Apple is expected to launch the next-generation budget 'iPhone SE 4' as early as next week, Bloomberg reported on the 6th.
According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to unveil the iPhone SE 4 next week and start sales later this month. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noted that Apple is unlikely to hold a launch event for the iPhone SE 4 and may instead reveal it via its website. The new iPhone SE 4 is expected to undergo a major design overhaul, removing the home button and transitioning to a screen design with Face ID, as well as changing the Lightning cable to a USB-C port. Additionally, it is expected to feature Apple's artificial intelligence (AI) software, 'Apple Intelligence.'
One of the major changes in the iPhone SE 4 is that it will feature a 5G modem chip developed by Apple itself instead of a Qualcomm modem chip. This marks the first time for an Apple product. Other expected features include a design similar to the iPhone 14, a 6.1-inch OLED display, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a new A-series chip, and 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence.
The outlook for the imminent release of the iPhone SE 4 has already been observed in various places. Since the end of last month, reports have surfaced that stock of the iPhone SE has been rapidly depleting in many Apple store locations across the United States.
The price of the currently available iPhone SE 3 is $429, making it significantly cheaper than the $799 standard model of the iPhone 16. However, considering the features and design being updated in the new iPhone SE 4, Bloomberg reported that Apple may increase the price of the iPhone SE 4, likely positioning it at a level similar to budget smartphones from Samsung Electronics and Google.
Apple is also set to unveil new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds with heart rate monitoring capabilities this month. In the first half of the year, it plans to release MacBook Air with M4 chip, a budget iPad, and newly updated iPad Air models. Currently, the stock of iPad Air and MacBook Air in Apple stores is also rapidly depleting, according to the source.