The rumors about Apple's most affordable phone have been spinning for so long they basically feel like urban legends at this point. You've probably heard it was coming in 2023. Then 2024. Then it just... didn't. But honestly, the wait is almost over. If you’re staring at an aging iPhone 11 or a SE 3 with a battery that dies by noon, you’re likely asking the same thing everyone else is: When is iPhone SE 4 coming out? Based on the latest supply chain movements and analyst reports from early 2026, we finally have a concrete picture.
The short answer: You won't have to wait through summer
The iPhone SE 4 is widely expected to launch in early 2026, most likely during a spring window in March. Historically, Apple loves March for the SE. The original launched in March 2016. The third-gen hit shelves in March 2022. It's a pattern.
Recent leaks from supply chain analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that mass production for certain components, specifically the new OLED panels, is already ramping up. This isn't just a minor refresh. Apple is moving away from the "antique" iPhone 8 design—the one with the chunky forehead and the physical home button—to something that actually looks like it belongs in this decade.
Some reports have even teased a February announcement to get ahead of the spring rush, but March remains the "smart money" bet.
📖 Related: Big Bluetooth Speakers Walmart: What Most People Get Wrong About Huge Sound
Why this launch feels different
Look, the SE has always been the "recycled" iPhone. It’s usually an old shell with a new brain. But with the iPhone SE 4, Apple is breaking that mold in a way that’s kinda shocking for their budget line.
For the first time, the SE will ditch the LCD screen. We’re finally getting an OLED display. Specifically, it’s rumored to be a 6.06-inch panel, essentially borrowing the chassis of the iPhone 14. This means:
- Face ID is finally here: No more clicking a home button with a wet thumb.
- USB-C: Apple is officially killing Lightning across the board.
- Action Button: There are strong whispers that the SE 4 might even get the customizable Action Button from the Pro series, though that’s still a "maybe."
The Apple Intelligence factor
This is the big one. Apple is currently obsessed with "Apple Intelligence." To run these local AI features, a phone needs a beefy processor and, more importantly, at least 8GB of RAM.
The current SE 3 only has 4GB. That’s why when is iPhone SE 4 coming out matters so much for the future-proofing crowd. If you buy an old model now, you're locked out of the AI era. The SE 4 is expected to pack the A18 chip—the same one found in the base iPhone 16. That is a massive jump in power for a phone that’s supposed to be the "cheap" option.
Breaking down the specs
Let's get into the weeds for a second because the hardware shifts are dramatic.
🔗 Read more: Life in Second Life: Why People Still Spend Real Money and Years in a 2003 Virtual World
The Camera: Don't expect three lenses. Or even two. To keep costs down, Apple is sticking to a single rear camera. However, it’s not the old 12MP sensor. It’s looking like a 48MP main sensor. This is a huge deal because it allows for "optical-quality" 2x zoom by cropping into the center of the sensor. You’ll get much better photos without the bulk of a second lens.
The Modem: This is a bit of a nerd-sniped detail, but it's important. The SE 4 might be the debut for Apple’s in-house 5G modem. They’ve been trying to stop paying Qualcomm for years. Using the SE as a testbed for their own modem is a classic Apple move. If it works well, it’ll be in every iPhone 18 later this year.
Pricing: The $500 ceiling
Here is the reality check. The current SE starts at $429. With a bigger OLED screen, Face ID, and a 48MP camera, there is almost no way Apple keeps that price.
The consensus among leakers is a target price of $499.
👉 See also: Why Awesome Gadgets for Men Still Feel Like Magic (And Which Ones Actually Work)
Is it still a budget phone at five hundred bucks? Sorta. In a world where Pro Max models push $1,200, it’s still the "entry level," but the days of the $399 iPhone are likely gone forever. If it hits $549, it might face a tough crowd, especially with refurbished iPhone 15s floating around.
What should you do right now?
If you can wait until March, wait. Buying an iPhone SE 3 today is a mistake unless you absolutely, 100% need a physical home button. The technology gap between the current SE and the upcoming SE 4 is the largest we’ve ever seen in this product line. We are talking about a jump from 2017 design standards to 2024 standards in one go.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your trade-in value: See what your current phone is worth on sites like Back Market or Apple’s own trade-in page. Values for the SE 3 will likely tank the second the SE 4 is officially announced.
- Audit your storage: The SE 4 is expected to start at 128GB. If you’re struggling with a 64GB phone now, don’t even look at older models; wait for that base storage bump.
- Watch the March Event: Keep an eye on Apple’s Newsroom site in early March. That’s usually where the press release or event invite will drop first.
The iPhone SE 4 isn't just a "cheaper iPhone" this time around—it’s basically an iPhone 16 in an iPhone 14’s clothing, and for $499, that's going to be hard to beat.