The rumor mill is churning with whispers and leaks about Apple’s forthcoming iPhone SE 4, the next iteration of its budget-friendly smartphone line. Recent leaks, including a video and photographs from leaker Majin Bu, offer what appears to be our clearest glimpse yet of the device, showcasing a design that both confirms and contradicts previous speculations. The leaked material depicts a device bearing a striking resemblance to previous SE models, retaining the familiar single rear camera and classic iPhone design. Notably, however, it appears to adopt the USB-C port, a departure from the Lightning port seen in prior SE models, likely in response to the European Union’s mandate for standardized charging ports.
Perhaps the most significant revelation from the leaks is the presence of the traditional notch at the top of the display, housing the front-facing camera and other sensors. This contradicts earlier reports, particularly from renowned leaker Evan Blass, who suggested the SE 4 would embrace the Dynamic Island design introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro models. The leaked video, though brief, clearly shows the centered notch, a design element reminiscent of older iPhones, rather than the pill-shaped Dynamic Island that provides interactive notifications and system information. Majin Bu himself corroborated this observation in responses to the leaked post, confirming the presence of the notch.
The emergence of these leaks follows earlier glimpses of the purported SE 4. A few weeks prior, leaker Sonny Dickson shared photographs of what appeared to be SE 4 dummy units, exhibiting a similar design language to the recently leaked video and images. These dummy units, often used by case manufacturers and accessory producers, provide a physical representation of the phone’s anticipated dimensions and design elements, further solidifying the consistency of the leaked information.
While the external design seems to echo previous generations, internal specifications are rumored to receive a substantial upgrade. Speculation points towards the adoption of an OLED display, a marked improvement over the LCD panels used in previous SE models. OLED technology offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and enhanced power efficiency, contributing to a more premium viewing experience. Furthermore, the SE 4 is expected to include a significant RAM upgrade, potentially enabling support for Apple’s advanced AI features and ensuring smoother multitasking performance.
These purported advancements suggest Apple’s commitment to delivering a compelling budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on essential features. While retaining the familiar design language of previous SE models, the rumored incorporation of an OLED display, increased RAM, and the mandated USB-C port signify a notable step forward in terms of functionality and user experience.
The anticipated launch window for the iPhone SE 4 is around March or April 2024, aligning with the historical release timeline of previous SE models. The SE 3 debuted in March 2022, suggesting a similar timeframe for its successor. As the rumored launch date approaches, further leaks and official announcements are expected to provide a more definitive picture of the iPhone SE 4’s features and specifications. The current leaks, however, offer a tantalizing preview of what could be a compelling offering in the affordable smartphone segment. The retention of the older notch design, while unexpected, suggests Apple’s strategic positioning of the SE line as a budget-friendly option, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over cutting-edge design elements.
