Apple Aims for the Mid-Range Market: iPhone SE4 Rumored to Feature A18 Chip, Priced Around 3000 Yuan

Apple Aims for the Mid-Range Market: iPhone SE4 Rumored to Feature A18 Chip, Priced Around 3000 YuanThe iPhone 16 series officially launched in September, with the iPhone 16 Pro series garnering significant attention and sales due to substantial upgrades. Sina Tech reported that the iPhone 16 series saw a 20% increase in sales compared to the iPhone 15 series released in 2023 during its first three weeks in the Chinese market

Apple Aims for the Mid-Range Market: iPhone SE4 Rumored to Feature A18 Chip, Priced Around 3000 Yuan

The iPhone 16 series officially launched in September, with the iPhone 16 Pro series garnering significant attention and sales due to substantial upgrades. Sina Tech reported that the iPhone 16 series saw a 20% increase in sales compared to the iPhone 15 series released in 2023 during its first three weeks in the Chinese market. Sales of the Pro and Pro Max models even saw a 44% increase compared to the previous year's counterparts. Counterpoint analyst Ivan Lam attributed this growth to smoother production, consistent pricing strategies, and an upgrade wave among existing iPhone users.

The strong performance of the iPhone Pro series once again solidified Apple's leadership in the ultra-premium market segment. However, beyond the high-end flagship series, Apple's mid-to-high-end iPhone SE lineup also enjoys a large user base.

Recent reports from Sina Tech suggest that Apple is expected to release the fourth-generation iPhone SE, the iPhone SE4, in the first quarter of 2025. This new device is expected to be a crucial product for Apple's foray into the mid-range market.

According to currently available information, the iPhone SE4 will feature a 6.06-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1170x2532, a rear 48MP single camera, and a 12MP front-facing selfie camera. While it might not include ultra-wide or telephoto lenses, it is expected to support 2x optical zoom. Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone SE4 boasts a larger screen size, and the OLED screen's high contrast, saturation, and low power consumption will further enhance the phone's display quality and battery life.

In terms of appearance, a recently leaked photo of an iPhone SE4 protective case reveals that the new device's rear camera module and flash components are arranged horizontally. Above the volume buttons on the side of the device, a cutout is visible, but it remains unclear whether it will continue to use a silent slider or adopt a new control button.

Additionally, a rendering of the Apple iPhone SE4 has also surfaced. The image shows the iPhone SE4 sporting a notch display similar to the iPhone 14, incorporating Face ID and eliminating the Touch ID Home button. However, it lacks the Dynamic Island feature.

Performance-wise, reports indicate that the iPhone SE4 will be powered by the same A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 series, coupled with 8GB of RAM and the inclusion of the new Apple Intelligence. The iPhone SE4 is expected to be priced around 3000 yuan. Considering the release pattern of previous generations, the new device might debut in March 2025.

Overall, the iPhone SE4 aims to attract more consumers with a more affordable price while maintaining Apple's consistent performance advantage. This will be a significant attempt for Apple in the mid-range market and is likely to have a notable impact on the entire mobile phone market.