For Apple, releasing a new phone just once a year, specifically in September, garners the attention of the entire industry and global users. While some may not want to admit it, that's just the fact. Although the iPhone 16 launch is nearly two months away, there have already been numerous leaks, primarily focusing on the A18 chip across the board, 8GB of RAM for all models, and powerful AI capabilities. In reality, the hype around the iPhone 16 tends to overshadow another different series of devices – the iPhone SE4. Recently, the latest news about the iPhone SE4 has surfaced online, leaving people to marvel that it's no longer the same old look.

Since the SE series has already gone through three generations, many people associate SE with the old-fashioned style of a 4.7-inch screen, physical fingerprint recognition, a single rear camera, and huge black borders top and bottom. However, with the fourth generation, all of that is about to change. According to the latest leaks, the iPhone SE4's screen size will increase to 6.06 inches, similar to the current standard models (non-Plus versions). Beyond the size, the screen quality will also see improvements.

The LCD screen, used for so many years, will be discarded, and the SE series will enter the OLED screen era starting with the fourth generation. However, Apple's thriftiness is evident even in this aspect, as the SE4 will only use an LTPS screen with a maximum refresh rate limited to 60Hz. Among the many global phone manufacturers, Apple is the only one to use OLED screens with only 60Hz refresh rates. Rumors suggest that for the entire lineup to support 120Hz LTPO high-refresh screens, one might have to wait until next year's iPhone 17 series.

The physical Home button will also retire from history, and the SE series will adopt Face ID. But won't this affect the sales of its flagship series? Apple is sure to consider this. Personally, I speculate that the Face ID on the SE4 may have lower technical specifications than its flagship series to justify such a significant change for the SE line. Nevertheless, even if there are differences in technical specifications, security will not be compromised – Apple will not make any concessions here.

While the camera capabilities have also been upgraded, to avoid adversely affecting the sales of its flagship series, the SE4 will maintain a single rear camera, but the pixel count will increase to 48 megapixels, and the sensor is expected to be different. The RAM will also be upgraded to 6GB (the SE3 has 4GB). AI functionality will not be supported, not only due to insufficient RAM (Apple's AI requires at least 8GB of RAM), but mainly to avoid competing with the key selling points of the iPhone 16 series.

Leaks indicate that the iPhone SE4 will be equipped with the A18 chip, confirming that the device won't be released until at least the second quarter of next year. As for why the SE4 has completely changed its look, I believe the reason is simple: many old components have been depleted. Since the first iPhone with a notch appeared, a large number of related components have accumulated. Continuing the SE series is an important way to consume these old components. Based on this calculation, the SE series should continue to exist.

Regarding the price of the drastically revamped iPhone SE4, I personally believe it will be set at 3,999 yuan. What do you think?