iPhone SE 4 (2025) Rumours & What to Expect

The iPhone SE 4 Apple’s anticipated 2025 refresh of its budget-friendly iPhone line has stirred a wave of speculation across tech media and leak circles. With whispers of a larger OLED display, redesigned chassis, upgraded internals, and modern iPhone features like Face ID and USB-C, expectations are high. But which rumours are credible, and what might the final product look like? In this article, we compile all credible leaks and expert analyses so far to deliver a comprehensive preview of what to expect from iPhone SE 4.

What We Know (So Far): Key Rumours & Leaks

Display & Design: From LCD to OLED, small to modern

• iPhone SE 4 is widely expected to drop the small 4.7-inch LCD of previous SE models and instead adopt a ~6.06–6.1 inch OLED display.
• According to recent supply-chain reports, Apple has started sourcing OLED panels for SE’s next generation a strong sign that the shift is real.
• The new design is alleged to follow more modern iPhone lines (iPhone 14 / iPhone 16 style) with edge-to-edge display and removal of the home button or physical Touch ID.
• Regarding the “front-facing interface,” leaks are split: some suggest a classic notch for Face ID/TrueDepth camera; others claim the SE 4 will get the newer “Dynamic Island” design.

Cameras: A major jump from SE 3

• Rumours point to a single 48-megapixel rear camera a substantial upgrade over the 12 MP camera in iPhone SE (2022).
• On the front, a 12 MP TrueDepth camera is expected for Face ID and potential improvements in selfie and video-call quality.
• While the camera module is rumored to be simpler than flagship multi-lens setups (no wide + ultra-wide + telephoto), this single-camera approach helps keep costs down.

Performance: Flagship internals under a budget shell

• iPhone SE 4 is expected to ship with a modern chip potentially the same as the upcoming generation flagship (A-series). Several leaks mention the A18 chip.
• To support advanced features (especially rumored AI functionality), the phone may include 6GB–8GB of RAM a big jump from the 4GB in the current SE.
• Support for “Apple Intelligence” Apple’s upcoming AI/software suite may be enabled, thanks to the upgraded chip and RAM.

Release Date & Pricing Expectations

• Multiple analyst predictions (and supply-chain signals) point to a spring 2025 release, likely March or April consistent with previous SE launch patterns.
• Despite the upgrades, iPhone SE 4 is expected to stay in the budget-to-mid-range price bracket rumors suggest a starting price around US $429 to $500.

What These Upgrades Mean: Why iPhone SE 4 Could Be a Big Deal

• Affordable “modern iPhone”: SE 4 could offer many flagship features OLED screen, Face ID, AI-ready hardware but at a significantly lower price point, making Apple’s ecosystem more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
• Future-proofing: With OLED + upgraded internals + potentially USB-C + 5G modem, SE 4 may remain relevant longer than previous SE models, which became outdated relatively quickly.
• Great for mainstream users: For users who don’t need triple-lens cameras or Pro-level photography, SE 4 could hit the sweet spot of price, performance, and everyday utility.
• Entry point to Apple Intelligence: If SE 4 supports Apple’s AI/ML features, it becomes the most affordable entry into “next-gen” iPhone functionalities.

What’s Still Uncertain & What to Watch Out For

Because the device hasn’t been officially announced, many details remain speculative:

• Design details (Notch vs. Dynamic Island): leaks conflict; what appears in final model remains unknown.
• Camera limitations: single-lens setup may limit creative photography (no ultra-wide, zoom, or LiDAR), making SE less ideal for advanced photography.
• Price-yield tradeoffs: Apple must balance cost and features; some rumored extras (e.g. 8GB RAM + 5G + OLED) might push price above traditional “budget” threshold.
• Battery life and thermals: new hardware and OLED may impact battery performance; real-world usage remains a question until release and reviews.
• Positioning vs. flagship “lite” models: SE 4 might sit between entry-level iPhones and “Pro” devices, so some buyers may compare it with slightly pricier “lite” iPhones instead of older SE expectations.

What to Expect & When (Timeline for Launch)

Period / Milestone	What to Watch / Action
Late 2024: Early 2025	Supply-chain activity (OLED panel sourcing, camera module testing), strong signal that SE 4 is real.
Early 2025 (March / April)	Rumoured official launch: likely reveal + pre-orders.
Post-launch 2025	Real-world reviews: performance, battery, camera quality, critical before you buy

Who Should Consider iPhone SE 4: and Who Could Wait

Good fit:

• People seeking a modern iPhone on a budget.
• First-time iPhone buyers switching from Android.
• Users who need reliable everyday performance, 5G connectivity, and iOS ecosystem without paying flagship prices.
• Students, professionals, or consumers who value price-to-performance and don’t need high-end camera setups.

Might wait or choose higher:

• if you want advanced photography (ultra-wide lens, portrait mode, video production) → flagship or “Pro” iPhone may be better.
• if you heavily rely on battery life and long-term performance (we’ll need real reviews).
• if you prefer premium upgrades (multiple lenses, ProMotion display, extra RAM + storage): may be worth waiting for next-gen or “lite” flagship.

Final Thoughts: What iPhone SE 4 Could Mean for Apple & Users in 2025

If Apple delivers on even half of the current rumours, iPhone SE 4 may redefine the meaning of “budget iPhone.” Instead of being a simple entry-level device, it could become a mainstream workhorse: expensive enough to include modern features, yet affordable compared to Pro-level iPhones.

For consumers, this could mean access to Apple’s ecosystem, 5G, and future-proofed hardware without spending flagship money. For Apple, it means expanding reach, especially in emerging markets, and perhaps creating a new baseline iPhone for years ahead.

Of course, rumors are not guarantees. Until Apple officially announces the iPhone SE 4, treat these details as informed speculation. But given the consistency across leaks, from OLED sourcing to supply-chain timelines, the SE 4 might be closer than many expect.