On September 10th this year, Apple released the latest iPhone 16 series, including iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While many people had high hopes for this generation of iPhone 16, market feedback suggests that its performance has been less than ideal, with complaints about the 60Hz screen and the delayed Apple Intelligence features.

Apple typically updates its iPhone lineup annually, with some exceptions. It is expected that in the first quarter of 2025, Apple will once again update the iPhone SE with the fourth-generation model. Based on currently available information, the iPhone SE 4 could be a highly cost-effective Apple phone!

Recently, foreign media confirmed once again that Apple will officially launch the iPhone SE 4 next year. This new model will not only undergo a comprehensive upgrade in appearance and configuration but will also feature Apple's self-developed 5G baseband for the first time. As Apple's long-awaited baseband product, the success of the 5G baseband on the iPhone SE 4 will be significant for the company.

Apple has long been renowned for its in-house development capabilities in both hardware and software, but the 5G baseband has been an exception. Previously, Apple relied on Qualcomm for 5G baseband technology, despite legal disputes that eventually ended in a settlement. However, Apple has never ceased its exploration into self-developed 5G basebands. The iPhone SE 4, as the debut model for Apple's self-developed 5G baseband, aims to provide users with a superior and more secure 5G network connection experience.

Furthermore, according to foreign media, Apple aims to fully replace Qualcomm basebands by 2027, achieving full integration of self-developed 5G basebands across its product line. This will undoubtedly greatly enhance the competitiveness of Apple products and further consolidate its leading position in the smartphone market.

In addition to the baseband, the iPhone SE 4 also boasts impressive specifications. It is the first model in the series to introduce a notched screen, marking Apple's full entry into the full-screen era. This design significantly enhances the usability of the SE model, finally bringing it up to date.

Notably, another major change in the iPhone SE 4 is the complete elimination of Touch ID, which also means the end of the Home button. According to insiders, the iPhone SE 4 will introduce Face ID facial recognition technology, marking a significant change for the iPhone SE series. Since the introduction of Face ID on the iPhone X, Apple has gradually phased out Touch ID, and the iPhone SE, as the last model to retain a physical Home button, has finally completed this transition.

The introduction of Face ID not only enhances the modern feel of the device but also improves the convenience of daily unlocking. With Apple's continuous optimization of Face ID, the technology's speed and security have been significantly improved, allowing facial recognition even when wearing a mask in some cases. For users of the iPhone SE series, this is undoubtedly an upgrade in user experience.

Incidentally, according to media reports, the iPhone SE 4 to be launched next year will likely come with 8GB of RAM. This increase in memory capacity represents a significant improvement over the current iPhone SE 3. Currently, only Apple's high-end models such as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support Apple Intelligence features, as these devices require at least 8GB of RAM. In contrast, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which do not meet this standard, are equipped with 6GB of RAM.

In addition to the memory upgrade, sources indicate that the iPhone SE 4 may adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14. The phone is expected to feature a 6.06-inch OLED notched screen, support Face ID, and include a USB-C port. It will also come with physical buttons and be powered by the latest A18 processor for a smoother user experience.

This upgrade demonstrates that AI large models have become a competitive technological field for mobile phone manufacturers, and Apple places great importance on AI technology. Therefore, ensuring smooth operation of Apple Intelligence necessitates the inclusion of high-capacity memory.

Most importantly, the iPhone SE 4's support for Apple Intelligence makes it significantly more attractive to consumers than models below the iPhone 15 Pro, potentially boosting sales.

Industry insiders have stated that, from a hardware perspective, the iPhone SE 4 is almost a low-end version of the iPhone 16, with a few exceptions such as a downgraded display, but at a lower price.

The current starting price of the iPhone 16 is 5999 yuan, while the estimated price of the iPhone SE 4 is between $499 and $549, with the Chinese version expected to be priced between approximately 3999 and 4599 yuan.

Finally, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously revealed that the iPhone SE 4 will enter mass production in December and be released in March next year.

If you have any thoughts on the latest revelations about Apple's iPhone SE 4, feel free to leave a comment below and join the discussion with Mingmei Wuxian!