Apple's budget-friendly iPhone SE line is getting a big update. According to a recent report by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the tech giant is planning to release this iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. This new model is anticipated to bring some major changes to the affordable iPhone lineup.
The biggest change? Say goodbye to the home button. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a full-screen design like newer iPhones. This means it will use Face ID instead of Touch ID for unlocking the phone and making payments.
The new SE model is said to look a lot like the iPhone 14, complete with the notch at the top of the screen. This is a big step up from the current iPhone SE which looks more like the older iPhone 8 with its thick borders and single back camera.
Speaking of cameras, the iPhone SE 4 might come with a 48-megapixel main camera. This would be a huge improvement over the 12-megapixel camera in the current model. The screen is expected to be about 6 inches but it will likely stick with a standard 60Hz refresh rate to keep costs down.
The iPhone SE 4 could pack Apple's A18 chip which hasn't been announced yet and might come with 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on the model you choose.
One exciting addition is "Apple Intelligence." This is a set of AI tools that Apple is working on for its high-end phones. Having these features in the budget-friendly SE line could make it a very appealing choice for many people.
The iPhone SE 4 isn't the only new product Apple has planned for early 2025. Gurman's report mentions two new iPad Air models coming out around the same time. These two will have 11-inch and 13-inch screens. Apple is also working on a new version of its Magic Keyboard accessory.
Later in 2025 we might see updates to other Apple products. These could include a new Mac mini, updated MacBook Pros and iMacs with a new M4 chip. These devices are also expected to have AI features.
By releasing a modern-looking iPhone SE with advanced features at a lower price, Apple hopes to win back some of the budget smartphone market. Brands like Huawei and Xiaomi have had tough competition in this area.
It's worth noting that all of this information comes from unnamed sources and hasn't been officially confirmed by Apple. The company tends to keep its plans secret until it's ready to announce new products. So while this news is exciting, we'll have to wait for Apple to make it official.
For now, the current iPhone SE remains a good option for those who want an affordable iPhone with Touch ID. But if you're not in a hurry to upgrade, the iPhone SE 4 sounds like it will be worth the wait. With its updated design, Face ID and AI features, it could be a game-changer in the budget smartphone market when it arrives in early 2025.