Apple reportedly revisits a budget iPhone after shelving the SE 4 in 2024
In early analyses, Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that Apple dropped plans for an iPhone SE 4 launch in 2024. Recent updates from the same analyst indicate that Apple has shifted focus back toward a budget smartphone, with confirmation circulating across tech outlets such as MacRumors. The evolving narrative around the SE lineup reflects Apple’s ongoing interest in maintaining a lower-cost entry point while delivering updated 5G capabilities.
According to Kuo, the forthcoming iPhone SE 4 would sport a 6.1-inch OLED display and include a 5G modem developed in-house by Apple. The existing iPhone SE line already supports 5G, but it currently relies on a Qualcomm Snapdragon X57 chip. The transition to an Apple-designed 5G solution would mark a notable shift in the architecture of the budget model, aligning with Apple’s broader strategy of increasing component self-sufficiency while preserving affordability for a wide segment of users.
Questions remain about authentication methods on the new device. It is unclear whether Touch ID will return through a fingerprint sensor or if Apple will introduce Face ID as the primary biometric. Earlier chatter in online circles suggested a side-mounted fingerprint reader as a potential option for the budget device, though nothing has been confirmed by Apple at this stage. The choice of biometric security will influence user experience, especially for customers who favor physical home button integration or a seamless edge-to-edge design.
As for timing, there is no official release date announced for the new SE model. Analysts note that Apple previously released SE generations in the spring, which keeps a potential debut before the end of the first quarter on the table. Historical context shows the current iPhone SE was introduced in March 2022 with a price tag of $429, making it the most affordable iPhone in that period while retaining the classic home button and Touch ID. This historical anchor helps observers gauge how Apple might position a budget option within its overall product cadence.
Industry chatter also touches on Apple’s broader hardware ambitions. For instance, reports from industry outlets have suggested that a budget variant of Apple’s augmented reality headset could arrive later, potentially around 2025. These kinds of cross-product strategies illustrate Apple’s intent to broaden its ecosystem offerings without drastically altering the price ladder in key markets like Canada and the United States. Observers emphasize that any SE refresh would be evaluated in the context of performance gains, battery efficiency, and the balance between production costs and consumer value (via industry insiders and publication notes).