7 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone SE 4 & 3 Reasons Not To

Apple’s probably working on a new iPhone SE 4. While some of you might need to upgrade your current device in the near future, others might want to hang back and wait for the fourth-generation iPhone SE.

In 2022, Apple released its iPhone SE 3, its third-generation iPhone SE. The device serves as a budget alternative to its flagship iPhone 15 series and it’s certainly worth a look if you want a newer iPhone model, but don’t want to break the bank.

Many of you will be perfectly fine buying an iPhone SE 3, iPhone 15, or another device. That being said, iPhone SE 4 rumors are swirling and that might have those of you in the hunt for a new device feeling curious about Apple’s plans for its budget iPhone.

While most iPhone rumors have been focused on the iPhone 16 series, we’ve also heard about a new iPhone SE 4.

Analysts believe the iPhone SE 4 is currently in development and claim it will come with some interesting changes including a larger screen and an overhauled design.

We’re a long way out from a potential announcement which means Apple’s plans could certainly change. That being said, there are some reasons to consider waiting for the next iPhone SE.

In this guide we’ll take you through the best reasons to wait for the iPhone SE 4 and the best reasons to go with another device long before it arrives.

Wait for a New Design

Rumors are hinting at a new design for the iPhone SE series. Instead of looking like the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to look more like the base iPhone 14.

If true, it means the device will utilize a more up-to-date design language. That means it should have a larger display and a flatter, and lighter, design.

If you aren’t familiar with the base iPhone 14 model, you can get a look at it in the photo above.

A sketchier rumor purports that the iPhone SE will look more like the upcoming iPhone 16. The leaker claims the iPhone SE 4 will have Dynamic Island rather than a notch.

Apple is likely testing multiple prototypes which explains why we’re hearing about multiple design languages.

Leaked CAD images showcase the device’s rumored design in detail and they corroborate many of the design rumors.

An alleged iPhone SE 4 case shared by leaker Majin Bu also features an iPhone 14-like design.

Wait for a Larger OLED Display

Those of you hoping for a return to a smaller 4-inch display probably won’t be interested in Apple’s next iPhone SE.

The iPhone SE 3 employs a larger 4.7-inch display and we could see an even bigger screen deployed on the iPhone SE 4.

According to analyst Ross Young, Apple hasn’t finalized its display choice for the iPhone SE 4 but it’s supposedly considering 6.1-inch OLED panels from two suppliers as well as 5.7-inch to 6.1-inch LCD panels from two suppliers.

Kuo believes the iPhone SE 4 will utilize a 6.1-inch OLED display. Overall, Kuo thinks the iPhone SE 4 will be a “minor modification of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14.”

Korean publication The Elec states that China’s BOE will supply the OLED panels for the upcoming iPhone SE 4. This has been backed by a report from ITHome.

Using an LCD display would help keep the cost of the device manageable while a move to OLED could mean we see a price increase.

So if a 5.7-inch to 6.1-inch iPhone SE sounds like something you’d be interested in, think about waiting for the iPhone SE 4.

Wait for Performance Upgrades

We haven’t seen iPhone SE 4 rumors outline major performance enhancements yet, but you can expect Apple to deliver the usual improvements it makes to new iPhone models.

You can expect the iPhone SE 4 to feature an improved processor which should lead to better battery life and app performance.

The iPhone SE 3 came equipped with Apple’s A15 Bionic processor which means the next-gen model will likely come with an up-to-date A-series chip inside.

In addition, it looks like the iPhone SE 4 will utilize the same battery that’s currently inside Apple’s base iPhone 14.

The iPhone SE 3 utilizes a 2018 mAh battery while the iPhone 14 uses a battery with a larger 3279 mAh capacity.

We also expect a new iPhone SE to come with a newer 5G modem.

Wait for Camera Improvements

The iPhone SE 3 comes with solid rear and front-facing cameras, but you can expect Apple to build off of its foundation and deliver a better experience on the iPhone SE 4.

While the device probably won’t get the same upgrades as a flagship iPhone model, we’ll likely see Apple make some tweaks to bring the iPhone SE series’ cameras in line with other budget devices.

Leaker Unknownz21 claims the device will only have one rear camera. They didn’t elaborate on the exact nature of the lens.

MacRumors says their preliminary information points to a 48-megapixel rear camera which would be a big bump up.

This is the first we’ve heard about the device’s camera and we should see additional information emerge as Apple starts making decisions ahead of the device’s rumored launch.

Wait for Face ID

The next iPhone SE should gain Face ID.

The leaked CAD images show off an all-screen design which includes a notch housing the TrueDepth camera array for Face ID.

Face ID would let iPhone SE owners unlock the device using their face for the first time. The current model features a home button with a fingerprint scanner.

This would be a significant development and, perhaps, a feature worth waiting for.

Wait for an Action Button

In addition to those changes, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to get an Action button like the one found on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The information comes from MacRumors and while not official, it appears likely given that Apple’s planning to eliminate the mute switch on the iPhone 16 in 2024.

If you’re unfamiliar, the Action button replaced the traditional mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max giving users a new way to not only mute the device, but use it for other tasks like turning on the flashlight or creating a voice memo.

Wait for USB-C

According to a reliable leaker, the iPhone SE 4 will likely ditch Lightning for USB-C.

Apple’s iPhone 14 models kept the Lightning port, but Apple made the expected move to USB-C with the release of the iPhone 15 series.

The move to a more common standard should be a welcomed change as it will allow users to carry a single cable for their devices while traveling. It should also cut down on unnecessary waste.

CAD images appear to confirm this change.

Don’t Wait If You Can’t Wait Until 2025

Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu believes the iPhone SE 4’s release has been pushed from 2024 to 2025.

Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Tom O’Malley also believe an iPhone SE 4 launch in 2024 is very unlikely. In a follow-up report, Curtis and O’Malley now say the device won’t launch in 2024.

Chinese publication IT Home says suppliers are currently bidding to supply Apple with OLED displays for the iPhone SE 4. Their sources also think the device will arrive in 2025.

Again, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo at one point believed the device was currently in development and that mass production would take place sometime in the first half of 2024. He now believes the device in question is an in-house prototype that won’t make it to shelves.

South Korean publication The Elec also believes the iPhone SE 4 will arrive next year.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently released his outlook for 2024 and unsurprisingly, he didn’t mention the iPhone SE 4.

A launch in 2024 is extremely unlikely. If you can’t wait until 2025 to buy the iPhone SE 4, you’ll want to start thinking about buying/waiting for another smartphone.

Don’t Wait If You Want a Home Button

iPhone SE 4 design rumors have hinted at a new design that resembles Apple’s iPhone 14.

This would be a pretty big change given that the current iPhone SE looks a lot like the iPhone 8, home button and all.

Instead, it will likely come with Face ID and and an action button, bringing it in line with modern iPhone models. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max both have an action button instead of the traditional mute switch.

The button should work like it does on the Apple Watch Ultra in that it will allow users to map it to different functions.

While a design change isn’t confirmed, it will likely happen. Apple’s iPhone SE models have typically borrowed their design from older iPhone models.

Don’t Wait If You Find A Phone You Like

If you find a phone you really like, don’t let iPhone SE 4 rumors hold you back.

You don’t have to wait for Apple to launch a new iPhone to score a deal on a newer iPhone model. We’ve already seen deals on the iPhone SE 3, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

You’ll also want to check out the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE 2.

There’s also plenty of competition on the Android side of things. For instance, Google’s Pixel 6a is a very solid iPhone SE alternative.

Make sure you dig into these devices before you decide to wait for the iPhone SE 4. If you find something that suits your needs at the right price, don’t be afraid to commit.