Apple is gearing up to release its fourth iPhone SE, and it is expected to come with some notable upgrades. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of an OLED panel, a first for the budget-friendly series. Recent leaked CAD renders of the upcoming device suggest that it will adopt the body design of the iPhone 14, closely resembling the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12.
While the front of the iPhone SE 4 is expected to mirror the design of the iPhone 14, the back will retain the look of the SE variant from 2022. However, unlike its predecessors, this new iteration of the iPhone SE will sport a single camera on the back. There is speculation about whether Apple will stick with the dated 12 MP sensor or introduce a more powerful camera capable of Night Mode, which was notably absent in the previous version.
Interestingly, these CAD renders lack an Action button or Mute switch next to the volume keys, raising concerns about their accuracy and Apple’s design choices if they turn out to be authentic. Despite the anticipated 2025 launch, there is growing speculation that the iPhone SE 4 might debut sooner, given the interest from industry insiders.
This upcoming iPhone SE marks a departure from Apple’s previous strategy of basing SE models on older iPhone designs featuring a home button. Instead, the iPhone SE 4 will boast a significant upgrade, featuring a larger 6.1-inch display size compared to the 4.7-inch display with a home button seen in the iPhone SE 5G. The CAD renders also reveal that the iPhone SE 4 will incorporate a notch size similar to the iPhone 13/14 series, housing the Face ID module. Additionally, it will retain a single primary camera at the back, consistent with its predecessors.
Reports from last year also hinted at the possibility of the device featuring an Action Button and a USB-C port, although these features remain uncertain based on the renders. While the fourth-generation iPhone SE is slated for a 2025 debut, rumors suggest it might make an appearance at this year’s fall event alongside the iPhone 16 series. The addition of an affordable phone to the lineup could potentially boost sales, particularly in developing countries, despite the relatively moderate updates expected in the iPhone 16 series.