As of mid-January 2025, the smartphone industry gears up for a flurry of new releases in the first half of the year, with anticipation mounting for the iPhone SE 4 series.

Over the past few months, we've covered various aspects of the iPhone SE 4, but with the new year upon us, fresh developments have come to light.

Initial leaks about the iPhone SE 4 centered on appearance parameters like screen size and frame design, often sourced from unverified individuals. However, as the rumored release date draws nearer (some suggest as early as March), the supply chain has started to reveal more concrete information. This iteration, boasting the most significant upgrades yet, inches closer to reality.

Recent news hints that Apple will introduce a budget iPhone in the spring to address the iPhone 16's sluggish sales.

Reports indicate that mass production of Apple's new spring budget model will commence in mid-January. Currently, Foxconn is actively recruiting workers to prepare for this. Apple is expected to unveil the fourth-generation iPhone SE, or iPhone SE4, in March, though some sources suggest it might be renamed iPhone 16E.

The new-generation iPhone SE4 promises substantial design changes, encompassing not just a screen upgrade but also comprehensive enhancements in performance and imaging capabilities, positioning it as the most affordable iPhone to date.

Farewell to the traditional 16:9 LCD screen, the iPhone SE4 embraces an OLED display for the first time, featuring a 6.06-inch LTPS OLED notch screen. While the refresh rate remains at 60Hz, the screen display quality is significantly improved. Additionally, the iPhone SE4 introduces Face ID facial unlocking, offering users a more convenient and secure experience.

Design-wise, the iPhone SE4 adopts a metallic right-angle frame, lending it a modern and rugged aesthetic. Under the hood, it is powered by Apple's latest A18 chip and 8GB RAM, ensuring top-notch performance. Moreover, it's the first to integrate Apple's in-house 5G baseband chip, promising improved network signals and an enhanced user experience.

Notably, the fourth-generation iPhone SE integrates Apple's in-house 5G modem, marking its commercial debut this year. With subsequent improvements, its application will broaden, gradually reducing Apple's reliance on Qualcomm for this component.

Rumors about Apple's in-house 5G modem surfaced as early as 2018, amidst a legal battle with Qualcomm over patent licensing fees. Despite reaching a settlement in April 2019, Apple pressed on with its in-house development, culminating in the acquisition of Intel's smartphone modem business in July 2019, gaining access to experienced talent and a wealth of patents.

Similar to Apple's abandoned car project, the in-house 5G modem faced setbacks. Last September, foreign media reported that the initial model would not support faster millimeter-wave technology, limiting it to the sub-6GHz frequency band.

In terms of imaging, the iPhone SE4 shouldn't be underestimated. It sports a high-specification single camera with a 48-megapixel sensor, significantly enhancing the photography experience. Coupled with Apple's new Intelligence feature, it offers users a more intelligent shooting and usage experience.

Despite significant upgrades in performance and design, the new-generation iPhone SE4's price is expected to remain competitive, with an estimated price of around $500 (approximately RMB 3,640), making it the most affordable iPhone currently available. This pricing strategy aims to attract more consumers to experience the quality of Apple phones.

However, sources suggest that the iPhone SE 4's pricing might fall below $500. In the South Korean market, however, its price could exceed 800,000 Korean won (approximately RMB 3,968). Previous rumors placed the pricing range between $499 (approximately RMB 3,642) and $549 (approximately RMB 4,000). For comparison, the latest iPhone SE (2022) started at RMB 3,499 for the 64GB model.

The iPhone SE 4 is poised to be the first to integrate Apple's in-house 5G baseband chip, potentially increasing manufacturing costs. Prior to this, Apple relied on Qualcomm's modems.

The price increase of the iPhone SE 4 is mainly attributed to hardware upgrades, encompassing improvements in the screen, performance, memory, and imaging capabilities, marking a substantial leap from its predecessor.

Furthermore, the iPad 11 will accompany the iPhone SE 4, bringing a fresh design and functional enhancements, though specific details remain under wraps.

Finally, the budget-conscious SE series welcomes another iteration, emphasizing affordability, portability, and exceptional handling. The incorporation of Face ID and an OLED display finally sheds the series' outdated design. The new A-series chip, USB-C, and 8GB of RAM represent a monumental upgrade for users. Set for an official release in March, will you consider the iPhone SE 4 if you prefer smaller screens?

Given its enhanced RAM, chip, and additional operation buttons, I believe the iPhone SE 4 outclasses the iPhone 15 in terms of product strength.

Priced below RMB 4,000, it's destined to become another highly sought-after device. If you're planning an upgrade, holding off a bit longer might be worthwhile.

Share your thoughts on the latest iPhone SE 4 revelations in the comments section below and join Mingmei Unlimited in the discussion!