As Apple gears up for its next budget-friendly offering, the iPhone SE 4, expectations are high following the underwhelming performance of its predecessor, the iPhone SE 3, in the market. The upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE 4 is rumored to boast substantial innovations including a switch to a 6.1-inch OLED display, potentially repurposing the screen technology used in the iPhone 13, marking a departure from the LCD technology exclusively used in the SE series to date. This change is anticipated to bridge the gap between the SE series and Apple's more premium models.
Further reports suggest Apple is contemplating cost-effective strategies for this upgrade, considering reusing an existing display from an older model to reduce upgrade costs. The likely candidate is the 6.1-inch OLED panel from the iPhone 13. Amid speculations on the supplier, Samsung and BOE have been mentioned with competitive bids ranging between $30 to $40, with Samsung poised to secure the bulk of the orders due to its $30 per unit offering. This pricing strategy is notably lower than the costs associated with panels used in the iPhone 15, promising a reasonable profit margin for each iPhone SE 4 unit sold.
However, Apple has yet to finalize its decision on the panel supplier, and the exact release date for the iPhone SE 4 remains uncertain. Industry sources point towards 2025 as the probable launch year, setting the stage for what could be a significant release in Apple's budget smartphone lineup.
