Apple’s Forthcoming iPhone SE: Design Leaks Hint at Imminent Release

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The much-anticipated successor to Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE appears poised for an imminent debut, as recent leaks from a reputable case manufacturer suggest.

In a recent development, case maker Spigen inadvertently showcased cases for the forthcoming iPhone SE (4th generation) on its website. Although the listings were promptly removed, the images have been widely disseminated online.

If these images are accurate, the new iPhone SE mirrors the design of the iPhone 14, featuring a single rear camera. This marks a departure from the 2022 third-generation iPhone SE, introducing a larger 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED display and replacing the traditional home button with Face ID.

Historically, Apple equips its SE models with its latest chips. Therefore, it’s plausible that the new iPhone SE will house the A18 chip, currently powering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This approach offers users the latest processing capabilities within a familiar design.

Aligning with the current iPhone lineup, the upcoming iPhone SE is expected to feature an Action Button in place of the traditional alert switch. Additionally, to comply with EU regulations, the device is anticipated to adopt a USB-C port.

Other speculated features include a 48MP main rear camera and a 12MP front-facing camera. It’s also reasonable to expect a minimum storage capacity of 128GB for the new model.

Given these developments, the iPhone SE’s release seems imminent. There’s speculation that Apple may quietly launch the new budget smartphone via its online store in the coming days.

Interestingly, the current third-generation iPhone SE remains available in Malaysia. The 64GB model is priced at RM2,199, the 128GB variant at RM2,449, and the 256GB version at RM2,949 on Apple’s official Malaysian online store.

The new iPhone SE, possibly named the iPhone 16E, is expected to feature a flat-edged 6.06-inch OLED display, a significant upgrade from the previous 4.7-inch LCD. The device may also include a 48MP rear camera, similar to the iPhone 16, and a 12MP front camera. It’s anticipated to run on Apple’s newer A-series chip with 8GB of RAM and adopt Face ID, moving away from the traditional Touch ID.

Compliance with EU regulations will likely see the new iPhone incorporating a USB-C charging port. Price-wise, it is expected to be slightly more expensive than its predecessor, with the previous iPhone SE 3 ranging from RM2,199 to RM2,949. 

The anticipated announcement of the new iPhone SE could significantly alter the design of Apple’s budget phone line, integrating Face ID and removing the traditional home button for a more modern look resembling the iPhone 14.

The anticipated announcement of the new iPhone SE could significantly alter the design of Apple’s budget phone line, integrating Face ID and removing the traditional home button for a more modern look resembling the iPhone 14.

Expected features include a 6.1-inch OLED display, a notable increase from the previous 4.7-inch screen, a USB-C port replacing Lightning, and a potentially customisable Action button. The device will likely feature a powerful A18 chip and 8GB RAM, supporting Apple Intelligence tools, and mark Apple’s first use of an in-house 5G modem, albeit with limitations.

The phone is rumoured to be announced next week at around RM2,399, available later in the month, possibly under the name iPhone 16E. This model sets the stage for further significant iPhone releases this year.

While nothing is official until Apple confirms it, multiple leaks and industry reports all point to the same conclusion—The new iPhone SE is about to launch, and it’s finally getting a long-overdue design upgrade. Whether or not the price hike is justified will depend on the final specs Apple delivers.