The iPhone SE has long been Apple’s gateway device—an opportunity for budget-conscious consumers to tap into the Apple ecosystem without paying a premium for the latest flagship. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming iPhone SE 4. Rumored for a possible debut in March 2025, this next-generation special edition iPhone may adopt a design closer to the iPhone 14, introduce Apple’s very own in-house 5G and Wi-Fi modem, and bring substantial upgrades in battery life, display technology, camera capabilities, and overall efficiency.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything we know so far about the fourth-generation iPhone SE: expected release dates, price ranges, design shifts, specs, camera innovations, EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure considerations, and more. By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to decide if waiting for the iPhone SE 4 is worth it for you.
Quick Jump Links
- Latest iPhone SE 4 News
- iPhone SE 4 Release Date Rumors
- iPhone SE 4 Price Predictions & Deals
- Design & Display: A Big Leap Forward
- Camera Upgrades: Could 48MP Be on the Horizon?
- Battery & Charging: More Capacity, USB-C, and Better Efficiency
- Hardware & Performance: Apple’s Own Modem and Next-Gen Chipset
- EMF & RF Safety: Reduced Exposure and What It Means for You
- Software & Features: iOS 18 and Face ID Likely
- Storage Options: More Space at the Entry Level?
- Should You Wait for the iPhone SE 4?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Latest iPhone SE 4 News
- In-House Apple Modem: Multiple sources, including the reputable Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, suggest the iPhone SE 4 will debut Apple’s first custom 5G and Wi-Fi modem. This shift away from Qualcomm is a strategic move to integrate hardware and software more tightly.
- 2025 Launch Expected: The most consistent rumors point to a launch window between March and May 2025, with some insiders leaning specifically toward March.
- Design Overhaul: Moving beyond the classic iPhone 8-style chassis, the new SE is rumored to adopt a notch-based design similar to the iPhone 14. This could mean the end of the Home button and Touch ID, ushering in Face ID for the SE lineup.
- Battery and Efficiency Gains: The switch to Apple’s custom modems and possibly more efficient silicon may yield better battery life and potentially lower EMF emissions.
- Potential Camera Leap: Whispers of a single 48MP camera—unconfirmed but tantalizing—would mark a dramatic improvement over the previous 12MP setup.
iPhone SE 4 Release Date
Historically, Apple’s iPhone SE series doesn’t adhere to the standard annual refresh cycle seen with flagship iPhones. The original SE debuted in 2016, the second-gen in 2020, and the third-gen in 2022. This irregular schedule makes predictions tricky. Nonetheless, industry insiders and credible leaks align on a target window in early 2025, most likely March 2025.
Why March 2025?
- Supply Chain Indicators: Reports from Korean media outlet The Elec and Apple’s product roadmap leaks suggest production timelines aligning with a Q1 2025 launch.
- Apple Insider Insights: Mark Gurman, known for his accurate Apple predictions, has mentioned that Apple is nearing production of the device, codenamed V59, reinforcing the 2025 timeline.
Bottom Line: If you’re holding out for Apple’s next budget-friendly device, mark your calendars for Spring 2025.
iPhone SE 4 Price and Deals
Pricing the iPhone SE 4 could be Apple’s biggest challenge. The iPhone SE line is meant to be “affordable,” but production costs, improved hardware, and inflationary pressures might drive the price up.
- Estimated Price Range:
- Some leaks suggest a starting price between $499 and $549, an increase over the current $429 starting price of the iPhone SE 3 (2022).
- More conservative rumors hold out hope for a $429-$449 starting point, but these seem increasingly unlikely given the rumored upgrades.
Carrier Deals & Promotions:
- Apple Trade-In: Apple will likely continue offering trade-in credits for older devices.
- Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile: Expect promotions that include discounts or free device offers with eligible plans.
- Monthly Installments & Cash Back: Apple Card users may get 0% financing, and carriers will almost certainly bundle the new SE with their unlimited plans, offering bill credits or other incentives.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, consider trading in your old smartphone or leveraging carrier deals to bring down the cost.
iPhone SE 4 Design
Key Rumors:
- A Move to the Notch: The iPhone SE 4 is widely rumored to adopt a 6.1-inch display with a notch, closely resembling the iPhone 14 design language. This marks a significant departure from the Home button and chunky bezels of previous SE models.
- No Dynamic Island Yet?: While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 lineups push toward Dynamic Island and possibly even hole-punch displays, the SE series will likely stick to the notch. Some tipsters suggested it might borrow from future designs, but consensus now heavily favors the iPhone 14 template.
- Colors: Expect a range similar to previous iPhones:
- Blue
- Purple or Pink
- Green or Yellow
- Starlight (White)
- Midnight (Black)
- Product(RED)
Size & Form Factor:
- The rumored 6.1-inch display makes the SE 4 larger than the SE 3’s 4.7-inch screen. This jump gives more screen real estate for media consumption and potentially a larger battery.
- While some rumors teased the idea of an iPhone SE 4 Plus variant, most reports treat this as speculative rather than confirmed.
Conclusion on Design: Think of the iPhone SE 4 as a budget iPhone 14—a familiar, modern form factor that abandons Touch ID for Face ID and replaces the Home button with gestures.
iPhone SE 4 Camera
Historically, the iPhone SE series lagged behind its flagship siblings in the camera department. But the iPhone SE 4 might be different:
Rumored Specs:
- 48MP Single Rear Camera: Leaks hint at a possible jump to a 48MP primary lens, a dramatic improvement from the SE 3’s 12MP camera. This upgrade could elevate the SE 4 from a “good enough” camera phone to a true challenger in its price category.
- Image Quality and Features: If the SE 4 inherits computational photography features from recent iPhones—such as Smart HDR, Photonic Engine enhancements, and improved Night mode—expect sharper images, better low-light performance, and more vibrant colors.
- Front Camera: While unconfirmed, a move to the iPhone 14 design might also bring a more capable TrueDepth front camera system, allowing for Face ID and enhanced selfies.
Competition: A camera upgrade puts the iPhone SE 4 in direct contention with mid-range Android rivals like Google’s Pixel 7a. If Apple truly brings a 48MP sensor, the photography game in the sub-$600 range could change dramatically.
iPhone SE 4 Display
Moving beyond the small LCD panels of old, the iPhone SE 4 may sport a 6.1-inch OLED display, if the rumors hold true. This would be the first OLED panel in the SE lineup, providing richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast. OLED would also potentially improve battery efficiency in certain usage scenarios.
Key Display Points:
- Size: 6.1 inches (rumored)
- Technology: OLED (reported), which would be a milestone for the SE range
- Refresh Rate: Likely capped at 60Hz. ProMotion (120Hz) is probably reserved for Apple’s premium devices.
The potential shift to OLED not only ups the visual quality but also keeps the SE 4 competitive in a market where most mid-range smartphones are moving to AMOLED or OLED panels.
iPhone SE 4 Battery
Battery life has been a sore spot for previous SE models due to their smaller frames and older designs. This time, we’re hearing promising whispers:
Rumored Battery Improvements:
- Capacity Increase: The iPhone SE 4’s battery might jump from the SE 3’s modest 2018mAh to around 3279mAh, aligning it closely with the iPhone 14’s battery capacity.
- USB-C Charging: With the iPhone 15 series already embracing USB-C, it’s almost certain the SE 4 will do the same. USB-C could streamline charging and data transfer, bringing Apple’s budget phone in line with global standards.
- Efficiency Gains: The rumored Apple-designed 5G modem should run more efficiently than third-party solutions, potentially prolonging battery life. Additionally, Apple’s ongoing improvements in chipset efficiency mean more hours of use on a single charge.
Long story short, if you’ve been frustrated with the battery life of older SE models, the SE 4 is shaping up to offer a more enduring experience.
iPhone SE 4 Hardware
Processing Power and Chipset:
- Apple’s Custom 5G Modem: Perhaps the biggest hardware story here is Apple’s in-house modem (codenamed “Sinope”). Five years in the making, this modem aims to integrate 5G and Wi-Fi more closely with Apple’s hardware and software.
- Performance Goal: Initially, Apple’s modem might lag slightly behind Qualcomm’s top-tier solutions in areas like mmWave 5G support. However, most users won’t notice a drop in everyday speeds, and future iterations (2026, 2027) are expected to catch up, adding mmWave support and even faster data rates.
- A-Series Chipset: While unclear, rumors float between the A16, A17, or even A18 chipset. Apple tends to equip the SE with slightly older but still powerful chips. Since we’re looking at a 2025 release, an A17 or A18 chip could be possible, putting the SE 4’s performance on par with or just a step behind the then-current flagship iPhones.
Memory and Storage:
- RAM: Expectations hover around 4GB to 6GB of RAM, more than enough for smooth iOS multitasking.
- Storage Options: While base-level storage for Pro iPhones has recently started at 128GB, the SE range has lagged behind. Some rumors suggest starting at 64GB again, while others point to 128GB as the new base. Higher-tier options might go up to 512GB.
Given Apple’s track record, a reasonable guess is:
- Base: 64GB or 128GB
- Mid-tier: 128GB or 256GB
- Top-tier: Possibly 512GB
EMF Safety and Radio Frequency Reduction
As an EMF (Electromagnetic Field) safety awareness company, we know that many consumers are increasingly concerned about smartphone radiation, radiofrequency (RF) emissions, and potential health implications. While major health organizations maintain that smartphones are generally safe to use within current exposure guidelines, it’s always wise to stay informed.
Lowering RF Exposure:
- Reduced RF Energy Emissions: Gurman’s reports suggest that Apple’s custom modem aims not only for performance but also lower levels of radio frequency energy. While current iPhones already meet stringent safety standards, the shift to in-house modems may provide even finer control over transmission power.
- Improved Antenna Design: Tighter integration between modem and processor could mean more efficient signal modulation, allowing your phone to operate at the lowest necessary power. This could help slightly reduce overall EMF exposure.
- 5G and EMF: The iPhone SE 4, like all modern smartphones, will support 5G. Early versions might not include mmWave 5G, focusing instead on sub-6GHz bands. These bands typically operate at power levels and frequencies similar to LTE, and Apple’s efforts to optimize hardware could potentially mean even less RF energy output compared to older designs.
Practical Tips for Reducing EMF Exposure:
- Use a headset or speakerphone mode for calls.
- Text more, call less.
- Keep the phone a short distance away from your body when possible.
- Utilize airplane mode when you don’t need a cellular connection.
While the iPhone SE 4 is likely already extremely safe within global regulatory limits, these ongoing efficiency improvements are reassuring for those who value minimal EMF exposure.
iPhone SE 4 Features and Software
Operating System:
- With a 2025 launch, the iPhone SE 4 should debut with at least iOS 18. Apple’s continuous software updates mean even a budget iPhone gets years of support, so you can expect timely OS updates, new features, and security patches for many years.
Face ID Over Touch ID:
- The rumored notch-based design points to Face ID rather than Touch ID. This means the convenience of unlocking your phone with just a glance and no physical Home button.
Action Button?
- Some rumors suggest Apple might add the Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. This programmable button could let users quickly launch the camera, start voice recordings, or trigger custom shortcuts. While not confirmed, the possibility exists that the SE 4 borrows features trickling down from flagship models.
iPhone SE 4 Storage
Likely Configurations:
- Base Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Mid-Tier: 128GB or 256GB
- Top-Tier: Possibly 512GB
Given Apple’s approach with newer devices, starting at 64GB might feel cramped in 2025, particularly as app sizes grow and cameras produce higher-resolution media. An ideal scenario would see Apple set 128GB as the base storage tier, ensuring a more comfortable user experience.
Should You Wait for the iPhone SE 4?
Reasons to Wait:
- Major Design Upgrade: If you’re currently using an older iPhone (like SE 2 or SE 3), the SE 4 will feel like a huge jump: bigger screen, modern design, Face ID, and improved battery life.
- Better Performance & Longevity: With a newer chip and iOS 18 onboard, the SE 4 might serve you well for 5+ years.
- Potential Camera & Display Improvements: Upgraded camera capabilities and possibly an OLED screen mean better photos and a more immersive viewing experience.
- Improved EMF Efficiency: If you are EMF-conscious, the refined modem and antenna setup might slightly reduce exposure.
Reasons Not to Wait:
- Long Lead Time: We’re still well over a year away from a potential release. If you need a phone now, it’s not worth waiting.
- Unconfirmed Specs and Pricing: Since details are rumors, there’s always a chance Apple’s final device may not meet the hype—or could cost more than you’d like to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the iPhone SE 4 be released?
Most reliable leaks suggest a launch in March 2025, though nothing is official yet.
2. How much will the iPhone SE 4 cost?
Expect a starting price around $499-$549, given the rumored upgrades. However, there’s still a slim chance Apple could keep it closer to the current $429 starting price.
3. Will the iPhone SE 4 have Face ID?
Yes, if the device adopts an iPhone 14-style notch, Face ID is the most logical authentication method.
4. Is the iPhone SE 4 getting USB-C?
Almost certainly. Apple has already begun transitioning to USB-C with the iPhone 15 series, and it’s unlikely they’d release a new iPhone in 2025 with Lightning.
5. Will the iPhone SE 4 have good battery life?
Rumors suggest a big battery upgrade—around 3279mAh—plus a more efficient modem and chipset, so battery life should see a significant improvement over the SE 3.
6. How safe is the iPhone SE 4 regarding EMF exposure?
All iPhones, including the SE 4, adhere to global safety standards. Apple’s rumored custom modem might further optimize and reduce RF energy emissions, offering slight improvements over older designs.
7. Will the iPhone SE 4 have a good camera?
If the rumored 48MP main camera pans out, it would be a big step up, making the SE 4 one of the best camera phones in its price range.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone SE 4 stands to be a monumental upgrade over previous generations. From its rumored notched design, larger OLED display, significantly improved camera, enhanced battery life, and Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, this could be the budget-friendly iPhone that feels anything but cheap. Add to that the potential for improved EMF efficiency and it’s clear why so many are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
If you can hold out until 2025, the iPhone SE 4 might just hit the sweet spot between price, performance, and long-term value. Stay tuned as we update this article with the latest leaks, confirmations, and more detailed specs as they emerge. For now, the iPhone SE 4’s rumored set of features and improvements—particularly in EMF safety optimization—make it a device worth keeping on your radar.
Disclaimer: All details, specifications, and release timelines are based on rumors and leaks. Official confirmation from Apple is pending. Always consider these details as subject to change until Apple’s official announcement.
