iPhone SE 4 could be a low-cost AI machine

The iPhone SE was last updated in 2022 with the third generation model. It’s the latest iPhone with a home button, Touch ID, Lightning, and an LCD screen.

That’s all set to change with the iPhone SE 4, which is rumored to be modeled after the iPhone 14. Even though it will look like that iPhone on its face, there will be plenty of modern changes that will make the iPhone SE 4 to stand. all alone.

Here’s what we know so far about the iPhone SE 4.

All signs point to the iPhone SE 4 looking a lot like an iPhone 14, but with minor changes. It will have a notch with Face ID, but the back will be a different backplate due to a different camera system.

Apple is expected to offer only a single camera on the back with a flash module on the right side. The leaked cases show a horizontal cutout for the camera, which may mean there won’t be a camera bump, but a lens protruding from the back.

The Lightning port will likely be swapped for a USB-C port, marking another difference from the iPhone 14. Some test units reportedly had an action button, but discussions over its inclusion fell through and that won’t happen probably not.

iPhone SE 4 will have an OLED screen and a notch

Apple will try to reduce the overall cost by reusing components from the iPhone 14, since it will have identical dimensions. For example, the battery could be reused for the iPhone SE 4.

So far, all of this design information has been corroborated by AppleInsider from a reliable source.

Apple’s budget iPhone is supposed to offer the bare minimum of iPhone experience without taking too many shortcuts. That means maintaining security, privacy, performance, and a great camera in a device that can run modern features for years to come.

The latest premium iPhone models like iPhone 16 offer powerful multiple cameras, Dynamic Island, Action Button, Camera Button and other product-defining features. Yet Apple wants to sell a stripped-down version, just as it sold an iPhone 8-like iPhone SE for years after the iPhone X launched.

The iPhone SE 2022 looked like an iPhone 8

So the tough choice for Apple this time around is what it will cut to get there in the current budget model. It seems the answer is “not much” given the current rumors.

Some suggest that Apple will make the single camera a 48 MP camera, putting it on par with the iPhone 15’s main camera. This would make sense given Apple’s focus on photography computing in recent years.

MagSafe and Qi2 charging are a gift considering the design of the iPhone 14. USB-C charging is convenient, as is the range of peripherals enabled by the new port.

MagSafe, USB-C and an edge-to-edge display for the next iPhone SE

Flip it to the front and the iPhone SE 4 will be identical to the iPhone 14. The notch would house the Face ID components and the selfie camera, and the screen would be OLED instead of LCD.

Aside from the camera, port, display, and design, there’s not much else to talk about beyond the chipset in terms of customer experience. The most important features will be determined by which A-series chip Apple chooses for the iPhone SE, and there appears to be only one option.

Apple Intelligence is Apple’s vision of artificial intelligence – large language models and generative tools. To run these models on device, an iPhone needs at least the A17 Pro.

Apple Intelligence will likely be available on iPhone SE 4

Apple isn’t about to use a “pro” chip in the budget iPhone SE, so that leaves the A18 offered today in the iPhone 16. Yes, that means the iPhone SE could be on par with the latest flagships in terms of performance, but would lack enough other specs for Apple to consider it.

It seems very unlikely that Apple would release a new product without access to Apple Intelligence, especially since the iPhone SE might not receive an update until 2026 or later.

It’s still possible that Apple will use a bundled version of the A18. This would reduce costs and take advantage of the chips rejected for the iPhone 16.

Apple Intelligence may not have produced the kind of super cycle that analysts expected, but it’s still an important feature to support. The iPhone SE competes more directly with budget Android phones that have access to Google Gemini and the like, so Apple can’t afford not to integrate AI into its budget smartphone.

Besides AI, using A18 also ensures a longer lifespan and support cycle for the iPhone SE 4. Since the device is more likely to be purchased by people looking to keep it longer, a new chipset is easier for Apple to support.

Camera control and visual intelligence will likely remain a premium iPhone feature

The existing iPhone SE costs $429 and rumors suggest Apple is aiming to get that price point below $500. Expect an announcement in March 2025.