Apple’s next affordable iPhone may be closer than you think

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Apple’s most affordable iPhone may be making a comeback, as the rumoured iPhone SE 4 is again tipped to arrive in early 2025 – and it may get a major display upgrade.

According to The Elec (translated using Gemini), known for its Apple rumours, the iPhone SE 4 will launch “early next year.” Moreover, the South Korean new site doubles down on the next-gen SE to finally swap out its LCD screen for an OLED display. This will be the first time an iPhone SE turns to OLED, which has been seen on Apple’s phones leading up to the iPhone 15 since 2017.

According to the report, Samsung and other suppliers are “competing to supply OLED panels for Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4.” Apparently, the next SE model will reuse the OLED panels from the iPhone 14. This is expected, as this is how Apple tries to keep the cost down.

This isn’t the first we’ve heard of the iPhone SE 4 arriving in 2025 with significant upgrades. That rumour suggested the next SE model would have an OLED panel and bring Face ID rather than the usual Touch ID.

As for further improvements, we may expect the new Action Button that also arrived on the iPhone 15 Pro. If this checks out, we may see Dynamic Island on the iPhone SE 4. Apple hasn’t changed the iPhone SE’s ageing design since its first iteration in 2016, and seeing as the tech giant tries to streamline its design updates with each annual release, the next SE model may make a giant leap in form factor.

Rumours also suggest that the smartphone will get a 48MP rear camera like the new iPhone 15. However, by the time it releases, the inevitable iPhone 16 this year may deliver an improved camera. That said, if past SE models are anything to go by, expect this to be the only shooter it boasts.

iPhone 11 review - lineup

As previous reports suggest, the iPhone SE 4 will ditch its current design for a more modern look akin to the iPhone X or later. That means no 4.7-inch display with massive bezels or Touch ID. For now, only time will tell.

With the original iPhone SE officially being vintage, it’s about time Apple changed the design of its most affordable iPhone, especially nearly a decade later, if rumours about its 2025 launch are accurate.

While we wait, check out our iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 15 Plus reviews. Looking for something different? Check out the best phones in NZ.

Darragh Murphy
Darragh Murphyhttps://muckrack.com/darragh-murphy-2
Darragh is a freelance technology journalist who currently writes for Mashable and Android Police, writing about the latest updates in tech, from laptops and smartphones to software security and VPNs. Previous Editor at Laptop Mag and News Editor at Time Out Dubai, specialising in food culture, nightlife events, gaming, tech and entertainment.