Apple hasn’t released a new iPhone SE in 2024. The third-generation SE, launched in March 2022 at $429, remains the current entry point to the iPhone lineup. But the rumored fourth-generation SE (widely expected spring 2025) promises the most significant overhaul the budget line has ever seen.
Latest Model: iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) · Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD · Processor: A15 Bionic · Starting Price: $429
Quick snapshot
- Current iPhone SE (3rd gen) launched March 2022, priced at $429 (MacRumors)
- No new SE model announced through mid-2024 (MacRumors)
- iPhone SE 4 expected 2025 per analyst Mark Gurman’s August 2024 report (Laptop Mag)
- Exact launch date—rumors point to February–April 2025 window
- Final price: whether Apple holds at $429 or raises to $499
- Processor choice: A16 or A18 chip with conflicting early reports
- SE 3rd gen: March 2022 announcement, March 11 pre-orders (Laptop Mag)
- Early 2024: First SE 4 rumors surface (Laptop Mag)
- August 11, 2024: Gurman confirms 2025 delay (Laptop Mag)
- WWDC 2024: No SE appearance, cementing 2025 timeline (Laptop Mag)
- SE 4 anticipated with 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID, USB-C (MacRumors)
- Budget Android competition (Pixel 9a, Galaxy A56) intensifies (MacRumors)
- Existing SE 3 still viable for cost-conscious buyers until then (MacRumors)
Is there an iPhone SE 2024?
Apple has not released a new iPhone SE model in 2024. The latest iteration remains the third-generation iPhone SE, which debuted in March 2022 at $429 (MacRumors). The original iPhone SE launched in 2016, followed by the second generation in 2020, establishing a pattern of SE releases every two to three years.
Analysts Mark Gurman and Jeff Pu both reported in 2024 that Apple delayed the fourth-generation SE to 2025, pushing it past the 2024 window that many (Laptop Mag). The absence of any SE news at WWDC 2024 in June further reinforced that Apple was focusing on its flagship iPhone 16 lineup rather than the budget tier.
No 2024 iPhone SE exists. Apple’s silence signals that the SE 4 is coming—it just arrives later than many hoped.
Current status of iPhone SE lineup
The third-generation iPhone SE represents Apple’s most affordable iPhone offering, powered by the A15 Bionic chip that also drives the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series. Despite its age, the 2022 model still offers solid performance for everyday tasks, with the added benefit of Touch ID in an era when Face ID dominates Apple’s flagship devices.
Apple has maintained the SE lineup’s pricing at $429 for the base 64GB model throughout the third generation’s lifespan, though storage tiers at 128GB and 256GB offer additional options for users needing more space (Tom’s Guide).
Rumors vs confirmed announcements
What’s confirmed: Apple has released no SE in 2024. What remains unconfirmed: virtually everything about the SE 4, from its processor to its exact release date.
The most credible sources (Gurman, Pu) agree on a 2025 timeline, but specifics diverge. Early rumors suggested an A16 Bionic chip, while newer whispers point toward an A18 to enable Apple Intelligence features (YouTube (iPhone SE 4 New Features)). The display size shift from 4.7 inches to 6.1 inches appears consistent across multiple sources, but whether it uses OLED or LCD technology varies by report.
Key facts at a glance
| Spec | Current SE (3rd gen) | Rumored SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD, 1334×750 | 6.1-inch OLED (rumored) |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A16 or A18 (conflicting reports) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Face ID |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Starting Price | $429 | $429–$499 (rumored) |
| Release | March 2022 | 2025 (expected) |
Is the iPhone SE still worth buying in 2024?
For budget-conscious buyers, the third-generation iPhone SE remains a viable option in 2024—provided you manage your expectations. The A15 Bionic processor, while two generations old, handles most tasks smoothly: browsing, messaging, social media, and even moderate gaming all work without noticeable slowdown. Apple’s software support typically extends five to six years, meaning the 2022 SE could receive updates through 2027 or beyond.
Battery life represents the SE’s strongest improvement over its predecessors. The A15 chip’s efficiency gains mean the third-gen SE can last a full day under moderate usage—a meaningful upgrade from the original SE models. The 4.7-inch display, while compact by modern standards, appeals to users who prefer one-handed operation or find larger phones unwieldy.
Performance in 2024 context
Comparing the SE to 2024’s Android competition in the budget segment reveals a mixed picture. The Pixel 8a offers a larger 6.1-inch OLED display and a modern design with a 120Hz refresh rate, undercutting the SE on raw value if pure specs matter most. However, Apple’s ecosystem advantages—AirDrop, FaceTime, iMessage, seamless Apple Watch integration—remain powerful draws for users already invested in the iOS world.
The SE’s aging design with thick bezels and a home button feels dated, but functionality-wise, Touch ID remains reliable and fast. For users in scenarios where Face ID struggles—masked environments, certain driving conditions—Touch ID holds practical appeal.
Value for budget users
At $429, the SE undercuts the base iPhone 15 ($799) by $370, representing significant savings for buyers who don’t need the latest camera technology or processing power. The SE hits a sweet spot: modern enough to run current apps and iOS updates, affordable enough to avoid the premium pricing of flagship models.
For buyers in markets where Apple’s pricing creates real budget constraints, the SE remains one of the few official entry points to iOS at a sub-$500 price. Its viability in 2024 depends largely on whether a buyer prioritizes iOS ecosystem access over modern design and features.
How will the iPhone SE 2024 compare to other iPhones?
Assuming the rumored SE 4 specs materialize, the gap between Apple’s budget offering and its flagship line narrows considerably. The current SE’s 4.7-inch LCD with thick bezels stands in stark contrast to the 6.1-inch OLED rumored for the SE 4, which would align it more closely with the iPhone 14’s display dimensions (MacRumors).
Face ID, absent from the current SE, would appear on the SE 4—a feature that arrived with the iPhone X in 2017 and has since become standard across Apple’s lineup. The transition from Lightning to USB-C follows regulatory requirements in the EU and aligns the SE with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series.
Vs iPhone 16 series
The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro represent Apple’s 2024 flagship releases, featuring the latest A18 chip, advanced camera systems with dedicated action buttons, and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. The SE 4, even with an A18 chip, would likely position itself as a more affordable entry point rather than a spec-matching alternative.
Camera differences would probably remain substantial: the iPhone 16 offers a 48MP main sensor with computational photography features unavailable on the SE, while the SE 4’s rumored single-lens setup would limit versatility compared to the dual or triple camera arrays on flagship models.
Vs iPhone 16e rumors
Early rumors suggested Apple might rename its budget offering the “iPhone 16e” rather than continuing the SE branding, potentially streamlining its naming convention to mirror the standard iPhone lineup. Whether this materializes remains uncertain, but the potential renaming reflects Apple’s efforts to position the budget model as part of the mainstream iPhone family rather than a separate lineage.
If the iPhone 16e naming holds, it would eliminate consumer confusion about where the SE fits in Apple’s product hierarchy while creating a clearer value proposition: iPhone 16e offers iPhone 16 features at a lower price point.
What is the downside of the iPhone SE?
The current iPhone SE carries trade-offs that budget-conscious buyers must weigh against its $429 price. The most obvious: design. Thick bezels surrounding a small 4.7-inch display look antiquated next to modern smartphones with edge-to-edge screens. For users accustomed to larger displays for media consumption, the SE’s screen real estate feels cramped.
Design limitations
The home button and Touch ID sensor, while functional, represent a design philosophy Apple abandoned years ago for its flagship devices. The Lightning port, rather than USB-C, means users carrying newer iPads or MacBooks need a separate cable for the SE—a minor inconvenience that grows in relevance as USB-C becomes the universal standard across electronics.
The single 12MP camera, while capable of good photos in ideal lighting, lacks the versatility of multi-lens systems. Night mode performance lags behind newer iPhones, and features like Photonic Engine computational photography are limited by older hardware.
Feature gaps
5G support exists on the SE, but only for sub-6GHz networks—mmWave capability, available on some US carrier models of flagship iPhones, doesn’t appear on the SE. Battery capacity at 2018mAh trails modern smartphones significantly, though the efficient A15 chip partially compensates.
Upsides
- A15 Bionic still handles most tasks smoothly
- Touch ID works reliably in various conditions
- $429 starting price undercuts flagship iPhones by $370+
- Compact size appeals to one-handed users
- Long software support runway (potentially through 2027)
Downsides
- 4.7-inch display feels cramped by 2024 standards
- Dated design with thick bezels and home button
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Single-lens camera limits versatility
- No mmWave 5G support
What are the iPhone SE 2024 specs and release details?
No official specs exist for an iPhone SE released in 2024 because Apple hasn’t released one. However, credible rumors paint a picture of what the fourth-generation SE could offer when it eventually arrives.
The display size jumps from 4.7 inches to 6.1 inches according to multiple reports, representing a significant redesign that aligns the SE more closely with modern iPhone proportions (MacRumors). The screen type may shift from LCD to OLED based on reports from The Elec, though this remains unconfirmed across all sources.
Expected timeline
Analyst consensus points to a spring 2025 launch window, with February through April representing the most likely timeframe (YouTube (iPhone SE 4 New Features)). Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed this timeline in August 2024, stating the device would arrive in early 2025 rather than 2024 as some originally speculated.
Apple’s typical release pattern for SE models suggests an announcement event followed by pre-orders within days and shipping within two weeks. If the spring 2025 timeline holds, expect March 2025 to follow the same playbook used for the SE 3 in 2022.
Price rumors
Pricing remains contested among sources. The current SE starts at $429, and whether Apple maintains that price point or implements an increase varies by report. Multiple sources suggest a sub-$500 price, with $429–$499 the expected range (MacRumors). The $70 increase from $429 to $499 mentioned in some reports would still position the SE well below flagship pricing while accounting for component upgrades.
If Apple raises the SE 4 to $499, it enters territory where used iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models at similar price points become viable alternatives. The decision for Apple becomes whether an upgrade in features justifies alienating price-sensitive buyers.
iPhone SE 4 rumored specifications
| Feature | Rumored Specification | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED | High |
| Biometrics | Face ID (no Touch ID) | High |
| Processor | A18 (unconfirmed) | Medium |
| Port | USB-C | High |
| Camera | Single lens, 48MP (rumored) | Medium |
| Starting Price | $429–$499 | Medium |
| Launch Window | Spring 2025 (Feb–Apr) | High |
| Connectivity | 5G, MagSafe (rumored) | Medium |
iPhone SE comparison: Current model vs rumored SE 4
Three data points define the iPhone SE lineup: the 2020 second generation, the 2022 third generation, and the anticipated 2025 fourth generation. Here’s how they stack up.
| Feature | SE (2nd gen, 2020) | SE (3rd gen, 2022) | SE 4 (rumored, 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD | 4.7-inch LCD | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A18 (unconfirmed) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Touch ID | Face ID |
| Port | Lightning | Lightning | USB-C |
| Starting Price | $399 | $429 | $429–$499 (rumored) |
| 5G | No | Yes (sub-6GHz) | Yes (expected) |
The fourth-generation SE, if it launches with the rumored specs, would represent the most significant jump in the SE lineup’s history—skipping an entire display generation and incorporating features that didn’t exist in any prior SE model.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE will feature an all-display design like Apple’s flagship iPhone lineup, with Apple eliminating the Touch ID Home button in favor of Face ID.
— MacRumors (Apple-focused publication)
Apple has not released a new iPhone SE model in 2024. Analysts Mark Gurman and Jeff Pu both reported a 2025 delay for the fourth-generation SE.
— Laptop Mag citing Bloomberg analyst
US launch price may stay at $429 or rise modestly to below $499 depending on component costs and market positioning.
— Tom’s Guide (technology publication)
Timeline: iPhone SE releases and rumors
Understanding the SE’s trajectory helps contextualize where the lineup stands in 2024 and what might come next.
- March 2022: Apple announces iPhone SE 3rd generation with A15 Bionic, 5G support, and $429 starting price (Tom’s Guide)
- January 2024: First SE 4 rumors emerge, suggesting spring 2024 release
- 2024 (pre-August): Analysts Jeff Pu and others predict 2025 delay for SE 4
- August 11, 2024: Mark Gurman confirms early 2025 launch for SE 4 (Laptop Mag)
- June 2024: WWDC passes with no SE announcement, cementing 2025 timeline
- Spring 2025: Expected launch window for SE 4 (February–April)
The pattern shows Apple releasing SE models roughly every two years, with the 2025 SE 4 fitting that rhythm after the 2022 SE 3. What differs this cycle is the magnitude of rumored upgrades—a complete design overhaul with Face ID, USB-C, and a substantially larger display.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an iPhone SE 2024?
No. Apple has not released a new iPhone SE model in 2024. The latest iPhone SE remains the third-generation model released in March 2022 at $429. Analysts Mark Gurman and Jeff Pu both reported a 2025 delay for the fourth-generation SE.
What is the iPhone SE 2024 release date?
There is no iPhone SE 2024 release date because Apple hasn’t announced one. The most credible reports suggest a fourth-generation iPhone SE arriving in early 2025, with a spring 2025 window (February–April) appearing most frequently in analyst forecasts.
Is the iPhone SE still worth buying in 2024?
For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing iOS ecosystem access, the current iPhone SE at $429 remains worth considering. The A15 Bionic processor handles everyday tasks smoothly, and Apple’s software support extends years into the future. However, the dated design (4.7-inch display, thick bezels, Touch ID) may frustrate users seeking modern features.
How does the iPhone SE compare to iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 features Apple’s latest A18 chip, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and advanced dual-camera system with Photonic Engine enhancements. The current SE offers a 4.7-inch LCD, A15 processor, and single camera at $429 versus the iPhone 16’s $799 starting price. A potential SE 4 would narrow the gap with a rumored 6.1-inch OLED and Face ID.
What are the iPhone SE 2024 specs?
No official specs exist for an iPhone SE released in 2024. Rumored SE 4 specifications include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID (eliminating Touch ID), USB-C port, A18 processor (unconfirmed), and a single 48MP camera. Price rumors range from $429 to $499 depending on storage configuration.
What is the downside of the iPhone SE?
The current iPhone SE’s main drawbacks include its dated design with thick bezels and home button, the small 4.7-inch display, Lightning port instead of USB-C, single-lens camera with limited versatility, and no mmWave 5G support. The 2022 model also misses out on modern features like Photonic Engine computational photography.
Is the iPhone 16e replacing the SE?
Early rumors suggested Apple might rename its budget offering the “iPhone 16e” rather than continuing the SE branding. Whether this materializes remains unconfirmed, but the potential renaming would align the budget model with Apple’s standard iPhone naming convention and potentially reduce consumer confusion about where it fits in the lineup.
Noah Foster is Senior Reporter at Australian Insight, covering breaking stories and explainers.