Apple is reportedly working on a new version of its popular iPhone SE, which could offer some of the features found in the flagship iPhone 14 models at a lower price. According to an anonymous source cited by AppleInsider, the iPhone SE 4 could have Face ID, USB-C, an OLED display, and a 48MP camera.
A New Design for the iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt a design similar to the iPhone XR, which was released in 2018. This means that it would have a 6.1-inch LCD screen with a notch for the Face ID sensors, and a single rear camera with a flash. The source also claims that the iPhone SE 4 could have an Action button, which is a feature exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models. The Action button is a customizable button on the side of the phone that can be used to launch apps or perform actions.
The iPhone SE 4 would be a significant departure from the previous iPhone SE models, which had a smaller 4.7-inch screen with a Home button and Touch ID. The current iPhone SE 2022 was launched last year and is based on the design of the iPhone 8. Some users may prefer the compact size and the fingerprint unlocking of the current iPhone SE, while others may welcome the larger screen and the facial recognition of the rumored iPhone SE 4.
A Powerful Performance for the iPhone SE 4
The anonymous source did not provide any information about the processor or the battery of the iPhone SE 4, but it is likely that Apple would use its latest A-series chip for the new model. The current iPhone SE 2022 uses the A13 Bionic chip, which is also found in the iPhone 11 series. The iPhone SE 4 could use either the enhanced A15 chip from the iPhone 14, or the A16 chip from the iPhone 14 Pro models.
The source also mentioned that the iPhone SE 4 could have an in-house 5G modem, which would enable faster and more reliable connectivity. Apple has been developing its own 5G modem since it acquired Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019. The first iPhones to use Apple’s own 5G modem are expected to be released in 2023.
A Competitive Price for the iPhone SE 4
The main appeal of the iPhone SE series is its affordable price compared to other iPhones. The current iPhone SE 2022 starts at $399, while the cheapest iPhone 14 model costs $699. The source did not reveal the price of the iPhone SE 4, but it is possible that Apple would keep it under $500 to attract more customers.
The iPhone SE 4 would face tough competition from other mid-range smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 6a, the Samsung Galaxy A53, and the OnePlus Nord 2T. These phones offer similar or better features than the current iPhone SE, such as larger screens, multiple cameras, and longer battery life. However, the iPhone SE 4 could have an edge over them with its superior performance, software updates, and ecosystem integration.
A Possible Release Date for the iPhone SE 4
The source did not specify when the iPhone SE 4 would be released, but based on previous patterns, it could be sometime in early 2023 or later. The first iPhone SE was launched in March 2016, while the second one was launched in April 2020. The third one was launched in April 2022. Apple usually releases its flagship iPhones in September or October every year.
The iPhone SE 4 is still a rumor at this point, and Apple has not confirmed or denied its existence. However, if it does come true, it could be a great option for users who want a budget-friendly iPhone with some of the premium features of the latest models.
