Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE may redefine the mid-range smartphone segment, potentially featuring advanced specs like an in-house 5G modem and support for Apple Intelligence. Tentatively set for a mid-March 2025 release, it could significantly impact market dynamics as competition intensifies.
The next-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a game-changer for Apple as it seeks to penetrate the mid-range smartphone market. 9to5Mac suggest that Apple will enhance the SE with features appealing to a broader audience, including a robust in-house 5G modem and expanded memory capabilities. These components are positioned to support Apple Intelligence, which aims to bring generative AI features like Writing Tools and Enhanced Photo Cleanup to more users.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has already increased memory in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to support Apple Intelligence’s demands. Following this trend, the iPhone SE is likely to receive similar upgrades, ensuring it does not lag behind in performance specifications. As the device is geared towards budget-conscious consumers, its enhanced features aim to compete directly with rivals such as Google’s Pixel 8a and Samsung’s offerings.
Launch timeline and manufacturing insights
Industry insiders report that Apple is gearing up for a release in mid-March 2025. Lee Seong-jin from Ajunews notes that LG Innotek, a key supplier, is set to begin full-scale production of the iPhone SE’s camera components in December 2024. Historically, LG Innotek has initiated production roughly three months before an iPhone hits the market, supporting this timeline. The anticipated launch will coincide with the rollout of iOS 18.3 and the finalization of Apple’s generative AI suite, Apple Intelligence.
The existing iPhone SE’s price starts at $429 for the 64GB variant and $479 for the 128GB model. In comparison, the Pixel 8a is priced at $499 for 128GB, making a compelling case for the new iPhone SE’s entry into a competitive segment that attracts customers seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Key upgrades to look forward to
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to introduce several significant upgrades, including a new design and camera improvements. It may abandon the iPhone 8 design, which has been utilized since the iPhone SE 2, in favor of a more modern look inspired by the iPhone 14. This shift includes a 6.1-inch OLED display, a flat-edge design, and Face ID. Despite the redesign, the new model is likely to retain a single camera setup, differentiating it from the dual-camera system seen in its flagship counterpart.
Additionally, industry sources indicate that the upcoming iPhone SE could feature Apple’s A18 chip, along with 8GB of RAM, enabling it to handle the new generative features effectively. Significant upgrades in camera technology are also anticipated, with a 48MP rear sensor, paralleling the current iPhone 15, and a 12MP front camera, a notable enhancement from the previous 7MP setup.
Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, codenamed Centauri, is projected to debut with the iPhone SE 4. This new modem is integral to Apple’s strategy to reduce dependency on Qualcomm for modem components—an effort that began when Apple acquired Intel’s modem business in 2019. By integrating its technology, Apple aims to balance costs and enhance performance. The strategic shift not only targets price competitiveness but also positions Apple to better control the user experience by offering robust connectivity features across all devices.
The iPhone SE is rumored to be priced around $499, slightly above its predecessor’s launch prices, yet still competitive when stacked against similar models like the Pixel 8a. Should Apple discontinue older models such as the iPhone 14 after the SE release, a simplified lineup could ensue, with the SE becoming the entry point for customers looking for modern features without a premium price tag.
The anticipated introduction of USB-C compatibility for the iPhone SE could further streamline Apple’s product ecosystem, as it aligns with EU regulations mandating a unified charging standard for electronic devices.
The launch of the iPhone SE 4 is not just about introducing a new device; it represents Apple’s push to capture a more substantial market share in an area dominated by competitor Samsung, which currently holds an 82% share in AI-capable smartphones. As Apple works to bridge the generative AI gap with this release, the iPhone SE could potentially become a bestseller, allowing Apple to challenge industry rivals and reclaim ground in the fiercely contested mid-range market.
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