Apple’s iPhone SE line has been a popular choice for those who want a compact and affordable smartphone with the latest iOS features. The current iPhone SE, released in March 2022, is based on the iPhone 8 design and offers a 4.7-inch LCD display, a Touch ID Home button, and a single-lens rear camera. However, rumors suggest that Apple is working on a major overhaul for the next-generation iPhone SE, which could arrive as soon as 2024 or as late as 2025.
According to various sources, the iPhone SE 4 will adopt an all-screen design similar to the iPhone 14, which means it will ditch the Home button and the thick bezels in favor of a notch and an OLED display. The notch will likely house a Face ID system, replacing the Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication. The screen size is expected to increase to 6.1 inches, making the iPhone SE 4 comparable to the standard iPhone models in terms of display real estate.
The iPhone SE 4 may also feature some of the hardware improvements that Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 lineup, such as a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port and an Action button that can perform various functions depending on how it is pressed. The Action button would replace the mute switch on the side of the device. But this might be a bit of a stretch, though, given that feature is absent on the iPhone 15 and exclusive to the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro models.
One of the most anticipated upgrades for the iPhone SE 4 is the support for 5G connectivity, which would make it compatible with the fastest mobile networks available. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that Apple is planning to launch an iPhone SE 4 with an Apple-designed 5G modem in the first half of 2024. However, some other reports have suggested that the iPhone SE 4 may not arrive until 2025, possibly due to supply chain issues or development challenges.
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to retain its low price point compared to the flagship iPhone models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who want a modern and powerful smartphone. In the Philippines, the current iPhone SE starts at PHP 30,990 for the 64GB of storage, but it is unclear if Apple will increase the price for the next-generation model or offer more storage options.
Apple has not confirmed any details about the iPhone SE 4 yet, so all of these rumors should be taken with a grain of salt. However, based on Apple’s past release patterns, we can expect to hear more about the iPhone SE 4 in early 2024 or late 2023 at the earliest. Until then, we will keep you updated with any new information or leaks that emerge about Apple’s next budget phone.
