Apple is expected to refresh its affordable iPhone lineup with the launch of the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. The upcoming iPhone SE might be the entry-level option in the Apple iPhone lineup, but it won’t compromise on the essential features. Based on the iPhone SE 4 rumors and leaks, it seems Apple’s upcoming mid-ranger could compete with the latest iPhones. In fact, it might even kill the iPhone 15 sales. I’m not exaggerating, but the next-gen iPhone SE 4 could be the most significant upgrade since Apple launched the original SE in 2016. Forget the design and upgrades, Apple’s least expensive iPhone SE 4 might kill the iPhone 15, if this one rumor turns out to be legit.
iPhone SE 4 to Get Apple Intelligence Features
Based on what we’ve heard from reliable sources, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is expected to get Apple Intelligence features. Well, this isn’t just an assumption. Apple generally releases its iPhone SE model with the same chipset used in the flagship iPhone from the previous year. If Apple sticks to the same trend, the iPhone 16’s A18 chipset will make its way to the upcoming iPhone SE 4. The A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM will make the iPhone SE 4, an AI-capable iPhone.
At the moment, only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models support Apple Intelligence. Apple is expected to roll out Apple Intelligence features with iOS 18.1 Last year’s iPhone 15 and 15 Plus haven’t made it to the list of AI-compatible devices because the A16 Bionic chipset and 6GB RAM aren’t sufficient for AI processing. If the iPhone SE 4 gets the A18 chipset, it would be the most affordable iPhone option to experience Apple Intelligence. Unarguably, the AI support alone would be enough to make the iPhone SE 4 a solid option over the iPhone 15. The AI capability will make the iPhone SE 4 more modern and future-proof than the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
Other Upgrades Expected for the iPhone SE 4
While Apple Intelligence would be a prime attraction, the upcoming affordable iPhone would have a lot more to offer. The next-gen iPhone SE would take design inspiration from the iPhone 14, featuring an all-display design with FaceID and a notch. Apple will move from the 4.7-inch display to offer a bigger & better 6.1-inch screen, which would align the SE with iPhone 15, in terms of size. We can also expect Apple to add the programmable Action Button which was introduced on iPhone 15 models. Also, since Apple is embracing the USB-C standard, the iPhone SE 4 would ditch the Lightning connector and feature a USB-C port like the iPhone 15.
The iPhone SE 4 is tipped to arrive with a single rear camera, but instead of 12MP, we might see the 48MP primary camera found on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. This would be a big upgrade, putting the iPhone SE 4 in competition with some of the best mid-range camera smartphones. That’s not all. The upcoming entry-level iPhone could be the first iPhone to feature Apple’s first-ever in-house 5G modem, which has been in the works for some years now.
Unlike the iPhone 15 colors which aren’t very saturated, the iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to arrive in more vibrant hues like the latest iPhone 16. If you find the pastel colors of the iPhone 15 too pale or boring, the iPhone SE 4 might feel like a fresh breath of air. While we can’t expect the same Ultramarine or Teal hues, the iPhone SE 4 could indeed come in brighter and more appealing shades.
iPhone SE 4 Could Cost Less Than iPhone 15
Despite more powerful internals and Apple Intelligence support, the iPhone SE 4 could be cheaper than the iPhone 15. Currently, the iPhone SE 3 sells for $429 for the 64GB model, whereas the iPhone 15 starts at $699 for the 128GB base model. During the holiday season and other deals, you can manage to grab around $100 off on the iPhone 15. That means, you have to spend around $599 to buy an iPhone 15, which is still expensive for budget-conscious buyers.
We’ve certainly witnessed smartphone price increases over the past few years. So, Apple might increase the price of the upcoming iPhone SE 4, but it won’t be a lot. The giant might stick with the same price of $429 to compete with mid-range rivals like Pixel 8a or increase the price by 10 percent. Even if the prices go up by that margin, the iPhone SE 4 would not exceed the $500 mark, making it much more affordable than the iPhone 15.
I think the iPhone SE 4 would be a hit amongst users who are planning to buy their first iPhone or wish to upgrade from a super-old model without splurging on flagships. Right now, the SE models mostly appeal to elderly people and not the young generation. If I talk about the iPhone SE 3, I can buy it for my Mom, but not for myself. This perception might change with Apple’s next mid-ranger.
Would iPhone SE 4 Drive More Sales?
If the rumors turn out to be true, the iPhone SE 4 would be a top pick amongst iPhone buyers. After all, it would be the most affordable iPhone with AI capabilities. You might miss out on the dual-camera setup and Dynamic Island experience, but this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker as you’ll get the latest processor and AI features. The iPhone SE 4 might outshine the iPhone 15 and sit nicely between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16.
Of course, the newest iPhone 16 offers some extra perks like the brand-new Camera Control Button. That said, the iPhone SE 4 seems to arrive with everything that people would look for in a modern smartphone. This includes a good-looking design, a 48MP main camera, 8GB RAM, and an A18 chipset for ultra-smooth performance. Unless you want the greatest, the iPhone SE 4 would be a top choice for most shoppers. So, if you’re planning to buy an iPhone 15, we would recommend you wait for the next-gen iPhone SE.
If the rumors are true, would you choose the iPhone SE 4 over iPhone 15? Don’t forget to share your views in the comments below.
