Apple may launch a new affordable iPhone this week with Face ID, Apple Intelligence, and a single rear camera.
Apple is set to unveil a new iPhone SE as early as this week, signaling a significant shift in its budget-friendly lineup by introducing Face ID and eliminating the iconic home button.
Rather than hosting a full-fledged launch event, Apple is expected to make the announcement via its website. Historically, the company has preferred Tuesdays and Wednesdays for such unveilings, typically at 9 AM ET. So, for those eager to stay updated, it's time to set your alarms.
With months of leaks and speculations, here’s what we anticipate from the upcoming iPhone SE:
The Home Button is Gone
One of the most notable changes is the departure from the iPhone SE’s traditional design, which has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 2016. The 2022 model was the last iPhone to feature a home button with thick bezels on the top and bottom. However, Apple is now expected to ditch the button, slim down the bezels, and introduce Face ID.
As a result, the new iPhone SE will likely resemble the iPhone 14 from the front. Like its predecessor, it’s expected to have a notch housing the Face ID sensors instead of the Dynamic Island cutout seen in the Pro models. This decision keeps the SE line slightly behind Apple’s flagship offerings.
Leaker Majin Bu showcased the new design in a video featuring what appears to be a non-functional dummy unit, used by case manufacturers to create accessories in advance. Additionally, case maker Spigen accidentally revealed renders of the device in an early product listing, later removed, but not before GSMArena captured the images.
The Action Button is Here
Both Bu’s video and Spigen’s images hint at the presence of a customizable Action Button, similar to what’s available in Apple’s higher-end models. However, it will reportedly lack the new Camera Control function introduced in the iPhone 16.
In terms of cameras, the SE 4 appears to retain a single rear shooter. A leaked spec sheet suggests it will feature a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, but details on camera capabilities remain scarce.
A Bigger, More Modern Display
The redesign will allow the 2025 SE to sport a larger screen compared to the 4.7-inch LCD panel on the 2022 model. The new version is expected to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display—the same size as the standard iPhone 16.
The increased screen size means the device will be larger than any previous iPhone SE. If it shares dimensions with the iPhone 16, it could be roughly 9mm taller and 25g heavier than the outgoing model, marking the end of small-sized iPhones in Apple’s lineup.
USB-C Takes Over
As widely anticipated, the iPhone SE will transition from Lightning to USB-C, aligning with Apple’s broader shift and ensuring compliance with EU regulations. The previous SE model was discontinued in the EU due to its outdated Lightning port.
One of the Most Powerful Budget iPhones
Internally, the SE is rumored to pack Apple’s latest A18 chip—the same processor expected in the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. This strategy mirrors Apple’s approach with previous SE models, which paired the latest chipsets with more dated designs. The A18 chip is also expected to come with 8GB of RAM, a requirement for running Apple’s new AI-driven features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella.
Additionally, the SE 4 is expected to debut Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, replacing Qualcomm’s components. While Bloomberg reports that the initial version of Apple’s modem will be a "downgrade" compared to the latest flagship iPhones—lacking mmWave 5G support and limited to sub-6GHz bands—it still represents a significant step toward greater self-reliance in hardware development.
Launch and Pricing Details
Although earlier reports suggested a March or April launch, Bloomberg now states that Apple will announce the iPhone SE this week, with availability expected later this month. Pricing is projected to start at "around $500," a notable increase from the 2022 model’s $429 base price. However, Apple may offset this hike by offering a minimum of 128GB storage, phasing out the 64GB variant.
Interestingly, the new model might not carry the SE branding at all. Some leakers speculate it could be named the "iPhone 16E," though the SE designation appears more frequently in leaks, making it the more likely option.
If Bloomberg’s predictions hold, we won’t have to wait long for confirmation. The SE is set to be the first of several major iPhone releases this year, with Apple rumored to introduce a thinner "iPhone 17 Air" and significant upgrades to the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro later in the year.
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