Apple’s Upcoming iPhone SE Launch: What to Expect

Apple has officially confirmed a product launch on February 19th, and all signs point to the introduction of the new iPhone SE. This could mean big changes for the affordable iPhone lineup, including the addition of Face ID and the removal of the familiar home button. Here’s everything we know so far about what could be announced next week.

Big Design Changes Are Coming

The iPhone SE is about to get a major makeover. Since its debut in 2016, the SE’s design has remained largely unchanged, but that’s set to change. The 2022 SE was the last iPhone to feature a traditional home button with thick bezels, but rumors suggest Apple is retiring this look. The new SE is expected to feature a slim bezel and Face ID, resembling the iPhone 14.

Instead of Apple’s latest Dynamic Island, the SE will likely use a notched display for its Face ID sensors. This design was seen in a video shared by leaker Majin Bu, which shows a dummy unit likely created for case manufacturers. Case maker Spigen also accidentally published renders of the phone in a product listing, further confirming the design. While Spigen has taken the page down, GSMArena captured images that match the leaked dummy unit. Check out the captured renders here.

A New Action Button

Leaked details from the Majin Bu video and Spigen’s renders suggest the new SE will include a customizable Action button, a feature that’s been making waves on newer iPhone models. However, it won’t include the Camera Control option introduced on the iPhone 16. True to the SE series, the phone will stick to a single rear camera, though leaks suggest an upgrade to a 48-megapixel sensor on the back and a 12-megapixel selfie camera.

A Bigger, Bolder Display

The new SE is expected to ditch the 4.7-inch screen of its predecessor for a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, the same size as the standard iPhone 16. This redesign means the SE will be larger and heavier than previous models, likely matching the dimensions of the iPhone 16. If the rumors are accurate, the SE could be 9mm taller and around 25g heavier than the 2022 version.

USB-C Finally Replaces Lightning

Apple is making the move to USB-C, and the SE is no exception. This switch will allow the phone to comply with EU regulations, as the previous SE model and other Lightning-equipped iPhones were discontinued in Europe.

Powerful Performance Inside

The new iPhone SE is shaping up to be one of the most powerful budget iPhones yet. According to Bloomberg, it will feature the same A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. Combined with 8GB of RAM, this hardware will support Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-driven tools for features like notification summaries. The SE is also set to debut Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, replacing Qualcomm components. While the new modem won’t support mmWave 5G, it will handle sub-6 bands, consistent with previous SE models.

What About Price?

Bloomberg predicts a starting price of “roughly $500,” an increase from the 2022 model’s $429 price tag. However, the new SE is expected to come with 128GB of storage by default, eliminating the 64GB option across Apple’s lineup.

Will It Still Be Called the iPhone SE?

There’s speculation that Apple might rename the SE, potentially calling it the iPhone 16E. However, the SE name has appeared in more leaks, making it the more likely choice.

Final Thoughts

We don’t have long to wait to see what Apple has in store. The new iPhone SE will likely be the first of several major iPhone launches this year, with rumors of a slimmer iPhone 17 Air and significant updates to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. February 19th is just around the corner, so mark your calendar for what could be a big day for Apple fans. Read more about Apple’s upcoming announcements here.