iPhone SE 4 Leaks: Apple’s Budget iPhone Could Launch Next Week

Apple is working on a revamped version of the iPhone SE 4 that will pack in a number of changes under a new design and specifications. The new entry-level iPhone is rumored to launch as soon as next week, thanks to sources from inside the industry, and be available sometime later this month.

Design Inspired by iPhone 14

Apple is expected to ditch the classic iPhone SE design, with the company instead opting to adopt the iPhone 14 form factor, according to reports. That means a notch on top of a 6.1-inch OLED display, which is a departure from the home button that has been a longstanding feature. This would add Face ID to a budget line that wouldn’t have included the technology.

A18 Chip: Bombastic Performance

Aditionally, the report suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will utilize the A18 chip, which will also power the upcoming iPhone 16 series. This means the device will include Apple’s newest software innovations, like Apple Intelligence (AI) features, thereby further narrowing the gap between budget and flagship models.

Improvements to the camera and connectivity

Another big update is in the rear 48-megapixel camera, a leap from previous SEs that had a 12-megapixel max. This would be more suitable for low-light and computational photography.

The iPhone SE 4 is also said to feature a first generation 5G modem designed in house by Apple, ditching components from Qualcomm. This may lead to better connection and stronger signals.

USB-C Transition & Pricing Speculation

To comply with new EU regulations, Apple will switch from the Lightning connector to a USB-C port on the iPhone SE 4. This represents a more substantial shift in Apple’s ecosystem that aligns its devices with universal charging standards.

Official pricing has yet to be confirmed, but sources have suggested the iPhone SE 4 will retail from around $500 — a slight uptick on the SE 3’s entry price of $429. Considering the significant hardware improvements, the price increase seems warranted.

Apple Set to Announce via Their Website

In contrast to Apple’s typical flash and flair around iPhone launches, the iPhone SE 4’s reveal could come as nothing more than an announcement on Apple’s website. If the leaks are to be believed, this new entry to the SE family could be in stores for Valentine’s Day.

Apple has not commented on the reports; each time it has not denied, however, and consumers and analysts now await confirmation of the company’s next move in the low-cost smartphone market.

Keep watching for updates on Apple’s new innovations!