Apple’s next-gen iPhone SE may feature in-house 5G Modem, A18 chip, and more

It is expected to make a spring 2025 debut.

by Kelechi Edeh

Updated October 09, 2024

After a two-year hiatus, Apple’s next-generation iPhone SE is expected to make a spring 2025 debut, bringing flagship features to the brand’s budget-friendly lineup in a bold redesign.

According to 9to5Mac’s inside sources, the SE 4, codenamed V59, will likely adopt the iPhone 14’s sleek design with flat edges, a 6.1-inch OLED display at 1170 x 2532 resolution, and a notch for Face ID—marking the SE’s first move away from the classic Home Button and Touch ID. While it won’t include Dynamic Island, this design update aligns the SE with Apple’s modern aesthetic without pushing it beyond an accessible price point.

The performance is also supposed to be impressive. The SE 4 is expected to feature the A18 chip with 8GB of RAM and a 5-core GPU, mirroring the base model of the new iPhone 16. This configuration should support Apple Intelligence, enabling features like AI-driven Smart Replies and photo enhancements.

Additionally, Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, codenamed “Centauri,” will debut in this model, handling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS alongside 5G. Designed to improve battery efficiency—especially in Low Power Mode—this modem reflects Apple’s gradual shift toward proprietary components in all its devices, using the SE as a testing ground.

On the camera front, the SE 4 will reportedly include a 48MP wide rear camera and 12MP front camera, similar to the iPhone 15, allowing for sharper image quality and a 2x “optical” zoom effect. However, it will lack ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, keeping its photography capabilities practical and focused on essentials.

Expected to launch at a price between $459 and $499, the SE 4 still offers value at nearly half the price of flagship models, even if it slightly surpasses the current SE’s $429. While this higher price may redefine the SE as Apple’s entry-level AI-enabled iPhone rather than its cheapest, it still provides a balanced mix of modern design and high performance.

In short, the iPhone SE 4 will likely redefine Apple’s budget lineup, combining flagship looks, a powerful A18 chip, and Apple’s first in-house modem to create a compelling mid-range option for users seeking performance without the premium extras.