Surprise iPhone SE 4 launch? Apple’s budget smartphone set to drop next week with key changes

Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone SE 4, its latest entry-level smartphone, with a low-key launch expected “in the coming days,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Unlike previous product announcements, Apple will reportedly skip a dedicated event and reveal the new device through a press release, signaling a strategic shift in its marketing approach, Today’s Esquire reported.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to hit shelves later this month, with a starting price of $499. Inventory shortages of the 2022 iPhone SE at Apple retail stores further hint at an imminent replacement, fueling anticipation among Apple enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers alike.

What to Expect From the iPhone SE 4

The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a significant design overhaul, taking inspiration from the iPhone 14. The device is expected to sport a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, complete with a notch and a familiar button layout. Apple is also upgrading the camera, equipping the phone with a 48MP main sensor on the back.

Internally, the iPhone SE 4 is set to be a performance powerhouse, reportedly housing Apple’s A18 chipset with 8GB of RAM. Additionally, the device will debut Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, a major step toward reducing reliance on Qualcomm. This shift could pave the way for Apple to have greater control over its connectivity hardware in future iPhones.

USB-C and Compliance With EU Regulations

Another major change with the iPhone SE 4 is its expected transition to USB-C charging, a long-awaited move that aligns with the European Union’s mandate requiring all new small and medium-sized electronic devices to use the universal connector. This shift marks Apple’s continued adaptation to international regulatory standards, making the SE 4 a more versatile device for global consumers.

Apple has not yet officially confirmed these details, but with Gurman’s sources pointing to a release next week, the wait for the next-generation iPhone SE may soon be over.