The iPhone SE 4 is one of the most anticipated releases from Apple in 2025, and as the launch window gets closer, new information continues to leak regarding its price, features, and design. Rumors indicate that the iPhone SE 4 will be a major upgrade over its predecessors, with a more modern design, improved hardware, and, most likely, a higher price tag. If you’re waiting for the next budget-friendly iPhone, here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone SE 4’s expected pricing and features, based on the latest leaks.
iPhone SE 4 Pricing Leaks: What We Can Expect
As we edge closer to the iPhone SE 4’s expected release, the most recent price leaks suggest that it will cost more than the previous generation, the iPhone SE 3. According to well-known Apple tipster yeux1122, the iPhone SE 4 will have a starting price of under $500 in the United States. This represents a slight price hike of around 16-17% over the iPhone SE 3’s starting price of $429. The tipster has a good track record when it comes to Apple product leaks, which lends credibility to these predictions.
Price Breakdown of the iPhone SE 3
To better understand what the potential price increase could mean for consumers, let’s first take a look at the pricing for the current iPhone SE (2022), also known as the iPhone SE 3. The iPhone SE 3 starts at $429 for the base model with 64GB of storage. The iPhone SE 3 is available in multiple regions, and its price varies depending on the country:
- United States: $429 (64GB model)
- United Kingdom: £419 (64GB model)
- Australia: AU$719 (64GB model)
In some cases, Apple may offer different configurations for the iPhone SE 3. The 128GB model, for instance, costs $479 / £469 / AU$799. The higher storage variant is expected to remain a key factor when it comes to pricing the iPhone SE 4 as well.
Expected Price of the iPhone SE 4
With the iPhone SE 4 expected to start under $500 in the US, a modest price increase seems likely. This price bump is reasonable given the upgrades we expect, including a modern design and possibly enhanced internal hardware.
If the iPhone SE 4 is launched with a base storage capacity of 128GB, as suggested by some leaks, it would represent a direct upgrade over the 64GB base model of the iPhone SE 3. In this scenario, the starting price of the iPhone SE 4 may closely mirror that of the current 128GB iPhone SE 3, which costs $479. However, a slight increase to around $499 is not out of the question, especially if Apple adds new features like Face ID or a more powerful chip.
International Pricing Differences
While the US price will likely start under $500, international pricing is expected to vary significantly due to currency fluctuations, taxes, and import duties. For example, in South Korea, the starting price for the iPhone SE 4 could exceed 800,000 won, a notable increase over the current price of the iPhone SE 3, which is around 650,000 won. As with all Apple products, prices can differ considerably depending on the region.
Apple’s pricing strategy typically takes into account the local economic situation, competition, and demand. In countries with higher taxes or inflation, consumers may face higher prices. Additionally, Apple could adjust its pricing based on exchange rates to ensure that the iPhone SE 4 remains affordable in different markets while still being a profitable product for the company.
What’s New in the iPhone SE 4?
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be a major leap forward in terms of design, technology, and functionality. While the iPhone SE series has always been known for offering a budget-friendly alternative to the flagship iPhone models, the iPhone SE 4 will reportedly borrow many design cues from the iPhone 14, making it more modern and visually appealing.
Modern Design: A Bigger Screen and Face ID
One of the biggest changes expected with the iPhone SE 4 is the design. The previous iPhone SE models retained the classic look of earlier iPhones, complete with a home button and Touch ID. However, with the iPhone SE 4, Apple is set to embrace a more modern look, similar to the iPhone 14 series. Leaks suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will feature a larger display with slimmer bezels and an OLED panel, offering more screen real estate and better color accuracy than previous models.
Perhaps the most significant design change will be the inclusion of Face ID. The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly ditch the Touch ID home button in favor of the Face ID system found in the iPhone 14 and newer models. Face ID offers a more seamless and secure method of unlocking your phone and performing actions like Apple Pay. This change could also be one of the factors contributing to the higher price point of the iPhone SE 4, as Face ID requires additional sensors and hardware.
Improved Performance: Apple’s Own Chip
The iPhone SE 4 will also feature Apple’s latest hardware, including a custom-designed Apple chip for Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity. The inclusion of an Apple-made chip should provide improved performance, particularly in terms of network speed and power efficiency. As we’ve seen with previous iPhone models, Apple’s custom chips deliver excellent performance, even in budget models like the iPhone SE.
Leaks suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will be powered by a new-generation chip, possibly the A16 Bionic or even a new chip designed specifically for this model. While we don’t have official confirmation, this would align with Apple’s strategy of providing powerful yet affordable devices that cater to both casual users and tech enthusiasts.
Better Cameras and Photography Features
Another key area where the iPhone SE 4 is likely to see improvements is in the camera department. The current iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12MP rear camera, which takes good photos but lacks some of the advanced features found in the iPhone 14 series. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature improved camera sensors and better software processing for enhanced image quality.
Apple may also introduce some new camera features, such as enhanced Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR, which are standard on higher-end iPhone models. These features would make the iPhone SE 4 a more capable device for photography, allowing users to take better pictures in various lighting conditions.
Why a Price Hike Might Be Necessary
While many fans of the iPhone SE series will likely be disappointed by the price increase, there are a few factors that explain why a higher price point makes sense for the iPhone SE 4.
- Upgraded Design and Features: The iPhone SE 4 is expected to offer a modern design, Face ID, and a larger, better display. These upgrades require new hardware and materials, which will increase production costs.
- More Advanced Components: The inclusion of Apple’s custom Wi-Fi and 5G chips, along with potentially upgraded camera sensors, will also contribute to the higher cost of the device. These components are more expensive to produce than the older hardware found in the iPhone SE 3.
- Inflation and Economic Factors: As with many consumer products, the cost of manufacturing and shipping electronic devices has risen in recent years due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand for advanced components. These factors will likely affect the pricing of the iPhone SE 4.
- Market Competition: Apple’s primary goal is to remain competitive in the budget smartphone market while still maintaining a premium brand image. The iPhone SE 4 will likely be positioned as an affordable alternative to flagship iPhones, and the price increase may reflect the increased capabilities and the desire to attract users looking for a higher-end budget phone.
Conclusion: A More Expensive Yet More Capable iPhone SE
The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade over its predecessors. With a modern design, Face ID, improved performance, and better cameras, it looks set to appeal to users who want a powerful and affordable iPhone. However, this comes with a slight price increase, with the iPhone SE 4 expected to start at under $500 in the US.
Despite the higher cost, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to remain a solid value proposition, offering many of the features found in premium iPhone models at a more affordable price. As always, the exact price will depend on various factors, including storage options and regional pricing adjustments. We’ll have to wait for the official launch, likely around March 2025, to see how accurate these leaks turn out to be.
For now, the iPhone SE 4 remains a highly anticipated device, and with its expected improvements in design, performance, and functionality, it could very well be the most compelling budget iPhone Apple has ever released.