iPhone SE 4 Leak: Modern Design, Familiar Mission

By Greg Collier

The iPhone SE has always represented a delicate balance in Apple’s lineup, offering modern performance at a lower price point by wrapping it in older, proven designs. Unlike the standard iPhone, the SE targets users who want Apple’s ecosystem without paying the premium associated with flagship models. It serves those who appreciate smaller screens, physical buttons, or simply prefer not to upgrade to the latest design trends like Face ID or Dynamic Island. This approach makes the SE the go-to option for budget-conscious consumers, first-time iPhone users, or those who prefer familiar functionality over the latest bells and whistles.

The SE series typically lags behind Apple’s flagship models in terms of design. For instance, the current iPhone SE (3rd generation) retains the home button and Touch ID, harkening back to the iPhone 8. However, despite its retro design, Apple equips the SE with modern internals, such as the same processors used in the latest iPhone models at launch. This strategy offers users a blend of affordability, power, and reliability, without introducing cutting-edge technologies that drive up costs. However, the SE has always been a ‘no-frills’ version, omitting extras like OLED displays, multiple cameras, or larger batteries.

Now, if the latest rumors hold true, the iPhone SE 4 may be taking a significant leap forward. According to reports from Japanese blog Mac Otakara, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will adopt the design language of the iPhone 14, bringing it closer than ever to the standard lineup. Here’s what the leaks suggest:

• Modern Design: The SE 4 is expected to mimic the iPhone 14’s dimensions and form factor, meaning slimmer bezels, a larger display, and a glass-and-aluminum body. Existing iPhone 14 cases are rumored to fit perfectly on the SE 4.
• Single Camera Lens: In keeping with its budget-friendly ethos, the SE 4 is said to feature only one rear camera—sacrificing versatility in favor of keeping costs low while still delivering good performance for most everyday photography needs.
• Face ID Instead of Touch ID: For the first time in the SE lineup, Apple is rumored to replace the home button and Touch ID with a slimline notch that houses Face ID, eliminating the physical button while embracing biometric facial recognition.
• Standard Volume Controls: Unlike newer iPhones, the SE 4 is not expected to include the Action Button, which debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro models. Instead, it will stick to a more traditional volume switch, preserving simplicity.

The most intriguing, and perhaps most dubious, part of the recent rumors involves the possibility of a second, larger SE model. Dubbed the ‘iPhone SE Plus,’ this version would reportedly adopt the dimensions of the iPhone 14 Plus, offering users a larger screen at a lower price point. This move would mark a significant shift for Apple, as the company has never released multiple sizes of the iPhone SE before.

However, there are good reasons to remain skeptical. With the SE 4 launch just a few months away, it seems unlikely that such a major development would remain under wraps until now. Furthermore, introducing a larger SE model could cannibalize sales of the iPhone 16 Plus, potentially confusing consumers with too many overlapping choices in Apple’s lineup. Apple has typically been strategic with product differentiation, so the addition of an SE Plus feels out of step with the company’s usual approach.

If the rumors are accurate, the iPhone SE 4 will be a meaningful step forward, modernizing the SE series while retaining its core philosophy of affordability. By adopting the iPhone 14’s design, adding Face ID, and sticking to a single rear camera, Apple will likely position the SE 4 as a compelling choice for users who want a reliable phone without the latest luxuries. The absence of an Action Button and the lack of multiple camera lenses reinforce Apple’s commitment to keeping the SE streamlined and accessible.

While talk of a larger ‘SE Plus’ has added some excitement to the rumor mill, it’s best taken with a grain of salt. Whether Apple decides to experiment with multiple sizes or not, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a compelling option—one that stays true to the SE’s mission of delivering solid performance in a familiar and affordable package. We’ll know for sure in just a few months when the SE 4 is expected to launch.