The iPhone SE 2025 marks a dramatic shift for Apple’s most budget-friendly smartphone. This year, Apple is set to replace the ageing iPhone SE 3 with a device that feels much more modern and powerful. The iPhone SE 2025 introduces a larger display, a new design, and advanced AI features that bring it closer to Apple’s flagship models.
Modern Design and Bigger Display
Apple is moving away from the classic home button and thick bezels. Analysts expect the iPhone SE 2025 to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch, similar to the iPhone 14. This change means users get more screen space and a sleeker look. The Touch ID fingerprint sensor is gone, replaced by Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking. The new design also brings USB-C charging, following recent trends in Apple’s lineup.
Power and Performance Upgrades
Apple equips the iPhone SE 2025 with the latest A18 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 series. This chip ensures fast performance, smooth multitasking, and future-proofing for years of iOS updates. The device comes with 8GB of RAM and starts at 128GB of storage, doubling the base specs of the previous model. These upgrades make it one of the most powerful phones in its price range.
Apple Intelligence Comes to the Masses
The iPhone SE 2025 is the first in the SE line to support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features. With the A18 chip and ample RAM, users can access advanced Siri capabilities, smarter photo editing, and new productivity tools. These features were previously limited to Apple’s premium models, but now they reach a wider audience. Apple Intelligence requires at least an A17 Pro chip and 8GB RAM, so the SE 2025 finally meets those requirements.
Camera Improvements for Everyday Users
Photography gets a major boost on the iPhone SE 2025. The rear camera jumps from 12 megapixels to a 48-megapixel sensor, allowing for sharper photos and better low-light performance. While it remains a single-lens setup to keep costs down, the new sensor enables 2x optical-quality zoom through cropping. The front camera also improves, rumoured to reach 12 or even 24 megapixels, making video calls and selfies much clearer.
Enhanced Battery and Connectivity
Apple increases the battery capacity in the iPhone SE 2025 to around 3,279mAh, a significant jump from the previous model. This means longer usage between charges, even with a bigger screen and more demanding features. The device supports USB-C charging and MagSafe wireless charging, making it compatible with a wide range of accessories. Connectivity also improves, with Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable connections.
Pricing and Availability
Despite all these upgrades, Apple keeps the price under $500, although it is expected to cost slightly more than its predecessor. Reports suggest a starting price of $499 in the US, with similar pricing in other regions. This positions the iPhone SE 2025 as the most affordable way to experience Apple’s latest technology and AI features.
Rumours of a Name Change
Some leaks suggest Apple may rebrand it as the iPhone 16E. This would align the budget model with the flagship iPhone 16 series and simplify Apple’s naming strategy. However, Apple has not confirmed this change, so the device may still launch as the iPhone SE 4 in most markets.
What the iPhone SE 2025 Means for Buyers
The iPhone SE 2025 represents a significant leap forward for affordable smartphones. It brings premium features like Face ID, a modern display, advanced AI, and a high-resolution camera to a broader audience. For users upgrading from older iPhones, the iPhone SE 2025 offers a compelling blend of value and cutting-edge technology. With its launch, Apple sets a new standard for what a budget phone can deliver in the age of artificial intelligence.