Apple is going to announce something big on February 19 and Tim Cook has confirmed it. Apple is being mum about the details but Mark Gurman from Bloomberg thinks the iPhone SE 4 will be the star of the show.
This one is expected to bring major design and hardware changes and will finally bring the budget segment closer to the flagship lineup. From a design inspired by the iPhone 14 to an A18 chip, Face ID and a high-resolution camera, the iPhone SE 4 will redefine the budget iPhone segment.
Here’s what to expect from the iPhone SE 4 and why this is big for Apple.
A Modern Design Inspired by the iPhone 14
One of the most anticipated changes in the iPhone SE 4 is the design overhaul. Unlike the previous models which retained the iPhone 8-style look, the new one will have a more modern design like the iPhone 14.
- Larger Display: The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, a big jump from the previous 4.7-inch LCD panel. This means sharper visuals, better contrast and brighter.
- Notched Front Panel: With the removal of the bottom bezel, Apple is saying goodbye to the Touch ID home button. Instead the device will have Face ID, the first time the budget iPhone will have Face ID.
- USB-C Port: Following EU regulations, Apple will replace the Lightning port with a USB-C connector so it will be compatible with modern accessories and faster charging.
A18 Chip: Powering AI-Driven Performance
Under the hood the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to have the latest A18 chip, the same chip as the iPhone 16 series. This will give big boost to performance, efficiency and AI capabilities.
- AI-Powered Features: Apple is putting a lot of emphasis on Apple Intelligence, introducing smarter Siri interactions, advanced photo editing and predictive text suggestions.* 8GB RAM: The iPhone SE 4 will have 8GB of RAM to handle multitasking and AI-based features better than ever.
- Apple’s In-House 5G Modem: Instead of using Qualcomm modems, Apple will have its own 5G modem for better network efficiency and connectivity.
48MP Camera for Better Photography
The SE lineup has always been lagging behind in camera technology but this time the iPhone SE 4 will get a big camera upgrade.
- Main Camera: The device will have a 48MP primary sensor, a big jump from the 12MP camera of the previous SE models. This means sharper images, better low light performance and advanced computational photography.
- Front Camera: The 12MP front camera will give high-quality selfies and video calls and further improve Apple’s FaceTime experience.
- No Ultra-Wide Lens: Unlike the flagship models, the iPhone SE 4 will not have an ultra-wide lens, to keep costs down while still delivering a good photography experience.
Competitive Pricing & Market Positioning
Apple is positioning the iPhone SE 4 as a budget-friendly powerhouse with a rumored price of $499. That puts it in direct competition with Google’s upcoming Pixel 9a which is supposed to launch in March 2025.
- The affordable price point makes it a great option for upgraders from older iPhones or switchers from Android.
- Apple is targeting markets like US, Canada, China and India where budget-friendly yet premium devices are in high demand.
- With 5G, AI and modern design, the iPhone SE 4 will be the most advanced budget iPhone ever.
What Else to Expect on February 19?
Apart from the iPhone SE 4, Apple may unveil other great stuff including:
- M4 MacBook Air – Apple’s thinnest laptop with AI performance boost and efficiency.
- M3 iPad Air – A new powerful tablet with a sleek design and upgraded internals.
- iPad 11 – The next gen entry level iPad with better performance at an affordable price.
Final Thoughts: A Game Changer for Budget iPhones?
The iPhone SE 4 is going to be the biggest update in the SE series. With flagship design, Face ID, OLED display, A18 chip and 48MP camera, Apple is finally bridging the gap between its budget and premium devices.
For users looking for a powerful budget iPhone, the iPhone SE 4 could be the one. As Apple expands its AI ecosystem, this device will play a key role in making advanced features more accessible to everyone.
With the February 19 launch, we can’t wait to see if the iPhone SE 4 lives up to the hype. Will it change the budget smartphone game? We’ll find out soon.