A comprehensive specs sheet has leaked for Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4, shedding light on nearly every detail of the eagerly awaited budget model, from processing power to screen size. Expected to launch early in 2025, the iPhone SE 4 is set to receive significant upgrades that could bring it closer to the flagship iPhones in terms of hardware and design. Here’s what the new leak reveals about Apple’s next affordable iPhone.
Powering up with the A18 chip and 8GB RAM
According to details shared by trusted tipster @Jukanlosreve, the iPhone SE 4 will feature Apple’s A18 chipset, the same as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, this new model promises a substantial performance boost over the current iPhone SE 3, which runs on the A15 chip with only 4GB of RAM. The move to the A18 chipset could also bring enhanced capabilities for artificial intelligence features in the iPhone SE 4, which are set to roll out across Apple’s devices starting next week.
The A18 chip and 8GB of RAM combination are powerful and usually reserved for flagship iPhones. This should enable the SE 4 to handle Apple’s latest software updates and AI-driven enhancements, making it an attractive choice for those who want top-tier performance without the flagship price. With these specifications, the iPhone SE 4 aims to provide users faster speeds, smoother multitasking, and improved processing for advanced photography and AI features.
Upgraded OLED screen and modernised design
For the first time in the SE line, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a 6.06-inch OLED display with a 2532 x 1170 pixels resolution, replacing the 4.7-inch LCD on the SE 3. This larger, sharper screen aligns the SE 4 with the display quality of the iPhone 14, delivering richer colours, higher contrast, and a more immersive viewing experience. The new screen will mark a significant shift for SE users, moving away from the traditional home button and Touch ID to the Face ID and gesture-based navigation found in Apple’s more recent models.
Apple’s design overhaul will make the SE 4 resemble its flagship counterparts, eliminating the once-standard home button and integrating Face ID. At 165 grams, it’s also a bit heavier than the previous SE model, which weighed 144 grams, though this is likely due to the larger screen and enhanced battery.
The leaked sheet lists a single 48MP rear camera, another significant upgrade over the previous model’s 12MP sensor. Combined with the A18’s processing power, this camera will likely improve low-light performance and photo detail. A 12MP front-facing camera is included for selfie enthusiasts, which should be a welcome addition, particularly for video calls and content creation.
Additional features revealed in the leak include Wi-Fi 6 support for faster internet connections, IP68-rated water and dust protection, and a 3,279mAh battery. This capacity is a notable increase from the 2,018mAh battery in the SE 3, which should translate to longer usage times. Apple is expected to retain its emphasis on durability and longevity with this model, especially with IP68 protection, which allows the phone to withstand immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes.
Including Wi-Fi 6 should enhance connection stability and speed, which is becoming more important for users streaming content or relying on online applications. Overall, these upgrades suggest a much more capable, resilient, and premium device than previous SE models while still keeping the SE’s reputation as an affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
Price and expected launch date
The leak points to a starting price of US$499 for the iPhone SE 4, a rise from the US$429 starting price of the previous generation. This increase is likely due to the significant upgrades across the phone’s components, including the advanced chipset, larger display, and enhanced camera capabilities. Although this makes the SE 4 pricier than its predecessor, it remains positioned as Apple’s most affordable iPhone, aimed at those looking for flagship-like features without the premium price tag.
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be released in early 2025, with March mentioned as a possible launch month. Apple enthusiasts may also see the debut of new iPads at the same event, which could turn it into one of Apple’s most anticipated launches for the year.
With these extensive improvements and a price increase to match, Apple is reimagining its SE line as a mid-range option for those who want a powerful and modern iPhone without fully committing to the flagship price range. The iPhone SE 4 could set a new standard in budget smartphones, combining Apple’s premium quality with advanced features in a more accessible package.
