iPhone SE 4 may launch sooner than you think: Here is what we know about its launch timeline

Apple's next budget-friendly offering, the iPhone SE 4, is anticipated to debut in early 2025 with significant design and performance upgrades over the 2022 launched iPhone SE 3.

In Short

• Apple is expected to launch the iPhone SE 4 in the early months of 2025
• The new iPhone SE is likely to bring major upgrades over iPhone SE 3
• It is expected to arrive with A18 series chip

Wondering when Apple will launch its next budget iPhone—the iPhone SE 4? If rumours are to be believed, the fourth-gen SE might arrive in the early months of 2025, with production expected to start by the end of 2024. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to begin mass production of the iPhone SE 4 as early as December 2024.

If these reports hold, we could see the SE 4 launch by March or April 2025. Kuo suggests that Apple anticipates producing around 8.6 million units of this new budget-friendly model in the first quarter, featuring several significant upgrades over previous models.

In terms of specifications and pricing, here is a quick rundown of everything we are expecting from the next generation Apple iPhone SE.

Design and display: One of the biggest changes expected is in design. The iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to adopt a more modern look, resembling the iPhone 14 with a full-screen display and slim bezels. Gone are the thick bezels and the Touch ID home button, staples of earlier SE models. Instead, the new SE is likely to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display, a major improvement over the 4.7-inch LCD screen of the SE 3.

Processor and performance: Another major upgrade is the chipset. Apple is reportedly planning to equip the SE 4 with its latest A18 series processor, the same one found in the iPhone 16 series. This upgrade, if true, will position the SE 4 as a highly capable device, on par with Apple’s flagship models in raw processing power. Additionally, the SE 4 is expected to come with 8GB of RAM—double the current SE model—supporting Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-driven suite, and ensuring smooth multitasking and future-ready performance.

Camera: The camera is also expected to see a substantial upgrade. Replacing the 12-megapixel rear camera, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to feature a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera. While it won’t match the multi-lens setups of premium iPhones, this camera should deliver excellent image quality, backed by Apple’s computational photography features like Smart HDR and Night Mode. A 12-megapixel front camera is expected for improved selfies, making the SE 4 a strong option for photography.

Battery and charging: Battery life on the SE 4 is set to improve, with rumours suggesting a 3,279mAh battery—significantly larger than the SE 3’s 2,018mAh capacity. Charging speeds are expected to stay at 20W, but Apple may add MagSafe support, a feature previously limited to higher-end models. Additionally, in line with EU regulations, Apple is likely to include USB-C charging. Other expected upgrades include Wi-Fi 6 support and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Pricing and availability: While specs are promising, the final price will be a deciding factor. If rumours are accurate, the iPhone SE 4 may retail in the U.S. between $499 and $549, a step up from the SE 3’s starting price of $429. In India, we expect it to start around Rs 45,000, slightly higher than the SE 3’s launch price of Rs 43,900, though still significantly below Apple’s flagship models. With its affordable price point, the iPhone SE 4 could become a popular choice for those entering the Apple ecosystem or upgrading from older models.