Well, well, well-look at this: the rumor mill got it bang on the money again. We are getting a pretty decent idea about the upcoming iPhone SE 4, or rather "iPhone 16E," as some suggest, thanks to a new leak. If these leaked images and videos are anything to go by, it looks like Apple seems to be taking a page right out of the iPhone 14 playbook for its budget-friendly contender.
Leaked iPhone SE 4 Image appears to be an iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Design, But with a Twist
Recent rumblings have been suggesting that the iPhone SE 4 could end up using the design language from the iPhone 14 and this new leak appears to confirm those rumors. Undeniably, iPhone 14-like it may well be - notches included. Turn this thing over though, and matters look just that little bit different. It will feature only a single rear camera compared with the rear-set dual camera offering of the more powerful iPhone 14, which could mean the cheaper iPhone SE ditches that functionality; a prior leak had indicated.
Where this is a curious factor of cost-cutting, whispers also point towards the iPhone SE 4 coming with 8GB RAM. Now, why does a budget phone need 8GB RAM? The likely reason has to do with Apple's foray into Artificial Intelligence. "Apple Intelligence," as they call it, is expected to be a huge focus, with 8GB of RAM that may be necessary to ensure these AI capabilities run smoothly, even on their more budget model. It looks like even the budget-friendly iPhone won't be left behind in the AI race.
Here's what the iPhone SE 4 looks like pic.twitter.com/pEyIAJ34VR
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) January 25, 2025
Debunking Pixel-Like Casing Rumors
Remember those leaks that suggested the new iPhone SE would come with casings reminiscent of Pixels? This latest video seems to indicate those were a red herring. Unless this is one incredibly elaborate fake-out, this leak points away from a radical design shift and firmly toward the aesthetic of the iPhone 14. Could those Pixel-like casings be for a different device altogether? Maybe the rumored iPhone 17 Air? Only time will tell.
Beyond the design and RAM, the iPhone SE 4 is also said to be the launch vehicle for Apple's own cellular modem. If that's the case, it could be a big moment for Apple, maybe one setting up a wider rollout on the flagship iPhone 17 series. While all these upgrades might suggest a price hike compared to the previous SEs, the hope is very much that Apple can still manage to position this as its "affordable entry into iOS." Current iPhone SE stock dwindling globally certainly hints at an imminent launch of a new model.
Personal Thought:
I was starting to get anxious for a new iPhone SE, but it would be even nice if Apple would continue to sell the older model at a reduced price. Having multiple ways into the iOS ecosystem could be a wise decision in these competitive times.
Will it Be a Standout in 2025
The big question is whether it truly can make a difference in 2025 with the iPhone SE 4, also known as the iPhone 16E. As some have implied that the usual iPhone 16 and even the Galaxy S25 are about to be underwhelming, there is an opening there for Apple to create a compelling budget powerhouse that outclasses expectations. And we'll be here waiting to find out if this phone could indeed turn into one of the best phones of the year.
When it’s planned to come out: If everything goes according to plan towards the beginning of April
Source: Majin Bu
