iPhone SE 4 to borrow heavily from iPhone 14 design

The iPhone SE 4 launch remains uncertain due to various factors, but recent revelations about its design and features suggest that Apple is committed to its budget-friendly range. It appears that the iPhone SE 4 will share some similarities with the iPhone 14, including the inclusion of a USB-C port, signaling Apple's intent to balance cost-effectiveness with innovation.

iPhone SE 4 to borrow heavily from iPhone 14 design

Similarities with the iPhone 14 design point to the iPhone SE 4 featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, albeit without ProMotion support to keep manufacturing costs in check. Reports indicate that while the new version won't reuse the exact iPhone 14 chassis, it will be tweaked to accommodate internal changes. Notable among these changes are the addition of a USB-C port and the integration of the Action button, originally introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Insiders have disclosed that Apple is internally referring to the USB-C port as the E85 connector. Once integrated into the iPhone SE 4, this port is expected to provide the device with capabilities found in current-generation models. This includes the ability to connect the handset to a 4K HDR monitor or a wired network using a USB-C to Ethernet dongle. However, it's unlikely that the iPhone SE 4's USB-C port will support Thunderbolt technology.

One of the trade-offs in creating more affordable models is often seen in camera features. According to reports, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to ship with a single rear camera and an LED flash. The exact size of the camera bump is still under consideration, with Apple reportedly testing five different designs, each with minor differences.

On the front side, the iPhone SE 4 is not expected to adopt a Dynamic Island display. Instead, it will retain the notch while incorporating Face ID and eliminating the physical Home button and chunky bezels. While earlier reports hinted at Apple introducing its in-house 5G modem to this budget-friendly model, it appears that technical challenges will delay this feature's mass production for a few more years.

As for the exact launch date of the iPhone SE 4, concrete information remains elusive. Nevertheless, these insights indicate that Apple is actively working on a successor to its affordable lineup, demonstrating its commitment to delivering value to a broader range of consumers.