Apple is all set to bring back its most affordable iPhone, and this time, it’s shaping up to be an exciting upgrade. The iPhone SE has been a go-to choice for budget-conscious Apple fans, but its outdated design and limited features have made it less appealing over the years. Now, Apple is changing the game with the upcoming iPhone SE 2025, expected to launch in March. If you’ve been considering an iPhone upgrade, you might want to hold off just a little longer.
A Much-Needed Upgrade
Currently, Apple is still selling the older iPhone SE, a device that feels stuck in the past with its thick bezels, small display, and single camera. Priced at around $48,000 for just 64GB of storage and an IPS LCD panel, it has struggled to justify its value in the modern smartphone market. However, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is expected to bring a major design overhaul, making it one of the most appealing budget iPhones ever.
Modern Design with Essential Features
According to leaks, the iPhone SE 4 will closely resemble the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display—a significant upgrade from the previous LCD panel. The dated Touch ID button will finally be replaced by Face ID, and the thick bezels will be removed in favor of a more modern, edge-to-edge display. However, the Dynamic Island feature will likely be reserved for the higher-end models.
Apple is also bringing some contemporary touches to the SE lineup. The new model will have flat aluminum sides, a USB-C port (finally!), and even the action button introduced in recent Pro models. Additionally, it is expected to have an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, support for USB Power Delivery fast charging, and MagSafe wireless charging, making it a truly modern device.
Camera and Performance Upgrades
When it comes to cameras, the iPhone SE 4 will retain a single rear camera, similar to its predecessors. However, this time, Apple is expected to equip it with a 48MP sensor, allowing for better image quality and 2x in-sensor zoom. The front-facing camera is also rumored to get an upgrade to a 12MP sensor, making FaceTime calls and selfies much sharper.
Performance has always been a strong point for the SE series, and the upcoming model is no exception. Apple is expected to power the SE 4 with the A18 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 series. With 8GB of RAM and a base storage of 128GB, this phone will not only be powerful but also future-proof, capable of running Apple’s latest AI-driven features for years to come.
Apple’s Own 5G Modem
One of the most interesting rumors about the new iPhone SE is that it may be the first iPhone to feature Apple’s in-house 5G modem. Apple has long relied on Qualcomm for its modems, but with this shift, we might see better efficiency and tighter integration with Apple’s ecosystem. While it’s unclear how this change will impact real-world performance, it’s an important step in Apple’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers.
Should You Buy the iPhone SE 2025?
If you’re in the market for a new iPhone in the $45,000–$50,000 range, waiting for the iPhone SE 4 might be the best decision. While it won’t have all the bells and whistles of the Pro models—no Dynamic Island and no ultra-wide camera—it will still offer a modern design, flagship-level performance, and long-term software support. Compared to the iPhone 14 or even the iPhone 15, the SE 4 is shaping up to be the better choice for those who want the best value for their money.
Apple has always positioned the SE series as the “budget” iPhone, and while it may not be the dream affordable iPhone everyone wishes for, it’s definitely moving in the right direction. Plus, once it goes on sale in the future, it could become the ultimate budget iPhone.
Are you excited about the new iPhone SE 4? Or are you more interested in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Slim? Let us know in the comments below!
