After a long hiatus since the iPhone SE 3 in 2022, speculation is mounting about Apple’s next entry in its budget-friendly line: the iPhone SE 4, rumoured to launch in March 2025. While the leaks paint an exciting picture of significant upgrades, it’s worth noting that these details are not officially confirmed by Apple.
At the centre of these rumours is Apple’s reported plan to debut its first in-house 5G modem, codenamed Sinope. This project has been in development for over five years, and although it may not yet match Qualcomm’s flagship performance, its integration could signify a critical step toward hardware independence for Apple.
A Long-Awaited Comeback?
If these leaks hold true, the SE 4 would break a three-year silence following the iPhone SE 3. Some reports suggest the device will adopt the design of the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, USB-C ports, and the elimination of Touch ID in favour of Face ID. These changes would mark the most significant redesign for the SE line yet.
The Rumoured Modem Transition
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to replace Qualcomm chips with its own Sinope modem in the SE 4. This first-generation chip reportedly won’t support mmWave 5G, limiting its use in markets like the US where high-speed mmWave networks are more prevalent. However, most users likely won’t notice a difference in performance for everyday tasks.
This strategy aligns with Apple’s broader move towards self-reliance, following its transition to in-house processors like the A-series and M-series chips. Gurman also suggests the modem could bring improved battery efficiency and better dual SIM support, though these claims remain unverified.
Next-Gen Tech or Speculative Hype?
Another prominent rumour is the inclusion of the A18 Bionic chip, a feature currently found in the iPhone 16 series. If true, this would bring advanced AI capabilities and improved performance to the SE line, alongside a single-lens 48 MP camera, MagSafe charging, and computational photography features. However, Apple has not confirmed these specifics, and they may evolve before the SE 4’s release.
What’s Actually Confirmed?
As of now, nothing about the iPhone SE 4 is confirmed. Apple’s history of launching SE models based on older designs lends credibility to the idea of using the iPhone 14’s framework, but until Apple officially unveils the device, these details remain subject to change.
