iPhone SE 4 -- All the rumors about Apple's next budget-friendly device

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in iPhone edited February 18

The fourth-generation iPhone SE is set to bring about a multitude of visual and functional changes taken from earlier iPhone models. Here's what to expect from Apple, probably tomorrow!

A smartphone with a silver logo on a wooden table, featuring a rear camera.
Apple's iPhone SE 4 could debut in February 2025.



For the past two iterations, Apple's iPhone SE has maintained a dated look, with thick bezels and a Touch ID Home button that make it virtually indistinguishable from an iPhone 8. All of that is set to change quite soon, as the budget-friendly iPhone SE is going to receive its first major redesign in years.



Alongside its new design, the iPhone SE 4 will gain a variety of new hardware features, many of which are carry-overs from more recent iPhone models. With every iPhone release, however, it becomes difficult for the average person to know what to expect with the fourth-generation iPhone SE.

To remedy the situation and provide our readers with insights about the upcoming device, AppleInsider has spoken to people familiar with internal designs and pre-production prototypes of the iPhone SE 4. The individuals we spoke to have provided countless details about the iPhone 16 range ahead of launch.

Leaving no stone unturned, however, we have also decided to provide an outline of everything rumored for the fourth-generation iPhone SE, even though many of the claims made about the device outright contradict each other.

The rumor cycle of the iPhone SE 4 has been chaotic, more so than those of standard iPhone models. Initially, it was rumored to be a relatively straightforward update, derived largely from the design of the iPhone XR. Then it was suggested that Apple was testing its new in-house modem with the device, after which the project was supposedly canceled and subsequently brought back.

Here's everything we know about the iPhone SE 4 so far, and how the different rumors stack up against each other.

The iPhone SE 4 will echo the standard iPhone 14



Apple's next-generation budget-focused iPhone will receive a significant design refresh. Rather than resembling the massively outdated iPhone 8, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will feature a design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14.

A light blue smartphone with dual cameras on a wooden surface, showing an apple logo.
The iPhone SE 4 will likely be based on the standard iPhone 14, with minor changes.



In practice, this means that the iPhone SE 4 will have the same overall dimensions as the iPhone 14, with an aluminum housing made of the same alloy. This information comes from people familiar with the matter, who have spoken to AppleInsider and accurately revealed details about prior Apple hardware releases.

For the fourth-generation iPhone SE, Apple plans to use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis, with minor changes such as room for the USB-C port, replacing the previously-used Lightning. USB-C has been the standard connector for iPhones since the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, so its inclusion in the iPhone SE 4 is an obvious choice, as it ensures compliance with EU regulations.

Given that the device is largely based on the existing, base model iPhone 14, the fourth-gen iPhone SE will gain an OLED panel and support for Face ID, both of which have never been available on the iPhone SE until now. Some pre-production prototypes also featured an Action button in place of the mute switch, though it is unclear if the final mass production units feature this change, as Apple tested multiple hardware configurations.

While all signs, including prototypes, point to the phone heavily resembling Apple's base model iPhone 14, that hasn't stopped unreliable leakers from claiming otherwise. Some have said the device will use a modified iPhone 16 chassis, and there's even a bizarre claim of an alleged "iPhone 16E" marketing name, which would seemingly phase out the iPhone SE branding. An unlikely scenario in any case.

Face ID coming via iPhone 14-style notch, Dynamic Island unlikely



With the introduction of a 6.1-inch OLED display, Apple will finally phase out Touch ID on the iPhone SE. As a replacement, the iPhone SE 4 will feature a more modern form of biometric identification, known as Face ID. This information comes from people familiar with Apple's pre-production designs and prototypes.

Smartphone displaying a cluttered home screen with various app icons and widgets, resting on a wooden surface adorned with autumn leaves.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to feature a notch rather than Dynamic Island.



The fourth-generation iPhone SE will most likely feature a notch near the top of the display, where the TrueDepth Camera and associated Face ID sensors are located. This will give the device a look similar to the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 13, with a smaller notch compared to the iPhone 12.

Unlike the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, the new-and-improved iPhone SE is not getting Dynamic Island. Apple wants to make its low-end iPhone visually distinct from its flagship models, while also saving on further development costs by re-using iPhone 14 components and designs.

Though some have claimed the iPhone SE 4 will indeed ship with Dynamic Island, the overall consensus is that the device will feature a notch. The people we spoke to, along with reliable leakers, and multiple different dummy units all suggest that Apple's budget-oriented phone will be equipped with a notch rather than Dynamic Island.

One rear camera, with an impressive 48 MP



Another notable difference compared to the iPhone 14 can be seen in the rear camera availability of the iPhone SE 4. The device will feature a single rear camera on the back rather than two.

White smartphone with a silver logo lies on a dark, speckled surface, its camera lens facing upward, next to a wooden object.
Though the iPhone SE 4 is getting a new 48 MP camera, its position will be similar to the one on the iPhone SE 3.



This means that Apple has created a custom backplate for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. According to people familiar with the matter, the company experimented with at least five different designs for the backplate and rear camera bump. Even so, the device was always supposed to feature only one rear camera.

The flash module, meanwhile, will be on the right side. Leaked cases show a horizontal cutout for the camera, which may mean it won't have a camera bump, but one lens jutting from the back. This is consistent with the designs Apple tested, AppleInsider was told.

The device is meant to include a 48 MP image sensor, developed under the codename Project Portland. Multiple different reports have indicated that the new-and-improved iPhone SE will feature a 48 MP rear camera, leaving little room for doubt.

Apple Intelligence, finally on the iPhone SE



With the fourth iteration of the iPhone SE, Apple will likely usher in support for its latest suite of generative AI tools. Known as Apple Intelligence, the software is currently available for devices with an A17 Pro or newer chip, or iPad and Mac products with an M1 or newer Apple Silicon system-on-chip.

Colorful abstract shape resembling a glowing, intertwined loop with smooth gradients against a black background.
Apple Intelligence will most likely be available on the iPhone SE 4 straight out of the box.



Apple Intelligence offers a variety of AI-powered utilities, which were made available via the iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 updates. With Apple Intelligence, it's possible to edit text, remove objects from photos, summarize conversations, categorize emails, and generate imagery, all through AI.

Apple's artificial intelligence features are available across the entire iPhone 16 range, from powerful iPhone 16 Pro featuring the A18 Pro to standard iPhone 16 with its A18 chip. The iPhone maker wants to ensure that Apple Intelligence is available across different product tiers rather than being exclusive to "Pro" models, as is evidenced by the iPad mini 7, which uses the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to use the same A18 chip found in the base model iPhone 16, which partially serves as a means of bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPhone. This would allow the phone to compete and better position itself against similarly priced Android phones that include Google Gemini or similar generative AI software for the end user.

Person holds phone, zooming in on a detailed, cylindrical metal sculpture outdoors, surrounded by greenery.
The iPhone SE 4 will not get Visual Intelligence, as the device more than likely won't feature the Camera Control button.



The popularity and overall prominence of artificial intelligence features has increased dramatically over the past few years. Naturally, consumers expect a new phone to offer generative AI features in some capacity. Apple's CEO Tim Cook himself even said that Apple Intelligence influenced iPhone 16 sales, and that the device performed better in markets and regions where the company's AI features were made available.

Apple's iPhone SE 4 is expected to ship with iOS 18.3 pre-installed, so users will likely have access to Apple Intelligence features immediately after purchasing the device. This assumes, of course, that the device will be equipped with the A18 chip. It would be a logical choice for the iPhone SE, given that people will likely hold onto the device for years, all while expecting new software features.

New modem, older iPhone 14 battery



While not definitive, there is a strong possibility that the iPhone SE 4 might reuse the battery of the existing iPhone 14. This seems like an obvious upgrade, given that the device is heavily based on the standard iPhone 14, with only minor differences between the two.

Close-up of a smartphone screen corner displaying 5G signal, battery icon, and a fingertip touching the screen on a blurred background.
The iPhone SE 4 could feature Apple's "Sinope" project, an entirely new 5G modem.



Pre-production units of the iPhone SE 4 are known to have used the same A2863 battery found in the standard iPhone 14. The A2863 battery has a capacity of 3279 mAh, which is 1250 mAh more than the 2018 mAh battery of the third-generation iPhone SE.

This could lead to a significant increase in battery life compared to the previous iteration of the iPhone SE -- another potential selling point for the device.

Nonetheless, it's worth pointing out that the iPhone 14 battery was used on pre-production prototypes of the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Apple often tests multiple hardware configurations ahead of launch, so there are no guarantees that the final product will use the same battery.

There's also talk of a new 5G modem, developed in-house by Apple under the project codename "Sinope" with the intent of replacing the existing Qualcomm modems found in current iPhone models. AppleInsider is familiar with the project, and there's a good chance it will debut with the device, though benefits for the end user are unclear, if there even are any.

iPhone SE 4 release date, availability, and price



As for pricing, the current third-generation iPhone SE can be purchased brand new for $429. Multiple rumors suggest that Apple wants to maintain a price point below $500, which would ultimately make sense for a budget-friendly device like the iPhone SE.

AppleInsider was told that the device could be available in white and black color options, with the latter being internally referred to as "Midnight" in some instances. This information comes from people familiar with pre-production prototypes, however, and may not reflect the final units, though it does align with colors seen on dummy units.

Apple was believed to be announcing the fourth-generation iPhone SE as soon as the week of February 14, 2025, while the first units are expected to reach customers later in the month.

However, on February 13, CEO Tim Cook confirmed there will be a launch occurring on February 19. In a tweet, he teases "Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," along with the date.

Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.

Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/0ML0NfMedu

-- Tim Cook (@tim_cook)



It is widely anticipated to be the launch of the new smartphone.

As for any festivities, it's probable that there will be no dedicated launch event for this device, and that it will make its debut via a simple press release instead. Previous rumors have all said that the device would be available in early 2025, so the timing makes sense in that regard.

iPhone SE 4 rebrand



Cook's X post offered more than just a date. It also inspired the possibility of a name change.

In January, there was a seemingly unlikely leak claiming the iPhone SE would be renamed to the "iPhone 16E."

Following Cook's proclamation, Bloomberg seized on the phrasing of the posting to insist that a rebrand was coming. With the iPhone SE brand now nine years old, it's reasoned that the "newest member of the family" means a new name.

Whether that name is iPhone 16E remains to be seen.



Read on AppleInsider

ForumPostjbirdiikun
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 24
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,411member
    Wow. With the anticipated feature set for the SE4, especially getting the A18 chip, Apple has created some very serious competition for the base iPhone 16. Yikes. Even if they up the price to $499, I think a lot of buyers are going to have a tough time justifying an additional $300 for the 16 vs the SE4. "Oh, but you get Dynamic Island instead of the notch," lol. Seriously, though, if you don't care about the second ultrawide camera lens--and most casual snapshooters shouldn't--how would you see the iPhone 16 being worth a 60% upcharge?
    chasm
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 24
    The new SE will presumably have a 6.1-inch screen, not the 16.3-inch of the iPhone 16. 

    Presumably it will have a 2x optical equivalent zoom thanks to the 48mo camera, but not ultra-wide with only one lens. 

    Presumably there is no dedicated camera button, so no visual intelligence as the article anticipates. 

    The SE might not get a 512gb version, like the current SE 3rd-gen. 

    Will it have 120hz? Doubtful as not even the 16 has it. Maybe there will be a 90hz display with the iPhone SE 5th gen in 2 or 3 years, who knows. 

    But if those things aren’t important to you, then sure, the SE 4th gen will be a big competitor to the iPhone 16. 

    It does mean plenty more iPhone users can upgrade to a device with Apple Intelligence and enough grunt for the next 5 years. 

    All will be revealed later this week. And then everyone will know. And if it undercuts the 16 but with the same performance, that will encourage a LOT of people globally to upgrade to an SE 4 rather than a Picel 8a, Galaxy S24 FE or Galaxy A35/55, or price competitive Motorola, Oppo, Nokia/HMD or other Android. 

    And with so many ways for Apple to make money beyond just seeking the phone, it seems like Apple is happy with this reality and will sell as many iPhone SE 4th-gens as it can make!
    ForumPostnubus
     1Like 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 3 of 24
    The SE 4th is looking like a great phone without a ridiculous pricetag. Actually useful AI on a phone (iOS or Android) is still 1-2 years away, and I'm not looking to pay the upcharge again like I did for my 13 Pro. Can't wait! 
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 24
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,411member
    The new SE will presumably have a 6.1-inch screen, not the 16.3-inch of the iPhone 16. 
    Hey there! Welcome to AppleInsider and happy first post! Funny, I didn't realize the iPhone 16 screen was now bigger than the big Macbook Pro. 16.3 inches must be tough to pocket! Seriously, though, screens should be identical on both models: 6.1 inch OLEDs, no ProMotion. Go check the specs again for the iPhone 16. 

    Yes, no Camera Control on the SE, so no Visual Intelligence--but again, 60% upcharge for the 16 vs the SE. I think a lot of people can live without it for the $300 savings. (And I'm still not convinced Apple will up the SE price to $499, but we'll see.) On a personal note, I have found Camera Control on my 16 Pro to be too fidgety a control to be anywhere near as useful as I hoped it would be. And as a prosumer iPhone photographer, I immediately saw the potential for this control to be great, but I've ended up rarely using it. 

    Overall, though, I share your enthusiasm for what this new SE could mean for iPhone sales and reaching new switchers from Android. 
    pulseimages
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 24
    tobiantobian Posts: 158member
    I so love the convenience of TouchID on my SE3, superior to FaceID, I would say. Sad to see fingerprint sensor ditched on iPhones :(
    williamlondonneoncatdarbus69pulseimages
     0Likes 4Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 24
    DAalsethdaalseth Posts: 3,260member
    charlesn said:
    Wow. With the anticipated feature set for the SE4, especially getting the A18 chip, Apple has created some very serious competition for the base iPhone 16.
    it’s even deeper then that. I had been looking at a 16Pro for the 5x. But this would get 2x at good quality for one third of the price. About a thousand dollars less here in Canada. That’s a big deal. 
    Alex1N
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  • Reply 7 of 24
    Just picked up an SE 3 with 256 GB of storage to use when my five-year-old SE 2 128 finally conks out. I have no interest whatsoever in a larger, heavier SE (the classic SE fits my hand perfectly), and I will never consciously allow AI to infest my tech. Apple lost me with this one— oh, well, with luck the SE 3 will see me either to the exit or to a time when the AI fad has faded. 
    tobianwilliamlondonneoncat
     1Like 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 24
    DAalsethdaalseth Posts: 3,260member
    …to a time when the AI fad has faded. 
    i can’t wait for that day. 
    williamlondonAlex1Nblipomaticneoncat
     1Like 3Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 24
    thttht Posts: 5,898member
    I think we are at the point now, where if this 2025 iPhone has an A18 with 8 GB RAM, ~6” OLED, 128 GB storage, and a single 48MP back camera, that basically 90% of iPhone buyers should just get this model. 

    Smartphones are so mature now, so good, that the base models from nearly every OEM is good enough for the 90%. The remaining 10% are your niches of wanting more: bigger display, more cameras, more features. 

    This iPhone SE model can last you 6 to 7 years. 

    The only big thing left is a more robust phone with glass that doesn’t crack and metal bands that don’t dent. This only makes the phone last longer.

    We are getting pretty close to have solar glass on both the front and the back, which can trickle charge the battery, adding even more runtime, and further extending the life of the phone. 

    Like 10 years is possible. 8 GB RAM is dicey for that, but with 12 GB to 16 GB RAM phone, it can go 10 years and be able to run updated software 10 years from now. 
    jbirdiikunAlex1N
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 10 of 24
    M68000m68000 Posts: 933member
    tobian said:
    I so love the convenience of TouchID on my SE3, superior to FaceID, I would say. Sad to see fingerprint sensor ditched on iPhones :(
    Yeah,  why can’t we get an iPhone with under screen Touch ID?  Android phones have had that for years it seems.  Not everyone is keen to keep having their face scanned and hopefully there is no long term harm to the eyes.
    williamlondonneoncat
     0Likes 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 11 of 24
    M68000 said:
    tobian said:
    I so love the convenience of TouchID on my SE3, superior to FaceID, I would say. Sad to see fingerprint sensor ditched on iPhones :(
    Yeah,  why can’t we get an iPhone with under screen Touch ID?  Android phones have had that for years it seems.  Not everyone is keen to keep having their face scanned and hopefully there is no long term harm to the eyes.
    Of the sun’s light that reaches the earth’s surface, about half of it is infrared. (With about 42% being visible light and the remaining 8% being ultraviolet.) You have been getting a face full of infrared light long before FaceID ever existed.
    mbenz1962darbus69
     1Like 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 12 of 24
    M68000m68000 Posts: 933member
    M68000 said:
    tobian said:
    I so love the convenience of TouchID on my SE3, superior to FaceID, I would say. Sad to see fingerprint sensor ditched on iPhones :(
    Yeah,  why can’t we get an iPhone with under screen Touch ID?  Android phones have had that for years it seems.  Not everyone is keen to keep having their face scanned and hopefully there is no long term harm to the eyes.
    Of the sun’s light that reaches the earth’s surface, about half of it is infrared. (With about 42% being visible light and the remaining 8% being ultraviolet.) You have been getting a face full of infrared light long before FaceID ever existed.
    Yeah,  well remote controls use IR as well and they usually come with warning not to look directly at them. 
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 13 of 24
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,411member
    tht said:
    I think we are at the point now, where if this 2025 iPhone has an A18 with 8 GB RAM, ~6” OLED, 128 GB storage, and a single 48MP back camera, that basically 90% of iPhone buyers should just get this model. 

    Smartphones are so mature now, so good, that the base models from nearly every OEM is good enough for the 90%. The remaining 10% are your niches of wanting more: bigger display, more cameras, more features. 

    This iPhone SE model can last you 6 to 7 years. 

    The only big thing left is a more robust phone with glass that doesn’t crack and metal bands that don’t dent. This only makes the phone last longer.

    We are getting pretty close to have solar glass on both the front and the back, which can trickle charge the battery, adding even more runtime, and further extending the life of the phone. 

    Like 10 years is possible. 8 GB RAM is dicey for that, but with 12 GB to 16 GB RAM phone, it can go 10 years and be able to run updated software 10 years from now. 
    I don't disagree about the new SE potentially being all the phone that 90% of buyers really need. Fortunately for Apple, lol, huge swaths of people continue to pay premium prices for what they really want. It's not for nothing that the Pro models continue to be best sellers every year. Your estimates of how long iPhones could last got me wondering: what IS the average lifespan for an iPhone? I did some quick research online, but most sources focused on how long the initial owner keeps the phone, but that's a different thing. Phones that are sold or traded in go on to a second life. 
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 14 of 24
    M68000 said:
    M68000 said:
    tobian said:
    I so love the convenience of TouchID on my SE3, superior to FaceID, I would say. Sad to see fingerprint sensor ditched on iPhones :(
    Yeah,  why can’t we get an iPhone with under screen Touch ID?  Android phones have had that for years it seems.  Not everyone is keen to keep having their face scanned and hopefully there is no long term harm to the eyes.
    Of the sun’s light that reaches the earth’s surface, about half of it is infrared. (With about 42% being visible light and the remaining 8% being ultraviolet.) You have been getting a face full of infrared light long before FaceID ever existed.
    Yeah,  well remote controls use IR as well and they usually come with warning not to look directly at them. 
    I’ve never seen such a warning. I’m not saying you’re wrong. I just simply haven’t seen one.

    I did a quick Google Image search and couldn’t find an example of such a warning (though maybe I didn’t search long enough). Do you have a IR remote at home that has such a warning? If so, could you please upload it so I can see it (if it isn’t too much of a hassle). If so, thanks.

    Either way, IR TV remotes are perfectly safe (as is FaceID).
    edited February 9
    charlesnjbirdiikunneoncatmbenz1962
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  • Reply 15 of 24
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,411member
    M68000 said:
    M68000 said:
    tobian said:
    I so love the convenience of TouchID on my SE3, superior to FaceID, I would say. Sad to see fingerprint sensor ditched on iPhones :(
    Yeah,  why can’t we get an iPhone with under screen Touch ID?  Android phones have had that for years it seems.  Not everyone is keen to keep having their face scanned and hopefully there is no long term harm to the eyes.
    Of the sun’s light that reaches the earth’s surface, about half of it is infrared. (With about 42% being visible light and the remaining 8% being ultraviolet.) You have been getting a face full of infrared light long before FaceID ever existed.
    Yeah,  well remote controls use IR as well and they usually come with warning not to look directly at them. 
    You need to post a screenshot of that warning -- I have AT LEAST a half dozen IR remotes from major manufacturers and not a single one ever came with a warning. And with good reason: do a search and learn that IR remotes are extremely low power and disperse IR over a wide area (i.e., no focused beam) and are absolutely not harmful to your eyes. They've also been in use since the 1980s, so there's a 40-year track record of safety. Of course, if you're going to put a magnifying glass over your eye and stare directly into an activated IR remote pressed against the other side of the magnifier, then yeah, maybe you shouldn't do that. 
    edited February 9
    muthuk_vanalingamAlex1NSuntanIronMan
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  • Reply 16 of 24
    thttht Posts: 5,898member
    charlesn said:
    tht said:
    I think we are at the point now, where if this 2025 iPhone has an A18 with 8 GB RAM, ~6” OLED, 128 GB storage, and a single 48MP back camera, that basically 90% of iPhone buyers should just get this model. 

    Smartphones are so mature now, so good, that the base models from nearly every OEM is good enough for the 90%. The remaining 10% are your niches of wanting more: bigger display, more cameras, more features. 

    This iPhone SE model can last you 6 to 7 years. 

    The only big thing left is a more robust phone with glass that doesn’t crack and metal bands that don’t dent. This only makes the phone last longer.

    We are getting pretty close to have solar glass on both the front and the back, which can trickle charge the battery, adding even more runtime, and further extending the life of the phone. 

    Like 10 years is possible. 8 GB RAM is dicey for that, but with 12 GB to 16 GB RAM phone, it can go 10 years and be able to run updated software 10 years from now. 
    I don't disagree about the new SE potentially being all the phone that 90% of buyers really need. Fortunately for Apple, lol, huge swaths of people continue to pay premium prices for what they really want. It's not for nothing that the Pro models continue to be best sellers every year. Your estimates of how long iPhones could last got me wondering: what IS the average lifespan for an iPhone? I did some quick research online, but most sources focused on how long the initial owner keeps the phone, but that's a different thing. Phones that are sold or traded in go on to a second life. 
    I think the average lifespan of an iPhone is 6 years now. There’s a lot of 2nd and 3rd owners. 

    With AI requiring about 2 to 3 GB of RAM, 4 GB RAM phones may tail off faster, but I don’t think so. AI is basically a nice to have but not required for most people, from phone to laptop to desktop. The are people who make use of it, but that’s niche use or pro use. So, phone lifetimes will continue to stretch. Really, 8 GB RAM phones should have something like a 7 to 8 year lifespan.

    Still really up in the air how much LLMs will be used. If they are not used that much, a lot of these phones will have a lot of RAM to play with. That only extends the life of a phone. 
    Alex1Nneoncat
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 17 of 24
    chasmchasm Posts: 3,721member
    michelb76 said:
    The SE 4th is looking like a great phone without a ridiculous pricetag. Actually useful AI on a phone (iOS or Android) is still 1-2 years away, and I'm not looking to pay the upcharge again like I did for my 13 Pro. Can't wait! 
    I may not be taking full advantage whatever AI is supposed to do for me, but I really appreciate the writing tools I now have that didn't before, and I'm already finding that Siri doesn't resort to "here are some links" as often as it previously did.

    In particular, I find the summarizing and proofreading tools handy. Don't have much use for the generative-art type features at present, but I could see myself creating a custom emoji or two that look more like me than the generic emoji. I notice with some amusement that -- without fail -- the Genmoji my friends create always make them look younger, fitter, and more photogenic. :)

    For those that like chatbots, I like the fact that queries to ChatGPT are integrated, and yet still private -- and not used to train it.

    Like a lot of new Apple features over the years, my use of it is experimental and minimal for now -- but the parts that are relevant to me will likely be used more going forward. I'm really looking forward to the full Siri makeover once its complete, as it already does a lot of what I request it do, though you have to be much more careful with your phrasing at present compared to what Apple is promising for the future.
    Alex1N
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  • Reply 18 of 24
    Hmm some of these specs seem odd and potential unforced errors. Releasing something now that will eat into Iphone 16 base model sales seems odd or they have seen that most of their customers go for the 16 Pro or Pro Max and perhaps Chinese competitors are undercutting them on their base model.

    Any SE4 upgrade will be designed to drive iCloud consumption as they won't make much on the device sale.

    Is an oled screen really cheap enough these days compared to the other screens and will it be the bump that people will want?

    Personally I think that Apple indeed will want to ensure that all devices are AI capable so whatever BOM budget they have they will use towards the SoC rather than screen upgrade and also a camera upgrade. Camera improvements are likely one of the main upgrade reasons and may help drive iCloud consumption and tie in with some of the AI feature sets.

    FaceID is not a given and it may be that they go for TouchID in the power button instead if increasing the screen real estate. They have mass manufacturing for both scenarios.




    williamlondon
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  • Reply 19 of 24
    A slightly different name, such as "iPhone E" (Entry) could also be useful to justify a slightly higher price, rather than adopting exactly the same launch price of an iPhone SE3 with a 128G storage memory, throwing in not-so-SE-comparable specs, such as Apple Intelligence, A18 chip, and a much larger OLED screen with the notch.
    randominternetperson
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  • Reply 20 of 24
    AI (Apple intelligence) is not a good reason to upgrade.  The pricing and chipset is
    DAalseth
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