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iPhone SE 4: The full story of Apple’s next budget iPhone and what to expect
Apple’s iPhone SE 4 has been the subject of numerous leaks and speculation, with details emerging in waves over the past few months. From design overhauls to chipset upgrades and even Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the next-generation SE promises to be the most significant upgrade yet. But between conflicting leaks about Dynamic Island, the notch, and shifting launch timelines, it’s time to set the record straight.
Here’s the full timeline of every iPhone SE 4 rumor, what turned out to be incorrect, and what we now expect.
November 2024: First details emerge- November 18, 2024 – Reports from 9to5Mac suggested that Apple’s in-house 5G modem would debut in the iPhone SE 4, reducing dependence on Qualcomm. A 6.1-inch OLED display, A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence features were also rumored.
- November 20, 2024 – Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley, via MacRumors, confirmed Apple’s March 2025 launch plans and stated that the device would include Face ID, a single 48MP rear camera, and 8GB of RAM. Pricing was expected to fall between $499 and $549.
- December 5, 2024 – The March 2025 launch was reaffirmed, and it was reported that the SE 4 would drop Touch ID for Face ID.
- December 10, 2024 – ET News reported that the 48MP camera upgrade was sourced from LG Innotek, along with Apple’s AI-based camera enhancements.
- December 13 & 31, 2024 – Fixed Focus Digital and Majin Bu suggested that the SE 4 might be rebranded as iPhone 16E, a claim that was later disputed.
- December 24, 2024 – The SE 4 was confirmed to launch alongside the iPad 11 and ship with iOS 18.3.
- January 8, 2025 – A leaker on X (formerly Twitter) claimed the SE 4 was codenamed “V59” and might launch as early as January—a timeline that proved incorrect.
- January 21, 2025 – Evan Blass leaked images hinting that the SE 4 could feature Dynamic Island, shocking many given the SE lineup’s budget focus.
- Contradictory reports followed, suggesting Apple would instead use a notch design, aligning the SE 4 with the iPhone 14’s display.
- Pricing speculation placed it between $499-$549.
- February 7, 2025 – Bloomberg hinted at an early February announcement, contradicting previous March-April expectations. The report reconfirmed that the A18 chip, USB-C, single-lens camera, and Apple’s own 5G modem were included.
- February 10, 2025 – Mark Gurman expressed doubt about the launch happening in February, suggesting Apple might push the announcement back.
- February 11, 2025 – A new report suggested Apple might launch the SE 4 and PowerBeats Pro 2 on February 11, citing depleted inventory of the iPhone SE 3 as a sign of an imminent release.
After months of speculation and conflicting rumors, here’s what appears locked in for Apple’s upcoming budget iPhone:
- Design: The iPhone 14-style body with USB-C and Face ID, officially marking the end of Touch ID in the SE lineup.
- Display: A 6.1-inch OLED screen, replacing the LCD panels used in previous SE models.
- Camera: A 48MP rear camera, a major upgrade from the SE 3’s 12MP sensor, along with a 12MP front camera with Night Mode.
- Performance: A18 chip, 8GB RAM, and support for Apple Intelligence features.
- Connectivity: Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, potentially marking a significant shift in Apple’s wireless strategy.
- Price: Expected between $499 and $549, depending on storage configurations.
With Apple’s usual March-April iPhone SE launch window approaching, an official announcement could come any day now. But a new twist has entered the mix—Apple CEO Tim Cook has teased a major product announcement for Wednesday, February 19.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cook wrote, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch.” While the teaser does not specify which product will be unveiled, a 7-second video featuring a silver Apple logo with water flowing across it has fueled speculation.
Given the timing, there’s now a real possibility that the iPhone SE 4 could be unveiled as part of this announcement. If so, we may have confirmation of its full specs, final design, and official pricing much sooner than expected.
Stay tuned.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram