The anticipation for the next iPhone SE is building, and it might come with something that could change your mind about this budget-friendly option. According to Mark Gurman's latest insights from Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, the next iPhone SE, expected as early as the beginning of 2025, could include Apple Intelligence features. Until now, these features have been exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, but the entire iPhone 16 lineup is expected to receive them this autumn.
A new look for the budget-friendly iPhone SE
Traditionally, the iPhone SE has been Apple's way of offering a cheaper yet reasonably powerful iPhone using older designs. The latest SE, for instance, is based on the iPhone 8's design, which features a home button and the classic forehead and chin of pre-iPhone X models. It's been clear that the SE is Apple's budget option, providing a compromise between cost and performance.
However, persistent rumours suggest that the next iPhone SE will break away from this trend. Instead of recycling the iPhone 8 design, the next SE is expected to be based on the iPhone 14 chassis. This change would mean removing the old-fashioned forehead, chin, and home button and adopting a more modern design. If these rumours are accurate, the next iPhone SE might also feature a 6.1-inch OLED screen, a significant upgrade from the current LCD screen.
[Exclusive] Apple iPhone SE 4 CAD renders suggest new design, similar to iPhone 14 https://t.co/XIX5LRdgiw
— 91mobiles (@91mobiles) March 3, 2024
Apple's Intelligence features might make all the difference
One of the most exciting possibilities for the next iPhone SE is including Apple Intelligence features. These features enhance the phone's on-device AI capabilities and are currently only available on the iPhone 15 Pro. They are not supported by the regular iPhone 15 simply because it isn't powerful enough to handle them. However, if the next SE includes these features, it could make it one of the most powerful budget phones on the market.
While the iPhone 16 lineup, expected to be announced soon, will likely have additional perks, such as dual cameras and the action button from the iPhone 15 Pro, the real question is how much these extra features matter to you. If the next SE looks like an iPhone 14, performs similarly to the iPhone 16, and is priced as a budget-friendly SE, it might be hard to justify spending more on the higher-end models. The SE could offer much of what you need at a significantly lower price.
What to expect next
As we move closer to 2025, it will be interesting to see how Apple positions the next iPhone SE in the market. Rumours suggest a more modern design and powerful features, but it could become a strong contender even for those who usually opt for the more expensive models. Whether or not you'll be tempted to switch to the SE will depend on how much you value the extra features of the iPhone 16 lineup. However, the next iPhone SE could be a game-changer in the budget phone market with a potential combination of Apple Intelligence, a fresh design, and an affordable price.
