First Look: iPhone SE 4 Tipped for Early 2025 with All-Screen OLED Display and Face ID
Apple’s beloved budget iPhone is finally getting the modern makeover fans have been waiting for, ditching the home button for a sleek, all-screen design.
By Tech Pulse Editors | July 22, 2025
AHANGAMA, Sri Lanka – The iPhone SE has long been Apple's dark horse—a powerhouse of performance packed into a classic, budget-friendly design. But for years, fans have clamored for an update that brings its look into the modern era. Now, according to a cascade of recent supply chain leaks and analyst reports, that moment is finally on the horizon.
The highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 is tipped for a release in early 2025, and it's poised to be the most significant upgrade in the SE lineup's history. The new model is expected to ditch the iconic home button and thick bezels, adopting a full-screen OLED display and Face ID for the first time.
A Modern Design at a Budget Price
The single biggest change coming to the iPhone SE 4 is its physical design. Sources suggest it will be based on the chassis of the iPhone 14, offering a contemporary look and feel that's a world away from the current iPhone 8-based design.
Key design changes include:
A 6.1-inch OLED Display: A massive leap from the current 4.7-inch LCD screen. This move to OLED will bring deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and a far more immersive viewing experience.
Flat Edges & Aluminum Frame: The sleek, flat-sided design of the modern iPhone series will finally arrive on the SE, making it feel premium and consistent with the rest of Apple's lineup.
The Famous Notch: To accommodate the Face ID sensors, the SE 4 will feature a display notch, signaling its transition to Apple's modern biometric security.
The End of the Home Button: Face ID Takes Over
For the first time on a budget iPhone, Touch ID is expected to be retired in favor of Face ID. This move not only enables the all-screen design but also brings Apple's secure facial recognition technology to a more accessible price point. The switch represents the end of an era for the physical home button, a feature that has defined the iPhone for over a decade.
What's Under the Hood?
While it will look like an iPhone 14 on the outside, the internals will be a strategic mix of new and proven technology to keep costs down. It is expected to feature:
A Powerful A-Series Chip: Likely the A16 Bionic chip from the iPhone 14 Pro, ensuring flagship-level performance that will handle demanding apps and games with ease for years to come.
An Upgraded Camera: While it will likely retain a single rear camera to differentiate it from the more expensive models, expect significant improvements powered by computational photography, including better low-light performance and access to features like Photographic Styles.
USB-C Port: In line with Apple's recent transition, the iPhone SE 4 will feature a USB-C charging port, ditching the Lightning connector for good.
Market Impact: The New Mid-Range Champion?
By combining a modern design with a powerful processor and an affordable price tag (analysts predict it will stay under the $500 mark), the iPhone SE 4 is poised to dominate the mid-range smartphone market. It presents a compelling option for users who want the full iOS experience and years of software updates without the pro-level price tag. The early 2025 release window positions it perfectly as a major driver of growth for Apple in the new year.