Is the iPhone SE 4 the inexpensive improve you’ve been on the lookout for? Right here’s why it might be definitely worth the wait!
“SE4 could also be gone… The title could also be fully modified to ‘16e’,” says Fastened Focus Digital. Apple seems to be giving the SE a recent new look to match its higher-end fashions, which may assist appeal to budget-minded consumers and probably win again market share from manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi. And If the iPhone SE 4 leaks maintain, the handset may characteristic upgrades from the newest mannequin, making it much more attractive.
Might the iPhone SE 4 (or 16e) be precisely what you’re on the lookout for? This might be the primary main refresh since 2022 when the SE received 5G capabilities. So, in case you’re torn between ready for this new mannequin or leaping on the iPhone 15 or 15 Professional, let’s take a better look to see if it’s definitely worth the wait.
1. iPhone SE 4 design
The upcoming iPhone SE will reportedly ditch the iPhone 8’s basic dwelling button design and undertake one thing extra just like the iPhone 14. This implies we’ll see an edge-to-edge display screen with a notch on the prime. Identical to the iPhone 15, the SE 4 will possible transfer to a USB-C port as a substitute of the Lightning one.
In idea photos shared by kdc on X, the entrance of the SE 4 seems similar to the iPhone 14, with uniform bezels. Whereas the bezels won’t be the thinnest, they need to be about the identical as these on the iPhone 14. Moreover, leaked photos from a Weibo consumer present a dummy unit with a notch for Face ID parts, that means Apple will possible say goodbye to Contact ID. Positive, some folks may argue that Contact ID remains to be extra handy in sure circumstances, like Apple Pay, and I get the place they’re coming from. However Face ID has fairly improved because the iPhone 12. My iPhone 15 Professional, as an illustration, can seize my face even when it’s flat on the desk. And for Apple Pay, turning off “Require Consideration for Face ID” makes it a lot smoother.
2. Motion button and show
Majin Bu has not too long ago mentioned on X that the iPhone SE 4 will “characteristic a design much like the iPhone 14, with an OLED show and an motion button. The out there colours can be white and black.” The OLED show half traces up with Mark Gurman’s September iPhone SE 4 leaks, so it appears fairly dependable. However right here’s the twist. The Motion button first confirmed up on the iPhone 15 Professional fashions and later made its strategy to all iPhone 16 variations. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless unclear if the iPhone SE 4 will embrace it, particularly since a latest case leak didn’t present a cutout for the button.

3. Digicam
The iPhone SE 4 will characteristic a single rear digicam, dropping the dual-camera setup from the iPhone 14. Whereas Apple hasn’t confirmed the particular lens, quite a few experiences counsel the identical 48MP rear sensor because the iPhone 15. If this holds, it’s a dramatic leap from the iPhone SE 3’s 12MP sensor. In spite of everything, the third technology SE dates again to the iPhone 8.
Up entrance, the selfie digicam is probably going getting an overhaul too. It’s rumored the SE 4 will undertake the iPhone 15’s 12MP front-facing sensor, doubling the decision of the iPhone SE 3’s 7MP digicam. It may considerably improve video calls and selfies, making it a standout characteristic for an entry-level iPhone.

4. Apple Intelligence
Proper now, solely the iPhone 15 Professional, iPhone 15 Professional Max, and the iPhone 16 sequence work with Apple Intelligence. However right here’s one thing you won’t know. The upcoming SE cellphone may even help Apple Intelligence, in accordance with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That’s an enormous deal for a extra inexpensive possibility!
With that in thoughts, I’d make an informed guess that the next-gen iPhone SE will include 8GB RAM, which is the minimal requirement for Apple Intelligence.

5. Launch date and worth
In early October 2024, Gurman talked about that Apple is getting near rolling out a brand new iPhone SE. Based mostly on earlier launch patterns, it’s secure to guess that the brand new mannequin will possible launch in March 2025.
Right here’s a fast have a look at the previous launch dates:
- iPhone SE (1st gen) – March 31, 2016
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) – April 24, 2020
- iPhone SE (third gen) – March 18, 2022
The present iPhone SE begins at $429, which is a whole bunch lower than the usual iPhone however dearer than a lot of its rivals. The brand new mannequin would be the first with Apple’s personal 5G modem, in accordance with Korean leaker Lanzuk. This shift means Apple gained’t be paying Qualcomm for a 5G modem anymore, which may assist preserve the value below $500.
Parting ideas on iPhone SE 4 leaks
The iPhone SE 4, probably renamed the 16e, brings a recent design and new options that might be good for you. Apple is working to supply a extra inexpensive possibility with out compromising on high quality or efficiency. With its potential March 2025 launch, the SE 4 may supply precisely what you’ve been ready for. Nonetheless, ensure to take a look at Gadget Move’s Cool New Devices class to catch the newest releases and tech developments.



