Apple's Next New iPhone to Debut in the Spring: What to Expect

Apple's budget-friendly iPhone SE is set for a major overhaul with a fourth generation model expected to launch in spring 2025. The upcoming model will mark a significant departure from its predecessors, adopting several features from higher-end iPhones while maintaining its position as the most affordable new model in Apple's lineup.

iPhone SE 4 Thumb 2
According to recent reports, the iPhone SE 4 will sport a design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, featuring a larger 6.1-inch OLED display. This marks a substantial increase from the current model's 4.7-inch LCD screen and brings the SE line in line with Apple's flagship devices in terms of display technology.

The move to OLED is part of Apple's broader strategy to phase out LCD displays across its iPhone lineup. This shift will impact longstanding suppliers like Japan Display and Sharp, who have primarily provided LCD panels for previous SE models.

In terms of performance, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to be powered by the A18 chip, which debuted in the iPhone 16 series last month. The device is also expected to make the switch from Touch ID to Face ID, marking the end of the road for the iPhone's physical Home button.

Other notable upgrades include:

  • USB-C port, replacing the Lightning connector.
  • Action button, a feature introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro.
  • Apple-designed 5G modem.
  • 48MP rear camera, up from the current 12MP sensor.
  • 8GB of RAM, double the current model's 4GB.

The increase in RAM is particularly significant, as it will enable the iPhone SE 4 to support Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of AI features, which are expected to begin rolling out with the release of iOS 18.1 later this month. This inclusion would make the SE 4 the most affordable iPhone capable of running these advanced AI features (something last year's standard iPhone 15 models are unable to do).

Despite these substantial upgrades, Apple is expected to maintain the iPhone SE's position as a budget-friendly option. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests the device will likely be priced between $400 and $500, in line with previous models.

As for timing, multiple sources, including Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, point to a spring 2025 release. Given that all previous iPhone SE models were announced in March, a March 2025 launch seems highly probable. Apple suppliers are reportedly gearing up to begin mass production in October of this year, setting the stage for an early 2025 release.

Related Roundup: iPhone SE
Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

sundog925 Avatar
5 weeks ago
Mini body or nothing. These screen sizes are getting out of hand.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tcgjeukens Avatar
5 weeks ago
mini?
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Takeo Avatar
5 weeks ago

You guys all hammering for the Mini didn’t actually buy it. That’s why Apple stopped production of the 13 Mini halfway through the year. Apple doesn’t listen to y’all anymore. Find something else to moan about.
I bought it. I love it. I still use it today. I will never upgrade My 12 mini until and unless it completely stops working. This new SE is way too big and will be very heavy as a result. My main issue isn’t the screen size of these phones… it’s the weight. They’re like carrying around a brick in your pocket.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sonicrobby Avatar
5 weeks ago

mini?
I wish :(
To this day when I still pull out my iPhone SE (the first one that resembled the iPhone 5) it’s still my favorite iPhone design. That flush camera is so sleek!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
danskin Avatar
5 weeks ago

Main mini models didn't sell enough to justify production and distracting potential buyers from bigger, pricier phones.
Why should Apple give people who want something "special" a cheaper, custom developed way to get it?
Because they already invested into the R&D for that form factor. Might as well milk it all the way down. A 13 mini form factor with slightly updated chip and USB-C would already cater to a good portion of the market.
There is absolutely nothing "mini" about the mini and it's really unfortunate apple marketed it that way. People thought they would be getting a small phone and hence opted for the larger model. They likely did this to get better profit margin of course.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DickieSmith Avatar
5 weeks ago

Imagine paying premium price for mobile with 60hz refresh rate screen.
Not everyone cares about going above 60hz.
Maybe its just me, but when I use a friend's iPhone 15 I don't notice the downgraded refresh rate unless I'm actively trying to look for it.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)