The iPhone SE 4 is Imminent: A18 Chip, Notch Display, and 48MP Camera, Possibly Launching Alongside New iPad Air and MacBook Air

The iPhone SE 4 is Imminent: A18 Chip, Notch Display, and 48MP Camera, Possibly Launching Alongside New iPad Air and MacBook AirFolks, the rumors surrounding the iPhone SE 4 are finally looking less like "cry wolf"! Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, in an article published on February 7th, reported that Apple is on the verge of releasing a significantly upgraded iPhone SE. A launch is expected as early as next week, with a planned market release later this month

The iPhone SE 4 is Imminent: A18 Chip, Notch Display, and 48MP Camera, Possibly Launching Alongside New iPad Air and MacBook Air

Folks, the rumors surrounding the iPhone SE 4 are finally looking less like "cry wolf"! Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, in an article published on February 7th, reported that Apple is on the verge of releasing a significantly upgraded iPhone SE. A launch is expected as early as next week, with a planned market release later this month. Similar to the surprise launch of the iPad mini 7 last year, Apple is likely to announce the new SE via a simple update on its website, rather than a dedicated event.

I. iPhone SE 4: A Near-iPhone 14 Look and Performance Boost

Internally codenamed V59, the iPhone SE 4 will be Apples first model to feature a self-designed cellular modem chip, completely eliminating its reliance on Qualcomm. It will ditch the classic Home button, adopting a design closer to the iPhone 14, featuring a notch display and Face ID. This is corroborated by iPhone SE 4 dummy units shared by Sonny Dickson.

However, unlike the iPhone 14, the iPhone SE 4 will forgo the ultrawide camera, returning to a single-lens setup. This single rear camera, though, will be upgraded to a cutting-edge 48MP sensor, significantly improving its imaging capabilities. Furthermore, it will be powered by the A18 chip, whose enhanced performance will better support Apple Intelligence features.

Apple retail employees have reported dwindling stock of the current iPhone SE for several weeks, with some configurations becoming unavailable. While the iPhone SE remains on Apple's website, the shipping time for certain versions (like the 256GB red model) has been pushed back to March. Moreover, iPhone 14 and 14 Plus inventory is also decreasing, hinting at preparations for a new product launch.

Its noteworthy that because the current iPhone SE and iPhone 14 don't meet the EU's USB-C charging standard, Apple has discontinued them in the European market. The new iPhone SE, however, will feature a USB-C port, complying with EU regulations and potentially allowing for a return to the EU market.

II. More New Products on the Horizon: New iPad Air, MacBook Air, and PowerBeats Pro 2

Gurman's report also indicates declining inventory of iPad Air and MacBook Air models across Apple Stores globally, strongly suggesting the imminent launch of refreshed versions. While it's unclear if these products will launch simultaneously with the iPhone SE 4, dwindling stock generally precedes new product releases.

The new iPad Air and MacBook Air are expected to feature Apple's latest M4 chip, delivering a performance boost. However, this year's updates are not anticipated to include major hardware or design changes, with the primary upgrade focusing on performance improvements.

A refresh of the entry-level iPad 11 is also expected, likely incorporating a faster chip (possibly the A17 Pro, the same as the iPad mini 7), but without significant design alterations.

Besides updates to the iPhone and iPad lines, the iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to launch alongside the PowerBeats Pro 2 earphones. Reports suggest these earphones might launch as early as February 11th and will be Apple's first earbuds with built-in heart rate monitoring, a feature Apple hopes to bring to the AirPods line in the future.

III. iPhone 17 Leaks: Horizontal Pill Camera Design

Another leaker, Majin Bu, shared CAD renders of an iPhone 17 case on X (formerly Twitter) on February 7th. The render shows a horizontal pill shaped rear camera cutout, a departure from the previous vertical or diagonal arrangements.

Previous leaks generally pointed to the new, slimmer iPhone 17 Air adopting this design, but the source believes the leaked image represents the standard iPhone 17. The main camera is positioned on the left side, with the small circle to the right of the pill presumably being the LED flash. The render also shows the power and volume buttons on the same side as the iPhone 16, and the bottom cutout is reserved for the charging port.

While the authenticity of this leak needs verification, it's not uncommon for case manufacturers to obtain design blueprints before the official iPhone launch to allow timely accessory production.

IV. Apple's Foldable iPhone: Official Launch in Fall 2026

News regarding Apple's foldable iPhone is also generating significant buzz. The source @QQ_Timmy shared a "summary of Apple's foldable phone industry chain research" on X on February 6th, revealing that Apple's foldable iPhone will adopt a large-fold design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than a smaller clamshell design.

The leak details:

1. Form Factor: Large fold on the left rear, 9.2mm thick when folded, 4.6mm per side. The inner screen is equivalent to two 6.1-inch phones folded together, totaling over 12 inches (the screen size calculation method here is debatable).

2. Launch Date: Fall 2026 launch, with foldable iPad/MacBook launching in 2027. Foxconn will have exclusive NPI in June 2025, aiming for mass production by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

3. Sales Expectation: Projected sales of 8-10 million units in 2026 and 20 million in 2027. Foxconn will be the sole manufacturer in 2026, with Luxshare Precision joining in 2027.

4. Screen: Display developed exclusively by Samsung; UTG exclusively developed by Lens Technology, currently costing $90-100; screen support frame material (titanium alloy/stainless steel/carbon fiber) yet to be determined, valued at tens of dollars.

5. Hinge: Apple-designed, current assembly cost approximately $110. Hinge provided by Amphenol/New Kinpo; internal components involve Leader Electronic, approximately $35; MIM valued at tens of dollars, with Precision Technology involved.

6. Frame: Aluminum alloy frame, costing $80-90, with Foxconn having exclusive NPI; Lens Technology/BYD Electronics expected to join during mass production.

7. PCB: Flexible circuit board value expected to increase by 70%, module board nearing double; SLP expected to introduce RCC, increasing value by 40% ($12$18).

8. Optics: Front camera uses MetaLens ultra-thin technology, technology provided by Apple; lenses involve Largan Precision/Sunny Optical/Lante Optics; modules involve Foxconn/LG Electronics. Rear main/ultrawide cameras use glass-plastic hybrid, lenses mainly from Largan Precision, Sunny Optical contributes molded glass.

9. Battery: Two stainless steel shell batteries (steel shell from Sunwoda Electronics/Leader Electronic) with a combined capacity of nearly 5000mAh. Battery cells are expected to be 3D stacked, exclusively developed by ATL.

With the foldable phone, Apple is finally willing to offer an iPad mini-level battery capacity, which is promising.

V. Pressure on iPhone Growth and Expectations for iPhone SE 4

Apple's iPhone business experienced a 1% decline in holiday season sales last year, falling short of market expectations and highlighting growth pressures. Apple is hoping the new iPhone SE can revitalize overall sales. Whether this new entry-level model can meet Apple's expectations and boost iPhone sales remains to be seen.