE3 debuted at Rs 43,900.