iPhone SE 4 leak: Early launch, OLED screen, USB-C, and Apple’s 5G chip

A recent leaker on X with a proven track record has indicated that a new iPhone SE, codenamed “V59,” and an entry-level iPad, codenamed “J481,” are set to launch alongside iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has corroborated these claims, highlighting the expected release timeframe.

Apple to launch new iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 soon

iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 are anticipated for release in late January, following the trend established by previous “.3” updates from Apple. If this timeline holds, both the new iPhone SE and iPad 11 could debut later this month, contingent upon the accuracy of the leaker’s information.

Historically, Apple has announced all three prior iPhone SE models in March or April, making a January announcement of the iPhone SE 4 earlier than typical. Another potential name for the upcoming device is iPhone 16E.

A key factor influencing the January launch may be Apple’s recent cessation of sales for the current iPhone SE, which features a Lightning port, within the European Union, due to new USB-C regulations. The upcoming iPhone SE is expected to incorporate a USB-C port, allowing Apple to reintroduce the device in the EU sooner than if it were launched later in the spring.

The new iPhone SE is rumored to share a design similar to the base iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a newer A-series chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence support, and the first Apple-designed 5G modem. Uncertainty remains regarding the inclusion of an Action button, which is a feature of the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Currently, the iPhone SE starts at $429 in the U.S., though a price increase is considered likely for the forthcoming model.

Regarding the iPad 11, it is expected to support Apple Intelligence, equipped with a newer A-series chip and an increase to 8GB of RAM compared to the iPad 10. At this time, no significant design changes have been hinted at for this model, which follows the iPad 10’s announcement in October 2022.

Mark Gurman has mentioned that new MacBook Air models may be announced ahead of the new iPhone SE and iPad 11, perhaps featuring the rumored upgrade to the M4 chip for both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models.

Apple plans spring launch for new devices

Additional sources have indicated that the launch of the new iPads and iPhone SE 4 is expected in the first half of 2025, with Gurman noting a specific target of “by April.” This aligns with previous reports that suggested a spring launch window.

Information from an anonymous leaker suggested that the new devices will ship with iOS 18.3 pre-installed, as Apple prepares to integrate support for these new hardware models into the update. Generally, iOS and iPadOS “.3” updates are released in late January.

Despite these updates, the devices may not be announced simultaneously with the iOS 18.3 release. Spring typically begins in mid-March, suggesting that announcements for the new products may occur between March and April, consistent with past launch patterns.

Last year, products such as the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air were announced in May alongside iPadOS 17.4. Apple has confirmed plans to release iOS 18.4 in April, which will enable Apple Intelligence for non-English languages for the first time. Therefore, this framework helps pinpoint the launch timeline for these new devices.

Rumored specs for the iPhone SE 4 indicate a design resembling the iPhone 14, but with a single rear camera and featuring the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16. The iPad 11 may receive comparable enhancements, potentially involving an A17 Pro chip to support Apple Intelligence.

Details regarding the updated iPad Air remain sparse following last year’s M2 chip update. Anticipated announcements for the new devices may occur during a special event or a series of video presentations.

Featured image credit: Hanyang Zhang/Unspalsh