iPhone SE 4 Set to Launch Next Spring with Major Upgrades

The upcoming iPhone SE 4, set to launch next spring, promises to be the most significant update since the SE line began. With nearly three years since the last SE model, Apple is finally shifting to a more modern design and feature set, bringing its budget-friendly option closer to the latest flagship iPhones.

The next-generation iPhone SE will move away from the long-standing iPhone 8 design that debuted with the iPhone SE 2 in 2020. Instead, it will adopt a look similar to the iPhone 14, boasting a 6.1-inch OLED display with flat edges, Face ID, and a smaller notch. However, the device will keep a single rear camera setup, making it less advanced than the iPhone 14’s dual-lens system. According to display analyst Ross Young, the iPhone SE 4 will use the same OLED panels provided by BOE and LG Display.

In a significant shift driven by EU regulations, the iPhone SE 4 will feature a USB-C port, marking the final step in Apple’s transition from Lightning connectors. This update will make charging more consistent across all Apple devices, as the company began implementing USB-C with the iPhone 15 series. SE users will soon find charging easier, as the same cables can be used across iPads, laptops, and iPhones.

Camera upgrades will be another key highlight. The iPhone SE 4 will likely come equipped with the 48MP main sensor from the iPhone 15, a considerable improvement over the SE 3’s 12MP rear camera. The front-facing camera is also expected to see a significant upgrade, going from 7MP to the 12MP sensor used in the iPhone 15, ensuring better selfies and video calls.

Performance-wise, the iPhone SE 4 should pack the powerful A18 chip with 8GB of RAM, enabling support for Apple Intelligence. This advanced suite includes features like Writing Tools, Photos Clean Up, Genmoji, Image Playground, and a new version of Siri. Notably, Apple appears committed to making its latest technology accessible to a broader audience by incorporating these capabilities into its budget-friendly iPhone.

Another standout feature will be Apple’s first-ever in-house modem. Years in development, this modem will support 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Apple’s acquisition of Intel’s modem division in 2019 was aimed at achieving independence from Qualcomm, which currently supplies one of the most costly components in iPhones. This strategic move should help keep costs down and give Apple more control over its hardware.

Pricing for the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to start at $499, a jump from previous models but still a compelling offer compared to the $599 iPhone 14. With the expected discontinuation of the iPhone 14, Apple’s lineup will see a streamlined structure, with all devices using USB-C. The iPhone SE at $499 would provide an affordable yet powerful option for consumers, while higher-tier models would remain for those wanting additional features.

This updated lineup, featuring consistent designs and technology, could make the SE 4 a highly appealing choice for those wanting a modern iPhone without breaking the bank. As anticipation builds, the iPhone SE 4 is poised to redefine expectations for what Apple’s most affordable smartphone can deliver.