Apple is set to unveil a new device on February 19, and it’s expected to be the iPhone SE 4. Here’s what I hope to see.
A new budget-friendly iPhone is almost here. After months of rumors, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased the release with a post on X. “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family,” he wrote, along with the date, “Wednesday, February 19,” and the hashtag #AppleLaunch. The post included a video showing an Apple logo reflecting what might be an iPhone.
Why is another iPhone so important? While Apple typically announces new iPhone models each fall, the iPhone SE hasn’t seen a new version since March 2022. The SE models focus on affordability by scaling back advanced features. For example, the 2022 iPhone SE starts at $429, significantly cheaper than the iPhone 16’s entry-level price of $799. It’s an ideal option for kids or anyone seeking a more basic phone.
A lot has changed since the last iPhone SE release. In March 2022, on-device AI and robust 5G networks weren’t mainstream, and the USB-C port wasn’t mandatory in the EU. The 2022 iPhone SE lacks AI and still uses the outdated Lightning port. We can expect significant updates for the iPhone SE 4.
Leakers and insiders have already shared details about what we might see on February 19. The iPhone SE is expected to adopt the iPhone 14 design, ditching the iPhone 8 layout, home button, and Touch ID in favor of Face ID. It will likely still have a single camera, but potentially upgraded to the 48MP Fusion Camera from the iPhone 16. Other updates include a larger OLED screen, USB-C port, and AI integration.
With these expected changes, here are five features that would make a huge difference:
1. Better Battery Life
The 2022 iPhone SE’s battery life isn’t impressive, lasting only 7 hours and 20 minutes. This is far below the iPhone 16’s 18 hours. With a newer, more efficient processor in the SE 4, we can expect improved battery life, plus the addition of MagSafe wireless charging.
2. More 5G Support
The current iPhone SE covers basic sub-6GHz 5G but lacks support for AT&T’s 3.45GHz mid-band spectrum. For better performance, the SE 4 should cover all of C-band for North America and feature an updated 4×4 MIMO antenna, offering faster, more stable connections. Wi-Fi 7 support would also be a nice bonus.
3. A Sharper Screen
The iPhone SE’s current 4.7-inch screen with 1,334 x 750 resolution feels outdated. Adopting the iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch display with a 2,532 x 1,170 resolution (460ppi) would be a major improvement, especially for streaming and media consumption.
4. Modern Cameras
The 2022 iPhone SE’s 12MP main camera and 7MP selfie camera struggle in low light. The SE 4 could improve by adopting the iPhone 16’s 48MP Fusion Camera, offering better color accuracy, sharpness, and even 2x zoom. A 12MP selfie camera from the iPhone 16 would also be a good upgrade.
5. Faster Performance and AI
The 2022 iPhone SE uses the A15 chip, but the iPhone SE 4 іs expected tо feature the A18, providing significant performance improvements. Apple should aim for performance parity with its pricier models, including AI integration. Even іf AI isn’t a major selling point yet, it’s important for consistency across the Apple lineup.
The iPhone SE 4 іs almost here—stay tuned for the latest updates. In the meantime, check out our reviews оf the iPhone 16 series.
