The rumors surrounding the iPhone SE 4 are gaining traction, and it seems like Apple might be taking its budget lineup to the next level with some significant upgrades. If the latest report from ETNews is accurate, the iPhone SE 4 will come equipped with a 48MP primary rear camera—a huge leap from the current 12MP sensor on the iPhone SE 3. This aligns with Apple’s trend of gradually incorporating flagship features into its more affordable models.

Additionally, the report highlights LG Innotek and LG Display as key suppliers for the device, with the camera modules already in mass production at LG Innotek’s Vietnam factory. The front-facing camera is expected to feature a 12MP sensor, complementing the upgraded rear setup.

These enhancements, alongside the rumored design overhaul (potentially inspired by the iPhone 14 or 14 Plus), suggest Apple is positioning the SE series as a more capable contender in the midrange market. If the 48MP camera rumor proves true, it might even adopt features like advanced computational photography or 4K video enhancements, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users who value camera quality.

The exact launch timeline remains unclear, but given Apple’s past release patterns, an unveiling in early 2024 seems plausible. Would you consider upgrading to the iPhone SE 4 if it offers these features?

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade for Apple’s budget lineup, with several firsts expected for the series. Based on reports, including the latest from ETNews and Mark Gurman:

Key Features and Updates:

  1. 48MP Rear Camera: The rear camera will get a massive upgrade to a 48MP sensor, supplied by LG Innotek.
  2. OLED Display: For the first time, Apple is rumored to include an OLED screen on an SE model. The display will reportedly be a 6.1-inch LTPS panel supplied by LG Display, Foxconn, Cowell Electronics, and BOE. This marks a significant jump from the 4.7-inch LCD display on the current iPhone SE 3.
  3. Modern Design: The SE 4 is expected to feature an edge-to-edge design, similar to the iPhone 14, and will ditch Touch ID for Face ID hardware, bringing it closer to Apple’s flagship aesthetic.
  1. 5G Connectivity: While the device will support 5G, it will be limited to the Sub-6 GHz standard with a less powerful modem compared to the iPhone 16 series, likely to keep costs down.
  2. A18 Bionic Chipset: It’s rumored to run on the A18 Bionic, ensuring powerful performance and support for Apple’s intelligence features.
  3. Price: The iPhone 4 is expected to launch at around $500, which is a noticeable increase from the $400 starting price of the iPhone SE 3.

Supply chain insights:

  • LG Display: OLED panel supplier.
  • Foxconn, Cowell Electronics, BOE: Other contributors to manufacturing and assembly.
  • LG Innotek: Mass production of camera modules for the new iPhone SE.

The 6.1-inch display and OLED technology represent a big step forward, likely aimed at making the SE series more competitive in the mid-range market. While the higher price might deter some traditional SE users, the upgraded design, improved display, and camera features could attract a broader audience.

What are your thoughts on the $500 price point? Do you think the upgrades justify the higher cost for a budget iPhone?