iPhone SE 4 Price Leak: Starting at $499, Apple's Self-Developed Chip a Key Factor

iPhone SE 4 Price Leak: Starting at $499, Apple's Self-Developed Chip a Key FactorKorean leaker yeux1122 recently posted on Naver Blog, citing sources within Japanese telecom companies, that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 may start at $499 (approximately 78,000 JPY or RMB 3645) or less. This price is lower than previous market expectations and the price of the previous generation iPhone SE

iPhone SE 4 Price Leak: Starting at $499, Apple's Self-Developed Chip a Key Factor

Korean leaker yeux1122 recently posted on Naver Blog, citing sources within Japanese telecom companies, that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 may start at $499 (approximately 78,000 JPY or RMB 3645) or less. This price is lower than previous market expectations and the price of the previous generation iPhone SE. The blogger attributes the ability to keep the price below $500 to the inclusion of Apple's own custom-designed chip.

In comparison, the 2022 iPhone SE launched at $429 (approximately RMB 3133), with a starting price of RMB 3499 in China. The slight price increase is considered reasonable, accounting for inflation. More importantly, this price increase is underpinned by a significant technological advancement Apple's self-developed chip.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman revealed in his PowerOn newsletter earlier this month that Apple's first in-house modem chip will debut in the iPhone SE 4, launching in 2025, and subsequently be used in some iPad models. While Gurman noted that its performance may not surpass Qualcomm's counterparts, its biggest advantage lies in reducing Apple's reliance on Qualcomm, saving substantial licensing fees. This is crucial for Apple's long-term cost control and profit margin improvement, as Qualcomm's modem chips have historically represented a significant portion of Apple's phone component costs. The self-developed chip will help Apple further optimize its product cost structure.

Beyond the in-house modem chip, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, along with 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence features. This will significantly enhance the iPhone SE 4's performance, providing a smoother user experience and stronger app support. The inclusion of the A18 chip further demonstrates Apple's prowess in high-end chip technology, bringing this advanced technology down to the SE series and boosting its competitiveness.

Supply chain information earlier this month suggested the iPhone SE 4 will boast a 6.06-inch, 60Hz OLED display. This represents a significant upgrade from the previous generation's LCD screen, offering a sharper, more refined visual experience. The adoption of OLED technology signals Apple's increased focus on user experience in its SE series.

The iPhone SE 4's camera system is also expected to mirror the iPhone 16's, featuring the same main and front-facing cameras. The rear camera will be a 48MP "Fusion" lens, capable of capturing standard and 2x zoom photos, while the front-facing camera will be a 12MP TrueDepth camera. The absence of the iPhone 16's ultrawide lens is a compromise, but arguably acceptable for the price-conscious SE target audience. The camera specifications are sufficient for most users' daily needs considering the price point.

In summary, while slightly pricier than its predecessor, the iPhone SE 4's inclusion of Apple's self-developed chip, the A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and an OLED display significantly enhances its performance and user experience. This makes it an attractive option for users seeking a balance of affordability and quality. Apple's self-developed chip successfully controls costs, and this benefit is passed on to consumers, highlighting Apple's prowess in technological innovation and cost management. The release of the iPhone SE 4 signifies a more proactive and competitive strategy in the mid-range market. The successful implementation of Apple's self-developed chip not only reduces costs but also marks a breakthrough in core technology, further solidifying its leading position in the mobile device market. The future application of Apple's self-developed chips may expand further, offering even greater potential for Apple's long-term growth. The slight price adjustment reflects changes in the market environment and supply chain costs, but overall, the iPhone SE 4 maintains its consistent high value proposition. Finally, it is important to note that the above information is based on online leaks; final pricing and specifications will be confirmed by official Apple announcements.