iPhone SE 4 Launch: Rumors, Price, Features & Release Date

Rumors about the iPhone SE 4, or what could potentially be named the iPhone 16e, have been circulating for months. Apple enthusiasts have been eager to hear when the next budget-friendly iPhone will launch, but contrary to earlier claims of a January 2025 release, new reports suggest a delay. According to reliable Apple insider Mark Gurman, the iPhone SE 4 is now expected to arrive in April 2025. With Apple often keeping details about new products tightly under wraps, speculation continues to swirl regarding the iPhone’s design, features, and possible rebranding.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what we know so far, including the new launch timeline, expected features, and the potential for a name change from iPhone SE to iPhone 16e. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what could be in store for the next iPhone in the budget segment.

Delayed Launch: iPhone SE 4 Launch Timeline

For months, rumors hinted that Apple would unveil the iPhone SE 4 (or iPhone 16e) in January 2025. However, this timeline was recently debunked by Mark Gurman, who stated that these claims were “completely untrue.” According to Gurman, the phone is still in development, alongside updates for iPads. All these devices, including the iPhone SE 4, are expected to launch before the iOS 18.4 update, which places the likely release window around April 2025.

Apple’s typical product launch timeline aligns with this prediction. Historically, Apple has reserved the first quarter of the year, particularly March and April, for launching updates to their budget models or other product revisions. This further supports the idea that we can expect the iPhone SE 4 to be unveiled in the spring, as previous iPhone SE models, like the iPhone SE 3, followed similar release patterns.

The Potential Rebranding: iPhone 16e

Another significant rumor is the potential rebranding of the iPhone SE series. Several sources, including the tipster Focus Digital, have suggested that Apple might drop the “SE” label altogether. Instead, the device could adopt the name iPhone 16e, aligning itself more closely with Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 lineup. This move could signal a shift in Apple’s strategy, making the budget model feel more connected to the premium iPhone series.

Why Consider a Rebrand?

The reasoning behind this potential rebrand is simple. The “SE” name has historically been used for mid-range models that feature older designs or lower specifications compared to Apple’s flagship devices. On the other hand, the numbered iPhone series, such as iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16, represents the high-end, premium versions of Apple’s phones.

By adopting the name iPhone 16e, Apple would likely accomplish the following:

Improved Market Appeal: The inclusion of “16” in the name could make the iPhone SE 4 feel more like part of the premium iPhone 16 series. This could appeal to customers who prefer owning devices that feel part of the latest trend.
Better Relatability: Many consumers associate flagship phones with the number in the series. As a result, consumers looking for a budget-friendly option may feel more connected to the new iPhone 16e if it carries the number of the latest iPhone model.
Sales Boost: Naming the iPhone SE 4 as part of the iPhone 16 family could increase its perceived value and boost sales. It could encourage customers who were previously hesitant about buying an “SE” model to opt for the new iPhone 16e, knowing it’s connected to the latest iPhone lineup.

What Features Can We Expect from the iPhone SE 4 (iPhone 16e)?

While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the specs of the iPhone SE 4 (or iPhone 16e), various leaks and industry analysts have provided a glimpse into what features might be included in the upcoming budget-friendly phone. Here’s a breakdown of what we can expect from the next generation of iPhone SE.

Design: Larger Display

The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a design similar to the iPhone XR, which means it could come with a larger screen compared to previous SE models. The iPhone XR, launched in 2018, was notable for its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, and it’s likely that the iPhone SE 4 could follow this trend. With a larger display, the iPhone SE 4 would offer a more modern and immersive viewing experience, while still keeping the overall design simple and cost-effective.

Chipset: A15 Bionic or A16 Bionic

When it comes to performance, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to be powered by either the A15 Bionic or the A16 Bionic chip. Both of these processors are significant upgrades over the previous A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone SE 3, providing a substantial boost in performance and energy efficiency.

A15 Bionic: This chip was first introduced with the iPhone 13 lineup, featuring a 6-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The A15 offers a great balance between power and efficiency, ensuring fast performance while maintaining excellent battery life.
A16 Bionic: For even better performance, Apple might opt for the newer A16 Bionic chip, which debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro models. The A16 features a more powerful 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a more advanced Neural Engine, enhancing processing speed, gaming performance, and computational photography capabilities.

5G Connectivity

As with most new iPhones, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to include 5G support, ensuring that the device is future-proof and ready for faster network speeds. The iPhone SE 3 only supported 4G LTE, so the introduction of 5G on the iPhone SE 4 would be a welcome upgrade for those looking for faster download and streaming speeds.

Camera: Single-Lens with Enhanced Quality

While the iPhone SE 4 may retain the single-lens camera setup seen in previous SE models, it’s expected to be an improved version with better image quality. The camera system may include features such as Deep Fusion for enhanced low-light performance and improved color accuracy. While it may not match the camera performance of Apple’s flagship devices, the iPhone SE 4 should still offer an excellent photo experience for the budget market.

Battery Life: Improved Efficiency

The iPhone SE 4 will likely see improved battery efficiency due to both the newer chipset and better optimization in iOS. Apple has a history of improving battery life with each new release, and the SE 4 could see similar gains, ensuring a full day of usage on a single charge.

iPhone SE 4 (iPhone 16e) Specifications:

Specification	Details
Display	6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, similar to iPhone XR
Chipset	A15 Bionic or A16 Bionic
Camera	Single-lens camera with improved image quality
Connectivity	5G support
Battery Life	Enhanced efficiency with improved performance
Storage Options	Likely to include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models
OS	iOS 18.x

Conclusion

The iPhone SE 4 (or iPhone 16e) is shaping up to be an exciting device, especially for consumers looking for a more affordable iPhone. With a potential rebrand to align with the iPhone 16 series, Apple could be shifting its strategy to make the budget model more appealing. While the launch has been delayed from its rumored January release to a more likely April 2025 timeline, the device promises to offer improved performance, modern design, and better connectivity than its predecessors.

As we wait for more official announcements from Apple, it’s clear that the iPhone SE 4 will continue to be a popular choice for those seeking an affordable iPhone with premium features.