Apple iPhone SE 4: Spring 2024 Launch, Embracing the All-Screen Era with A18 Chip

Apple iPhone SE 4: Spring 2024 Launch, Embracing the All-Screen Era with A18 ChipRecent leaks surrounding the Apple iPhone SE 4 point to a March 2024 release. This new model is expected to be a significant upgrade for the SE series, a veritable revolution

Apple iPhone SE 4: Spring 2024 Launch, Embracing the All-Screen Era with A18 Chip

Recent leaks surrounding the Apple iPhone SE 4 point to a March 2024 release. This new model is expected to be a significant upgrade for the SE series, a veritable revolution. This article summarizes the latest information gathered on the iPhone SE 4 for consumer reference.

Design: Farewell Home Button, Hello All-Screen Display

Sources suggest the iPhone SE 4 will resemble the iPhone 14, featuring a notch display and Face ID, abandoning the iconic Touch ID Home button that defined the SE series. This marks the iPhone's complete transition to all-screen designs, making the 2022 iPhone SE 3 the last model with a front-facing fingerprint sensor.

The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to boast a 6.1-inch OLED display with a flat-edged frame and a 1170x2532 resolution. The larger screen and OLED technology promise a more refined and crisp visual experience. Notably, despite the notch, it is not expected to feature the Dynamic Island functionality found in the iPhone 14 Pro series.

Connectivity: Apple's In-House Modem Sinope Debuts

According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has designed a new modem chip codenamed Sinope, slated to debut in the iPhone SE 4. This in-house chip aims for seamless integration with other Apple components, saving space and reducing power consumption.

However, Sinope reportedly lags behind Qualcomm's current modems. It only supports Sub-6GHz 5G, lacking mmWave support; it's limited to four-carrier aggregation compared to Qualcomm's six-carrier aggregation; and its maximum speed is around 4Gbps, significantly slower than Qualcomms offerings.

Despite performance limitations, the key advantage of Apple's in-house modem is reduced reliance on Qualcomm, saving substantial licensing fees. Furthermore, Sinope's tight integration with hardware enables lower power consumption, more efficient network scanning, and enhanced satellite connectivity. Industry experts predict Apple will gradually replace Qualcomm modems entirely, potentially achieving full in-house modem adoption across its lineup by 2027.

Core Specifications and Camera System: Performance and Image Quality Upgrades

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature Apple's latest A18 processor and 8GB of RAM. Storage options remain unconfirmed. It will also reportedly adopt a USB-C port, potentially for better Apple Intelligence functionality and improved user experience.

In terms of imaging, the iPhone SE 4 will reportedly use the same 48MP Fusion main camera as the iPhone 16, along with a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. However, it will only have a single rear camera, lacking ultra-wide or telephoto capabilities. Nevertheless, the 48MP sensor represents a significant upgrade for the SE series, enabling 2x optical zoom, likely a key selling point.

Price Prediction: Starting at $400?

Supply chain reports estimate the iPhone SE 4's price at $400. However, this hasn't been officially confirmed, and the final price awaits official announcement from Apple.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Upgrade

Based on current leaks, the iPhone SE 4 promises comprehensive upgrades in design, screen, performance, camera, and connectivity. It will adopt a fresh design language, boast a more powerful processor and camera, and include Apple's in-house modem. While certain compromises exist, such as the single-lens camera and the modem's performance compared to Qualcomm's, the iPhone SE 4 represents a significant leap for the SE series, offering a noticeably improved user experience. Its market success will ultimately depend on its performance following its official launch. We will continue to monitor and provide timely updates.