Apple has officially announced a launch event scheduled for February 19, 2025, as teased by CEO Tim Cook on social media. The event is widely anticipated to unveil the next-generation iPhone SE, potentially named the iPhone SE 4. This budget-friendly iPhone has been in the rumor mill for quite some time, with leaks and reports suggesting major upgrades that could make it one of the most powerful affordable iPhones yet.
The new iPhone SE is expected to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display, a significant jump from the previous LCD panel, bringing it in line with Apple's more premium offerings. The design is also rumored to be a major departure from the older SE models, likely adopting the same chassis as the iPhone 14, meaning the home button and Touch ID will be completely phased out in favor of Face ID. This would make it the first iPhone SE to embrace Apple's modern design language, featuring a notch at the top of the display.
Performance-wise, the device is expected to be powered by Apple's latest A18 chip, bringing it closer in capability to the flagship iPhone lineup. With up to 8GB of RAM, the iPhone SE 4 could be one of the fastest budget-friendly smartphones available. There is also speculation that the phone will support Apple Intelligence features, making it one of the most affordable iPhones with AI capabilities. This would mark a major shift, as Apple's AI features have so far been reserved for its high-end models. The camera system is also rumored to receive a substantial upgrade, with the rear sensor jumping from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, potentially enabling improved low-light performance and sharper images.
Another expected change is the transition from a Lightning connector to a USB-C port, aligning with Apple's recent push towards USB-C across all its devices. This shift will provide users with faster charging and improved compatibility with other Apple products. Apple is also rumored to introduce an Action button, a feature first seen on the iPhone 15 Pro models, allowing users to customize quick actions for tasks like launching the camera or activating silent mode.
Pricing is speculated to start around $500, making it a competitive offering in the mid-range smartphone market. While there have been some reports that Apple might rebrand this device as the iPhone 16E, the SE naming convention is still likely to continue, given its brand recognition and history as Apple's affordable alternative.
This launch marks Apple's first major product announcement of the year, kicking off what is expected to be an exciting lineup of new devices. With reports suggesting that Apple has more than 20 new products planned for 2025, including refreshed MacBooks, iPads, and the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone SE 4 is just the beginning of a packed year for the tech giant. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the February 19 event, which could set the tone for Apple's strategy in the coming months.
