iPhone SE 4 may witness a price hike, new leak suggests

Apple is planning to release its next-gen iPhone SE this year, after 2 years. In 2025, the company is expected to bring several improvements over its predecessor, the iPhone SE 3 (launched in 2022).

For instance, the upcoming phone is rumoured to come with a big display and design change. While the design will continue to feature a single camera shooter, the display may come as 6.06- inch. This is not the only change we may encounter. According to the latest leak, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has shared that the iPhone SE 4 may witness a price hike.

iPhone SE 4: Price leak

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to see a price increase compared to its 2022 predecessor, which was priced at $429 (approximately Rs 37,000). According to Mark Gurman, the price could rise to around $500 (over Rs 43,000), though this may vary depending on manufacturing location and applicable taxes.

This aligns with earlier leaks, adding credibility to the speculation. A report from Korean outlet Naver, citing an unnamed Japanese carrier, suggests the iPhone SE 4 will likely be priced at $500 (around Rs 42,700) or lower, consistent with previous rumours about a $499 price point.

For reference, the iPhone SE 3 was launched in India in 2022 at a starting price of Rs 43,900, while its US price was $429 (approximately Rs 36,700). If Apple follows the same pricing strategy for the iPhone SE 4 (or iPhone 16e), the Indian price could increase to around Rs 49,900.

iPhone SE 4: What to expect

The iPhone SE 4, also rumoured to be called the iPhone 16e, is set to bring significant upgrades, marking a departure from its predecessors. Moving away from the iPhone 8-inspired design, the new model is expected to adopt a look similar to the iPhone 14, offering a more modern and immersive experience. The device will feature a 6.06-inch OLED display, replacing the 4.7-inch LCD, delivering superior visual quality akin to Apple’s high-end models.

A major design change includes the transition from the Touch ID home button to Face ID, resulting in slimmer bezels and a more contemporary appearance. The iPhone 16e will reportedly share the same screen size and edge-to-edge design as the standard iPhone 16, creating a cohesive aesthetic across Apple’s lineup.

Performance-wise, the iPhone 16e is rumoured to be powered by Apple’s A18 chipset, paired with an upgraded 8GB of RAM (up from 4GB). This boost in hardware will improve multitasking and handle resource-intensive applications, including Apple’s latest advancements in AI and machine learning. With 128GB of storage as standard, the device promises an enhanced user experience while remaining affordable.

In terms of photography, the iPhone 16e is expected to feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, a significant upgrade for Apple’s budget-friendly lineup. The advanced “Fusion” lens will enable high-quality standard shots and 2x zoom without sacrificing detail, delivering sharper and more versatile photos for users upgrading from older SE models.

As a powerful yet cost-effective option, the iPhone SE 4/16e is positioned to offer premium features in a compact, budget-friendly package, bridging the gap between entry-level and flagship Apple devices.