Apple is reportedly gearing up for the next generation of its popular budget iPhone. A new report from AJU News suggests that LG Innotek, a primary Apple supplier, will begin producing camera components for the iPhone SE 4 as early as December 2024. This timeline aligns with a potential March 2025 release date, maintaining Apple’s trend of launching SE models in the spring.
What to Expect: New Features and Upgrades
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to offer substantial improvements over its predecessors, starting with Apple’s latest processor. The device will reportedly be powered by the A18 chip, a step up from the A15 Bionic found in the iPhone SE 3. This upgrade promises better processing speed and efficiency, giving the SE 4 the kind of performance that Apple users have come to expect from flagship models.
Another major upgrade comes in the form of a new OLED display. Moving away from the traditional LCD panels found in earlier SE models, the iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to feature a 6.06-inch LTPS OLED display with a pixel resolution of 1170 x 2532. This shift to OLED promises richer colors, improved contrast, and a more vibrant viewing experience. For fans of the iPhone SE, this represents a significant enhancement in visual quality and brings the SE lineup closer to Apple’s high-end models.
Camera Boost: 48 MP for the Budget Lineup
One of the standout rumors is that the iPhone SE 4 could sport a 48-megapixel rear camera, much like the primary sensor in the iPhone 15. This would be a significant leap from the 12-megapixel cameras used in previous SE models, providing users with better image quality and access to advanced camera features. Apple is known for integrating its AI and machine learning into its photography technology, and the SE 4 is expected to come with enhanced capabilities for smart photography and improved camera digitization.
If true, this upgrade would give the iPhone SE 4 a notable edge in the budget smartphone market, where camera quality is a key consideration for many buyers. Features like this would make the SE 4 an attractive choice for those who want high-end photo capabilities without a high-end price tag.
Battery Life and Charging Enhancements
Battery life is always a critical factor for iPhone users, and Apple seems to have taken note with the SE 4. Reports suggest the phone will come equipped with a 3,279mAh battery, an upgrade over previous SE models that should provide better endurance. With the added support for 20W USB-PD fast charging, as well as 15W MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging, users will have a variety of charging options, including cable-free choices for added convenience.
These upgrades make the iPhone SE 4 a more versatile device for on-the-go users who need reliable battery life and faster charging options. For budget-conscious consumers, these features provide a level of convenience and functionality typically reserved for Apple’s flagship iPhones.
Expected Release Timeline
Apple has yet to confirm any details about the iPhone SE 4 officially, but the production timeline reported by AJU News suggests an early spring release is likely. The SE series has historically launched around March, and with LG Innotek’s camera production ramping up three months ahead, the SE 4’s arrival in March 2025 seems plausible.
If all goes according to plan, the iPhone SE 4 could become a popular choice for buyers looking for a powerful, cost-effective smartphone with the kind of advanced features usually seen in high-end models. With a better camera, improved display, faster processor, and upgraded battery, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to make a significant impact on the budget smartphone market in 2025.
