Apple is set to launch its fourth-generation iPhone SE 4 on February 19, 2025. Since the launch of the first-generation iPhone SE in 2016, consumers have known the SE series for being budget-friendly, compared to other iPhone models. Three years after the release of iPhone SE 3, expectations for this model’s features, design, and performance are high.
The iPhone SE (Special Edition) joined the Apple Inc. family in 2016 with the release of its first generation. iPhone SE 1 was co-released as part of Apple’s ninth-generation iPhones, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. It was sold at $399 for its 16GB model and $499 for its 64GB model.
The SE 1 shared similar features with its iPhone 6s counterpart, including iOS 9.3, but differed in display, design, memory, and battery capacity.
Apple released the iPhone SE 2 (second generation) in 2020 as part of the thirteenth-generation iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max models. Its starting price during the launch was $399, while the iPhone 11 was sold at $699.
The iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 11 shared memory capacity, splash/water and dust resistance, A13 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 8-core neural engine, operating system (iOS 13), and wireless capabilities. They also shared similarities in camera quality; however, while the SE 2 had a single 12MP main camera, the iPhone 11 featured dual 12MP cameras (main and ultra wide).
Apple released the iPhone SE 3 (third generation) in 2022 as part of the fifteenth generation, which includes the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max models. It was sold at a starting price of $429 during its launch, while the iPhone 13 had a starting price of $799.
The SE 3, consistent with the similarities and differences between SE models and their iPhone counterparts, shares characteristics with the iPhone 13.
The main differences between the SE and iPhone models are their appearance, memory capacity, single camera system, battery capacity, and Touch ID replaces Face ID, and the SE models have a smaller HD display of 4 to 4.7 inches.
iPhone SE 4 Expected Features and Upgrades
Although Apple Inc. has been vague in revealing the specifications for the SE 4 model, hints suggest that it will feature significant software upgrades and be more advanced than previous SE models.
Design and Display: We expect the design for the SE 4 model to resemble the iPhone 14. This would put its HD/OLED display at 6.1 inches and promise Face ID, which would replace the previous model’s iconic home button.
Performance: Analysts speculate that the SE 4 model will utilize the A18 processor found in both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. This gives the SE 4 the potential for higher performance and the ability to integrate Apple’s advanced AI capabilities. The SE 4 RAM could be increased from 3 GB, which was used in the previous SE models, to 8 GB, and it will have a base memory capacity of 128 GB.
Camera: The SE 4 is rumored to feature a 48 MP main camera, which would serve as a huge upgrade in the SE series. Because it represents a departure from the tradition of the 12 MP main camera in the SE series, this would elevate the SE 4.
Connectivity: Speculators believe that Apple will introduce its first in-house 5G modem in the SE 4. This would mark a major shift away from its primary modem supplier Qualcomm.
Battery: There is a high probability of the SE 4 having a higher battery capability courtesy of its adopted iPhone 14 design.
Market Predictions
According to Apple’s analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo in his post on X, projected shipments of the upcoming SE 4 model are expected to be 12 million units in the first half of 2025 and 10 million units in the second half of 2025.
The SE 4’s projected shipments at launch will help Apple smooth out post-launch dips seen with other products by maintaining consistent shipment figures. This will aid in integrating new users with the Apple ecosystem.
With the SE 4 upholding the tradition of being affordable and with new features, it is expected to attract new users to the SE series and the iPhone niche. This would further cement Apple’s position in the AI market. Apple’s use of its own in-house 5G modem could potentially impact the competitive landscape of modem suppliers.
The iPhone SE 4 model is projected to be a significant release for Apple. Its anticipated upgrades in design, camera specs, software performance, and connectivity have attracted a broad range of potential users. While all details concerning SE 4 are based on speculations and hints from Apple Inc., the official launch will confirm its potential impact on the market.
