Apple is widely expected to showcase its new iPhone 16 series this coming September. As the flagship lineup, the iPhone 16 is purported to start at a price of $799. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the iPhone SE series may be the way to go.
And the good news is, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is said to flaunt major upgrades in both design and performance. Specifically, sources at MacRumors say the next-gen iPhone SE, codenamed Ghost, will sport a refreshed design that aligns closely with the iPhone 14.
The ‌iPhone SE‌ 4 will reportedly use a modified version of the ‌iPhone 14‌ chassis in internal testing. (Image: YankoDesign)
Two notable changes are anticipated to arrive, namely the addition of an Action Button and a USB-C port.
The Action Button, recently introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro, is a customizable physical button that replaces the silent switch found on older iPhone models. This button can be configured to perform various actions, depending on the user’s preference.
The inclusion of the USB-C charging port is another change iPhone users are bound to appreciate. Having USB-C on the iPhone SE 4 will streamline Apple’s product lineup, increase user convenience, and reduce the need for multiple cables to charge devices.
(Image: YankoDesign)
(Image: YankoDesign)
Display-wise, the device will reportedly feature a 6.1-inch LTPS OLED display, similar to the one found on the iPhone 14. This screen will support a standard 60Hz refresh rate, promising a smooth user experience nonetheless. Comparatively, the 6.1-inch display would be a significant upgrade from the 4.7-inch screen on the iPhone SE 2022.
Additionally, the iPhone SE 4 is tipped to gain Face ID and a camera upgrade, with a rumored 48MP resolution. Currently, the iPhone SE 2022 only has a single rear camera with a maximum resolution of 12MP.
Most notably, the iPhone SE 4 is said to be powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which was featured in the iPhone 15/15 Plus. The device is also expected to come in a variety of vibrant colors, including red, blue, black, and white.
(Image: YankoDesign)
(Image: YankoDesign)
The trickle-down of features paints a picture of a phone that’s better than the iPhone 15, at about half the price of Apple’s latest flagship. The iPhone 15 doesn’t even have the Action Button – though it’s expected on the iPhone 16 – so it’s unclear how Apple will position this phone if it launches in 2024, Macworld ponders.
But even if Apple waits until 2025 to launch this new iPhone SE, it would still likely outshine the iPhone 16 by offering similar features at a lower price point. The current iPhone SE retails for $429, while the iPhone 13 starts at $599.
The anticipated $1000 phone is expected to come in a variety of vibrant colors, including red, blue, black, and white.
For now, the future of this budget-friendly iPhone remains uncertain. We’ll have to wait until Apple pulls back the curtain in either 2024 or possibly even 2025.
