Apple may launch a new affordable iPhone this week with Face ID, Apple Intelligence, and a single rear camera.
Apple is on the verge of unveiling the next-generation iPhone SE, and if the rumors are true, this could be the most dramatic transformation the budget-friendly iPhone has ever seen. From design changes to hardware upgrades, the iPhone SE is poised to make a major leap forward, embracing modern Apple features while still maintaining its identity as the company’s most affordable handset.
Unlike Apple’s flagship iPhones, which usually get a dedicated launch event, the new iPhone SE is expected to be announced quietly via a press release on Apple’s website. If history is any indication, Apple prefers to make such announcements on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 9 AM ET, so keep an eye out for the official news.
Over the past several months, leaks and reports have painted a fairly detailed picture of what to expect. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming iPhone SE.
A Bold New Look: Farewell, Home Button
The most striking change is that Apple is completely overhauling the design of the iPhone SE, finally bidding farewell to the home button. Since the first iPhone SE debuted in 2016, the series has largely retained its classic iPhone 8-like design, complete with thick bezels and Touch ID. But now, Apple is expected to bring the SE into the modern era by removing the button, shrinking the bezels, and introducing Face ID.
According to leaks, the new iPhone SE will closely resemble the iPhone 14 from the front. Unlike the Pro models, which now feature the Dynamic Island, the SE will reportedly stick to the older notch design for its Face ID sensors. This move aligns with Apple’s strategy of keeping the SE line a step behind its flagship counterparts while still delivering meaningful upgrades.
Renowned leaker Majin Bu has shared a video showcasing what appears to be a dummy unit of the new iPhone SE. These non-functional models are typically used by case manufacturers to prepare their accessories ahead of a phone’s release. Adding fuel to the fire, case maker Spigen briefly published an early listing for a case designed for the new SE. While the product page was swiftly taken down, GSMArena managed to capture images that align with previously leaked designs.
Introducing the Action Button
One of the most intriguing upgrades is the inclusion of Apple’s new Action Button, first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro series. This customizable button allows users to assign various functions, such as launching the camera, activating Do Not Disturb, or opening the flashlight.
However, don’t expect Apple’s brand-new Camera Control button, which is rumored to debut on the iPhone 16. The SE will likely only inherit the Action Button, making it more functional but still slightly behind Apple’s flagship lineup.
A Larger Display, No More Compact SE
The iPhone SE has historically been the go-to option for those who prefer smaller phones, but that’s about to change. The new SE is expected to feature a significantly larger 6.1-inch OLED display, replacing the 4.7-inch LCD panel found in the previous model. This means the SE will no longer be the compact alternative to standard iPhones—it will now be the same size as the base iPhone 16.
If the SE’s dimensions mirror the iPhone 16’s, it could be approximately 9mm taller than its predecessor and weigh around 25 grams more. Apple’s move toward a larger display makes sense given industry trends, but it may disappoint fans of smaller devices who appreciated the previous SE’s pocket-friendly form factor.
Goodbye, Lightning – Hello, USB-C
It’s all but confirmed that Apple will transition the iPhone SE to USB-C, marking the end of Lightning for the company’s entire smartphone lineup. This change was largely driven by European Union regulations requiring smartphones to adopt a universal charging standard.
The previous SE model was discontinued in the EU alongside other Lightning-based iPhones, so this shift is essential for Apple to continue selling the SE in European markets. While this may seem like a minor change, it’s a significant step in aligning Apple’s budget device with its flagship models.
Performance: One of the Most Powerful iPhones Yet
Despite its lower price tag, the new iPhone SE will likely be a powerhouse. Reports suggest it will feature Apple’s latest A18 chip—the same processor expected to power the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models. If true, this would make the SE more powerful than 2023’s iPhone 15.
Alongside the A18 chip, the SE is rumored to include 8GB of RAM, which is essential for running Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-driven features. These tools will handle tasks like summarizing notifications, improving Siri’s functionality, and enabling on-device AI processing.
Another major shift is Apple’s long-awaited transition to an in-house 5G modem. The SE is expected to be the first iPhone to use Apple’s own 5G chipset, replacing the Qualcomm modems found in previous models. However, early reports suggest this modem won’t support mmWave 5G—only sub-6GHz bands—similar to previous SE models. While this may be a slight downgrade compared to flagship iPhones, most users won’t notice a significant difference in everyday use.
Camera Upgrades, but Still a Single Lens
The iPhone SE has always featured a single rear camera, and that tradition appears to continue. While it won’t inherit the dual-camera setup of flagship models, leaks suggest the SE will get a major sensor upgrade—a 48-megapixel rear camera, replacing the 12-megapixel sensor in previous models. The front-facing camera is also expected to be bumped up to 12 megapixels.
While the lack of multiple lenses may be disappointing to some, Apple’s powerful image processing software could help the SE deliver impressive photography results despite the single-camera setup.
Pricing and Availability: Coming Soon
Initial reports suggested a launch window of March or April, but Bloomberg now predicts Apple will announce the SE this week. However, the phone isn’t expected to go on sale immediately—it will likely hit shelves later this month.
As for pricing, the new SE is rumored to start at around $500, a slight increase from the 2022 model’s $429 launch price. However, this could be offset by an increase in base storage to 128GB, eliminating the 64GB variant altogether.
There’s also speculation that Apple might ditch the “SE” branding in favor of calling it the “iPhone 16E.” However, given the consistency of the SE name over the years, we believe it’s more likely to stick with tradition.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for Apple’s Budget Lineup
If these leaks and rumors hold true, the next iPhone SE will be the most significant update the series has ever seen. By adopting a modern design, a more powerful processor, and cutting-edge features like Face ID and USB-C, Apple is making the SE a compelling option for those who want high-end performance at a lower price point.
Of course, nothing is official until Apple makes the announcement. But if Bloomberg’s predictions are correct, we won’t have to wait much longer to see what Apple has in store. Stay tuned for more updates as soon as Apple pulls back the curtain on its latest budget-friendly powerhouse.
