iPhone SE 4 likely to be the cheapest iPhone offering Apple Intelligence

Apple is rumoured to launch its new budget iPhone-the iPhone SE 4-in early 2025. This next-generation iPhone SE is expected to bring several upgrades over the 2022 iPhone SE 3, offering a budget-friendly option for users to experience iOS without investing in flagship models. According to industry rumours, Apple could begin production of the iPhone SE 4 as early as December 2024, with a global launch anticipated by April 2025. And with its arrival, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to become Apple’s most affordable device to feature the latest suite of AI capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence.
At the core of the iPhone SE 4’s appeal is its expected A18 series chip, which is likely derived from the same line powering the upcoming iPhone 16. This chip would represent a substantial upgrade over the A15 Bionic used in previous SE models, including the SE 3. If the A18 series chip is indeed included, it will enable the SE 4 to support Apple Intelligence, bringing features like upgraded Siri, writing tools, photo editions tools and more.
Another major anticipated upgrade is the design of the SE 4. Apple is expected to update the device’s look to more closely resemble the iPhone 14. Reports indicate the SE 4 may eliminate the physical home button and adopt slimmer bezels, allowing for a larger 6.1-inch OLED display compared to the SE 3’s 4.7-inch LCD. In addition to design changes, the SE 4 is also rumoured to introduce Face ID, providing a more secure and convenient way to unlock the phone and more in line with the flagship models.
In terms of the camera, Apple is expected to upgrade the 12-megapixel single camera on the SE 3 to a single-lens 48-megapixel camera in the SE 4. This higher-resolution sensor should result in sharper images and improved low-light performance. While the SE 4 may not feature a multi-lens setup, the new sensor combined with Apple Intelligence could enhance Smart HDR, Night Mode, and photo-editing capabilities. A 12-megapixel front camera upgrade is also anticipated, promising better selfies and video call quality.
Battery life is also likely to see a boost in the SE 4. Reports indicate a larger 3,279mAh battery, a significant improvement over the SE 3’s 2,018mAh capacity. In line with EU regulations, the SE 4 is expected to feature USB-C charging, with fast charging support likely remaining at 20W for quicker power-ups.
As for the price, industry analysts suggest that in the U.S Apple is likely to price the iPhone SE 4 between $499 and $549-slightly higher than the SE 3’s initial price of $429 while justifying the SE 4’s enhanced features. In India, the SE 4’s price could start around Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000, aligning with the SE 3’s launch pricing and making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users seeking a new iPhone experience.