Apple's budget-friendly iPhone SE line may be in for a significant makeover, according to a recent leak. A photo shared by renowned Apple tipster Sonny Dickson on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) appears to show a case for the upcoming iPhone SE 4, hinting at several design changes for the popular entry-level smartphone.
Camera Upgrade on the Horizon
The most notable feature of the leaked case is a slightly larger rear camera cutout compared to the current iPhone SE 3 model. This change suggests that Apple may be planning to introduce a dual-camera system to the SE line for the first time. While the exact specifications remain unknown, an additional ultra-wide lens similar to the iPhone 14 could be a possibility.
Familiar Button Layout, with a Twist
The case appears to retain the traditional mute switch and volume button placements. However, contrary to earlier rumors, there's no evidence of the new Action Button or Camera Control Button found on the latest flagship iPhones. This indicates that Apple may be taking a more conservative approach to updating the SE's physical controls.
Face ID and Notch Display Expected
While not visible from the case leak alone, multiple sources suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14. This would mean replacing the home button and Touch ID with Face ID technology and introducing a notched display – a first for the SE series.
Potential Performance Boost
Rumors point to the iPhone SE 4 featuring 8GB of RAM and Apple's A18 chip, potentially bringing it in line with the processing power of the upcoming iPhone 16. This hardware upgrade could enable support for Apple's AI-powered features, known as Apple Intelligence.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch in early 2025, possibly as soon as January. While the current iPhone SE 3 starts at $429, the addition of new features and technology may push the starting price of the SE 4 closer to $500.
As with all leaks and rumors, it's important to approach this information with caution. However, the case leak provides an intriguing glimpse into what could be a significant evolution for Apple's most affordable iPhone model.