Just weeks after the release of the iPhone 16, attention is turning to the more affordable smartphone Apple plans to unveil early next year. This launch promises to be far more interesting and radical than its predecessor.
The iPhone SE is updated less frequently than the flagship models at the top of the iPhone range. With the 4th-gen SE expected to debut in spring 2025, there’s anticipation for a significant upgrade after the somewhat disappointing 3rd-gen SE.
A long-overdue design revamp is expected, moving away from the iPhone 8 chassis used for the last two models and adopting a more modern smartphone aesthetic. Credible sources suggest it might even leap forward to an iPhone 16-like shell, marking the end of the iconic home button.
Bloomberg leaker Mark Gurman has added weight to these rumors, claiming the next model is codenamed V59 and is designed to compete with low-end Android phones in China. He suggests the new SE will use an iPhone 14-style shell, still a significant upgrade from the iPhone 8 but without the Dynamic Island feature.
One of the 16-series iPhones’ marquee features, Apple Intelligence, is expected to be supported by the 4th-gen SE. This likely means it will have an A18 processor with 8GB of RAM, making it a potential standout device for Apple Intelligence. The iPhone SE has historically offered up-to-date tech specs within older designs, and its appeal has varied depending on the age of that design. A chassis that will be 30 months old by next spring seems like a reasonable compromise.
For the latest news and rumors, check our iPhone SE 2025 superguide.