Apple planning major changes for iPhone SE 4: Bigger display, new 5G modem, more

iPhone SE 4: Apple is expected to launch its fourth generation iPhone SE, that is, the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. Ahead of the official launch, reports have suggested that Apple is likely to give its budget iPhone model when it launches next year. In addition to coming with a new design and an updated camera setup, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is also likely to get a newer processor that will bring artificial intelligence (AI)-based capabilities to the device.

According to reports, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to get a major update in terms of the design. The iPhone SE 3 is based on the iPhone 8 that arrived back in 2017 and came with a 4.7-inch LCD display. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is likely to be based on the iPhone 14, which would not only bring a 6.1-inch OLED screen but also slimmer bezels to the device. Additionally, it would bring Face ID to the iPhone SE lineup, which, in turn, would mark the end of the Home button and Touch ID. However, Apple is expected to retain the notch, reserving Dynamic Island for premium iPhone models only.

Coming to the core, reports hint towards the iPhone SE 3 successor being powered by the company's A18 chip. This is the same chip that powers the newly launched iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus models. The A18 chip is likely to be coupled with 8GB of RAM, which is Apple 's minimum requirement for running Apple Intelligence. If these reports are true, the iPhone SE 4 could become the cheapest iPhone model to feature support for Apple's generative AI-based features including Apple Playground and Live Transcription to name a few.

The iPhone SE 4 is also likely to get an upgrade in the camera department. The phone is tipped to get the same camera setup as the iPhone 15. This means that the iPhone SE 4 will get a 12MP camera in the front. At the back it is expected to come with a single 48MP sensor leaving out the 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens.

The biggest update, however, is expected to come in terms of the modem. Apple is likely to include its first 5G modem in the iPhone SE 4. This chip will also house support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.