iPhone SE 4 could launch in 3 months, fresh leak reveals

Apple's next-generation iPhone SE 4 could be hitting the market sooner than expected, with fresh reports indicating a launch toward the end of the first quarter in 2025.

In Short

• Apple’s iPhone SE 4 could be hitting the market sooner than expected
• Reports indicate a launch toward the end of the first quarter in 2025
• The iPhone SE 4 is likely to make its debut in March

Apple’s next-generation iPhone SE 4 could be hitting the market sooner than expected, with fresh reports indicating a launch toward the end of the first quarter in 2025. According to insights from Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley, who recently visited electronics suppliers in Asia, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to make its debut in March. This timeline follows a familiar pattern for Apple’s SE lineup, with previous models — the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 — being unveiled in early March and April of their respective years. This suggests that the device could launch in three months.

While Apple’s iPhone SE series has always targeted budget-conscious customers, the fourth-generation model is expected to pack a punch with major hardware upgrades. The iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to adopt the design of the base iPhone 14, which would be a notable shift from the current SE models.

Key features speculated for the SE 4 include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID for more secure authentication, and a single 48-megapixel rear camera. The device is also expected to be powered by a newer A-series chip, and will reportedly include 8GB of RAM, which would bring better support for Apple’s advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

Perhaps the most significant upgrade, though, is the inclusion of an Apple-designed 5G modem. Apple has been working on its own 5G modem since 2018, aiming to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm, the current supplier of modems for iPhones. While Apple still extended its modem supply deal with Qualcomm earlier this year, lasting through 2026, the company seems eager to gradually transition to its in-house solution. If the iPhone SE 4 does indeed feature Apple’s custom 5G modem, it could represent a significant milestone for the company’s growing independence in hardware design.

However, what remains to be seen is whether Apple’s modem will offer tangible benefits over Qualcomm’s widely used technology. The primary question for consumers is whether the switch to an in-house modem will bring faster speeds, better connectivity, or improved battery life. With Qualcomm’s modems setting a high standard for 5G performance, Apple will need to ensure that its first self-designed modem delivers a comparable, if not superior, experience.

In addition to the SE 4, Apple’s roadmap for its 5G modems appears to extend beyond just one model. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously suggested that the company’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air could also include an Apple-designed 5G modem. But, these details are not officially confirmed and users are advised to take them with a pinch of salt.