The next iPhone SE is creating a buzz even before its official release, with leaks hinting at significant design changes. A recent leak reveals that the iPhone SE 4 could resemble the older iPhone 7 Plus, with some key design elements that contrast Apple’s current flagship models. While Apple isn’t expected to launch the iPhone SE 4 anytime soon, rumors and case designs are giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
A Familiar Design: iPhone 7 Plus Vibes
One of the most intriguing aspects of the iPhone SE 4 is its potential design, which might borrow heavily from the iPhone 7 Plus. According to a leak from renowned insider Sonny Dickson, a case design circulating on Chinese social media suggests that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 could feature a horizontally-oriented dual-camera setup, reminiscent of the iPhone 7 Plus. This is a departure from the single-camera design seen on previous SE models.
The leaked case design also suggests a larger cut-out for the rear camera array, signaling that the iPhone SE 4 could come equipped with two cameras instead of one, breaking tradition with previous iPhone SE models. If this leak is accurate, the SE 4 may be targeting a more modern photography experience, blending affordability with higher-end camera capabilities.
Display Upgrade: Borrowing from iPhone 14
Rumors about the iPhone SE 4’s screen suggest a substantial upgrade from its predecessors. Multiple sources indicate that the SE 4 will inherit the display from the iPhone 14, moving away from the smaller screens typical of past SE models. This would mean a 6.1-inch display, a significant jump from the 4.7-inch screen on the iPhone SE 3.
This change in display size could mark a shift in how Apple positions its budget-friendly iPhone. By adopting a more contemporary form factor with a larger display, Apple could make the SE series more appealing to users who want a larger screen without the premium price tag of the iPhone 15 lineup.
A Flat Back and Mute Switch: Classic Apple Elements
Another key detail revealed by the leaked case design is the flat back panel. While Apple has embraced flat backs for its flagship iPhone models since the iPhone 12, the SE line has retained its more curved edges until now. A flat back for the iPhone SE 4 would bring it in line with modern iPhone aesthetics, suggesting that Apple is keen to unify its design language across all product lines, even its entry-level devices.
Interestingly, the case design also shows a cut-out for what appears to be a mute switch. While it was speculated that Apple might introduce an Action Button on the SE 4, as it has on its flagship iPhones, this case leak points toward a traditional mute switch instead. This would maintain a familiar and user-friendly feature, while also potentially keeping costs down.
The most eye-catching detail from the leak is the horizontally-oriented dual-camera cut-out on the back. This design element is a throwback to the iPhone 7 Plus, a model released in 2016 that first introduced a dual-lens system for Apple’s phones. However, in recent years, Apple has moved towards vertically stacked camera arrays for its flagship models, starting with the iPhone X.
If the iPhone SE 4 indeed adopts this older camera design, it could be a deliberate move to distinguish the SE line from the flagship series while offering similar performance. The dual-camera system would undoubtedly enhance the SE’s photographic capabilities, potentially featuring wide and ultrawide lenses, or perhaps a portrait mode like the iPhone 7 Plus. This would be a major leap for the SE series, which has traditionally featured a single rear camera.
What This Means for the SE Series
The iPhone SE has always been a popular choice for those who want a more affordable iPhone without compromising too much on performance. With rumors of the iPhone SE 4 adopting design elements from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple seems to be positioning the SE line as a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a larger display and enhanced photography features.
The SE series has historically been known for blending older iPhone designs with newer internals, offering a unique value proposition. With the SE 4, Apple could be taking this approach further by giving the budget-friendly iPhone a more premium design that still differentiates it from the flagship models.
Potential Release Timeline and Pricing
While the iPhone SE 4 isn’t expected to launch until at least 2025, Apple fans are already speculating about its potential price point. Given that the iPhone SE line is Apple’s most affordable offering, the SE 4 is likely to stay within a similar price range as previous models. However, with all the rumored upgrades, including a larger display and dual-camera system, we might see a slight bump in price compared to the SE 3.
At the moment, the current iPhone SE 3 is still being sold at major retailers for around $151 (renewed), and Apple is expected to continue offering it for the rest of 2024 and into 2025.
The leaked case design for the iPhone SE 4 suggests that Apple is planning to shake up its budget iPhone lineup with some significant design and feature updates. From a dual-camera system reminiscent of the iPhone 7 Plus to a larger display borrowed from the iPhone 14, the SE 4 could be the most substantial upgrade to the SE line yet. While we’re still months away from an official announcement, these leaks are already generating excitement for Apple’s next affordable iPhone.
