A Radical Redesign and Flagship Upgrades
For years, the iPhone SE has served as Apple’s entry-level smartphone—a budget-friendly option that delivered familiar, if somewhat dated, designs and features. However, leaks now indicate that the fourth-generation model is poised for a major overhaul. Gone will be the thick bezels and the stubborn Home button. Instead, expect a sleek, modern design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, complete with an edge-to-edge 6.1‑inch OLED display, slimmer bezels, and Face ID taking over from Touch ID.
The transformation doesn’t stop at the aesthetics. Under the hood, the device is said to boast the same powerful A18 chipset found in the iPhone 16 series, paired with 8GB of RAM. This upgrade is expected to bring flagship-level performance and support for Apple’s new suite of AI-powered features—dubbed “Apple Intelligence”—making the device not only visually appealing but also a true workhorse for everyday tasks and beyond.
What’s in a Name?
The potential renaming of the iPhone SE 4 to iPhone 16E is more than just a cosmetic change. Industry insiders, including notable leaker Mark Gurman, have pointed out that the new model’s upgraded internals and modern design blur the lines between Apple’s entry-level and mid-range offerings. By adopting the 16-series naming convention, Apple might be signaling that even its “budget” device now packs performance and features previously reserved for its pricier models—a strategic move to attract both loyal users and new switchers from competing brands.
A Competitive Price with a Premium Punch
Despite these major upgrades, the new device is expected to remain competitively priced. Early estimates place its starting price around $499—only a modest increase from the previous generation’s price tag. This balance of affordability and high-end specs could prove irresistible, especially for consumers looking to step up from older models without shelling out for a full flagship device .
Looking Ahead
While Apple has yet to confirm any details officially, the buzz is hard to ignore. Whether the device will ultimately be branded as the iPhone SE 4 or reimagined as the iPhone 16E, one thing is clear: this new release represents a bold statement in Apple’s strategy. It’s a signal that even its entry-level offerings can be transformed to reflect the massive technological advances of today’s smartphones.
For those who have long appreciated the iPhone SE’s approachable price point but yearned for more modern features, the upcoming model promises to deliver a whole new experience—a blend of affordability and cutting-edge performance that could very well redefine what a “budget” iPhone can be.
Stay tuned as more details emerge, and prepare to welcome what might be one of the most exciting evolutions in Apple’s lineup yet.
Sources:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/iphone-se-4-rebranded-new-name-reflects-upgrades_id167649
https://www.phonearena.com/iphone-se-4-release-date-price-features-news