
Gurman highlights that Apple CEO Tim Cook made remarks that likely pertain to the iPhone SE, announcing the arrival of a new addition to their product lineup on February 19. The phrasing suggests a fresh offering rather than an update to an existing product. Meanwhile, the upcoming smart hub from Apple is still under development, making it plausible to believe that the iPhone SE 4 will debut in early 2025.
Considering this potential rebranding, one might wonder why Apple is contemplating dropping the popular SE designation. Gurman insinuates that the significant differences in this device compared to earlier models warrant a new name. The specifications we’ve encountered so far suggest that the redesign aligns more closely with the iPhone 16 family than it does with a standalone device.

Many Apple fans are contemplating an upgrade to the SE 4 instead of the iPhone 16. | Video credit — Apple
Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, it’s rumored that the iPhone SE 4 will be equipped with the same processor as the iPhone 16 series. If verified, this means the iPhone SE 4 will deliver comparable performance to Apple’s flagship models. Apple has positioned the iPhone 16 series similarly to the iPhone 15, indicating that the enhancements aren’t drastic. Thus, it’s likely that the iPhone SE 4 will follow suit, providing high-end performance at a more accessible price point, appealing to a broader audience.
Secondly, and arguably more importantly, the iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to feature 8 GB of RAM, enabling it to support Apple Intelligent capabilities. While Apple’s AI offerings may not yet be market-leading, it’s exciting to see that their budget-friendly model will also harness these advanced features.
Should these forecasts hold true, the iPhone 16E could emerge as one of the top smartphones of 2025.
