The iPhone SE 4 is expected to make its debut in early 2025, and speculation around its features, design, and pricing has already begun to surface. This anticipated launch will mark the first refresh of Apple’s most affordable iPhone since the SE 3 was introduced in March 2022. With its budget-friendly positioning, the iPhone SE series has always aimed to provide a compelling entry point into Apple’s ecosystem, and the upcoming model is shaping up to deliver substantial upgrades while maintaining competitive pricing.

According to a recent leak from Naver, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to be priced under $500. While this marks a slight increase from the iPhone SE 3’s $429 starting price, the bump in cost is attributed to significant hardware enhancements. Apple’s in-house 5G modem, codenamed “Centauri,” is expected to debut in this model, reducing Apple’s reliance on Qualcomm and lowering production costs. This cost-saving measure may allow Apple to keep the iPhone SE 4 priced competitively, even as it introduces advanced features that rival those found in higher-tier iPhones.

The design of the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to borrow heavily from the iPhone 14, moving away from the dated look of its predecessor. A 6.1-inch OLED display is expected, replacing the 4.7-inch LCD panel of the SE 3. This larger screen will likely feature a notch that houses the front camera and Face ID sensors, signaling a shift to Apple’s modern biometric authentication system. The SE 4 is also expected to adopt the USB-C charging port, aligning with Apple’s recent transition away from the Lightning connector in compliance with EU regulations.

Performance upgrades are another highlight of the iPhone SE 4. Powered by the A18 chipset—the same processor as the iPhone 16 series—the device is set to deliver top-notch performance. Paired with up to 8 GB of RAM, the SE 4 will reportedly support Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-driven features leveraging the enhanced Neural Engine. These capabilities could make the SE 4 Apple’s most affordable device to utilize generative AI functionalities, further enhancing its value proposition.

The camera system is also rumored to see significant improvements. The SE 4 may feature a 48MP rear sensor and a 24MP front camera, a major leap from the SE 3’s 12MP and 7MP cameras, respectively. These upgrades promise enhanced photo and video quality, bringing the SE lineup closer to the capabilities of higher-priced models.

Despite these notable enhancements, the tech giant is expected to maintain a cost-conscious design approach, with an aluminum frame and a single rear camera sensor.

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