iPhone SE 4: Latest Rumors on Design, Features, and Release

The iPhone SE (2025) is Apple’s least expensive smartphone. And according to rumors, these phones could make another big comeback in 2025. That will mark three years since the iPhone SE 3 came out, but from what we’re hearing, the wait will likely be worth it. Naturally, there’s a lot of excitement building.
In this article, we’ll break down everything we know about the upcoming iPhone SE 4. This includes all the latest leaks and rumors, possible features, pricing, launch timelines, and more.
Design and Features
The iPhone SE lineup has traditionally borrowed its design from the iPhone 8 and it’s a look that some people might still love. But we have to admit that the thick bezels and classic home button now feel a bit dated. Well, Apple appears to have decided to shake things up this year.
And if the iPhone SE 4 leaks hold, this device will take after the iPhone 14 instead. That means we’ll now get an edge-to-edge bezel-less design. Newer iPhones have moved away from the notch in Favor of the Dynamic Island. So, we can’t wait to see how the iPhone SE 4 notch will complement its overall design.
Display-wise, the iPhone SE 4 screen size is expected to be a 6.1-inch display rather than the 4.7 design of its predecessor. This will bring it to par with the standard iPhone 16, which could be a deal-breaker for many fans of the phone. After all, the iPhone SE has long been the go-to choice for those who are after an affordable, compact phone.
In addition to the size of the display, the SE 4 is also expected to feature an OLED screen. This will be a first for the series as the previous models sport an LCD panel. Plus, it will mark the end of an era for Apple given that the iPhone SE was the only iPhone still using LCD technology.
Apple has also been making the shift to Type-C ports across its devices and the iPhone SE 4 will be no exception. The upcoming model is also expected to feature a new action button, replacing the mute switch. Details on this feature are still pretty sketchy with some rumors suggesting that the action button might not make it to the iPhone SE 4 after all.
We’ll also have to wait a little bit longer to find out the exact iPhone SE 4 colors that Apple will opt for. Some pundits have speculated that the upcoming model will come in Black; and other colors. We might also get to see more vibrant colors like blue, red, green, and product Red.
iPhone SE 4: Is a New Name Coming?
Rumors indicated that Apple may stir things up by rebranding the highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 as the iPhone 16E. The "16" in the name would place it in the same series as the latest iPhones, which would make the 16E at least similar to the flagship models in one way or another.
This wouldn’t be the first time Apple has fiddled with its naming conventions. Remember when the iPhone XR was launched? It was a departure from the usual numbering system. But it was also a model that was both innovative and affordable.
Camera
Every SE model to date has stuck to a single rear camera and it seems that Apple is not yet ready to change that formula. However, we could be seeing some huge lens upgrades.
The iPhone SE (2022) has a 12MP main camera. Several rumors hint at a 48MP main sensor on the upcoming phone. If this is correct, this would be a major and most welcome upgrade. For selfies, the iPhone SE (2025) will likely come with a 12MP sensor compared to 7MP on the SE 3.
We’d love to see Night Mode support introduced on the new phone. The iPhone SE series has always been at a bit of a disadvantage when pegged against phones like the Pixel 8a in a camera shootout. So, it would be nice if Apple stepped up its game with better low-light photography and threw in Night Mode.
Processor
One area that Apple never compromises on is its processors. Historically, the iPhone SE series has used the same processor as the previous year's iPhone lineup, which is technically the flagship model released in the fall. That would mean the iPhone SE 4 2025, might sport the amazingly fast A18 bionic chip, just like the iPhone 16 series.
If that pans out to be true, the iPhone SE 4 will offer performance comparable to Apple's latest flagship models, thus making it a powerful yet affordable option. But that’s not all! The SE 4 will most certainly ship with iOS 18 which is Apple’s latest software.
With iOS 18, the A18 Bionic chip, and rumored upgrades in RAM and storage, the iPhone SE 4 is set to benefit from Apple Intelligence. This could bring a host of AI-powered features to the device, like an upgraded Siri, new writing tools, improved photo searches, and more.
Apple has been working on its own 5G modem for several years now. We might finally get to see the results of this effort in the iPhone SE 4.
Storage and RAM
Storage has always been a tricky area with Apple, but it seems that the SE 4 is getting a bit of a boost. It’s rumored that the base model will come with 6GB RAM paired with 128 GB storage. This is undeniably a solid upgrade.
To put this into perspective, the iPhone SE 3 started with just 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. That’s a significant jump for the SE series and could mean smoother multitasking, faster app performance, and more space for your photos, apps, and videos. For those tired of running out of storage or dealing with lag, the SE 4 might just hit the sweet spot.
Battery
Battery life is always a hot topic, especially for the SE series. While the compact design has sometimes meant compromises in this area, the SE 4 could bring some much-needed improvements. With its larger 6.1-inch display and A18 Bionic chip, the phone might pack a bigger battery to keep everything running smoothly.
And let’s not forget Apple’s smart battery management tools. These tricks help extend battery life by prioritizing essential tasks and keeping background activity in check. While it’s too soon to know the exact battery size or performance, we’re optimistic that the iPhone SE 4 specifications will strike a better balance between power and longevity.
Release Date and Price
The iPhone SE’s launch timing has always been somewhat irregular, and it’s still unclear when the iPhone SE 4 release date will be. But, if history is any indication, these phones are likely to hit the market in March or April. The first-generation iPhone SE launched in March, while the second and third iterations were released in April and March, respectively. So it’s not far-fetched to think we might see another spring release.
As for the iPhone SE 4 price, this phone is expected to remain an affordable option in Apple's lineup. While the current model starts at A$719, rumors suggest that the new version might see a slight increase and could potentially go for roughly A$799. This adjustment would reflect the anticipated upgrades in design and features, yet still keep the SE 4 competitively priced.
Verdict
The iPhone SE 4 sounds like a big leap forward for Apple’s budget-friendly series. With a larger OLED display, a sleek iPhone 14-inspired design, and the powerful A18 Bionic chip, it’s shaping up to be a solid upgrade. It keeps things simple with one camera but doesn’t skimp on performance or features. Sure, it might not have all the bells and whistles of the flagship models, but that’s not the point. The SE 4 is for anyone who wants Apple quality without breaking the bank. If you’re waiting for affordable power, this could be worth the hype!
Posted by Liam Harris

Liam Harris
I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.