The long-awaited iPhone SE4 has recently received new updates.

According to media reports, the iPhone SE 4 will be equipped with Apple's A18 Bionic chip, and the new product is expected to debut in the first half of next year.

The iPhone 16 series, which also features the A18 Bionic chip, will arrive in the second half of the year. This marks the first time that the SE series has matched the specifications of the numerical series, a first in Apple's history.

Analysts point out that the main reason for the iPhone SE 4's one-step upgrade to the A18 chip is Apple Intelligence.

At this year's WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled its Apple Intelligence personal AI system for the first time, which only supports A17 Pro models. This means that only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can experience Apple's AI capabilities.

Apple hopes to make Apple Intelligence available on subsequent devices, necessitating the use of the latest flagship chips. With Apple Intelligence, the iPhone SE 4 gains an important selling point.

Notably, it is rumored that the HomePod speaker with a touch screen will also be equipped with the A18 chip, suggesting that upcoming products will likely support Apple Intelligence.

Furthermore, reliable sources have recently claimed that Apple is redesigning its latest iPhone SE 4. The phone was originally planned to feature a full-screen design based on iPhone 14 technology. However, Apple has now decided to abandon the notch design and adopt the Dynamic Island design, similar to the current iPhone series.

In addition to changes in appearance, Apple is rumored to be adjusting the camera design of the iPhone SE 4. The device may adopt a vertical design similar to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, featuring a single camera. The rear microphone and LED flash will be located below the camera lens in a pill-shaped protrusion.

It is unclear whether Apple will ultimately adopt a mute button or a "function button." As the release date is still far off, the final design of the iPhone SE 4 may still undergo changes.

Moreover, the iPhone SE 4 introduces a significant update in unlocking methods, supporting Face ID facial recognition technology. This addition not only enhances the phone's security but also provides users with a more convenient unlocking experience. Simultaneously, the iPhone SE 4 features a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port found on previous SE models, offering users more flexible charging and data transfer options.

Based on current leaks, it is virtually certain that the iPhone SE 4 will be the most significantly changed model in the series. Whether it's the more mainstream design compared to previous generations, the substantial upgrades in processor and camera performance, the cost of the new iPhone SE is expected to increase accordingly.

Regarding pricing, the iPhone SE 4's price may increase from the previous generation's $429 to $499. However, given the SE series' positioning, the SE 4 will still be Apple's most cost-effective iPhone in 2025.

Looking back at the currently available iPhone SE, it starts at $429, equipped with a 6.7-inch LCD screen, A15 Bionic processor, and a 12MP single camera. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 boasts comprehensive upgrades in screen size, unlocking methods, and ports, promising an even better user experience.

Lastly, when the original iPhone SE was launched, it attracted the attention of many consumers. With a starting price of just over $300, it amassed sales of over 30 million units. Its small screen coupled with impressive performance made it a hit in both sales and reputation. However, as larger screens became the norm, the appeal of the iPhone SE's small screen gradually diminished, and sales declined visibly year after year. Many users who prefer small screens expressed concern that Apple might discontinue the series due to the long delay in releasing the iPhone SE 4.

Based on current developments, it is highly unlikely that Apple will axe the iPhone SE series. Although the audience for small-screen devices may be smaller, there is still a market for them. Furthermore, with persistent rumors circulating, the iPhone SE 4's release is all but certain.

While Apple has yet to confirm the authenticity of these rumors, the new device is expected to be released in 2025, three years after the launch of the current iPhone SE 3.

It's worth noting that Apple often takes user needs and feedback into account when designing new iPhones. Therefore, we can expect to hear more about the iPhone SE 4 in the coming months.