Apple iPhone SE 4 Launch Live Updates: Will the budget smartphone feature bigger display, face ID and AI … – The Economic Times

Apple is preparing to introduce a new iPhone SE model today, which CEO Tim Cook possible teased as the “newest member of the family.” Cook had posted a short animation of a metallic Apple logo on X, hinting at the announcement but without revealing specifics. Speculation is high that the company is preparing to launch an updated iPhone SE, as Apple retail stores have reportedly been running out of stock for the current model. Apple first introduced the iPhone SE in 2016 as a budget-friendly alternative to its premium iPhone lineup. The last version, released in 2022, now appears outdated, as it remains the only iPhone with a physical home button and lacks Face ID. The upcoming model is expected to resemble the iPhone 14, featuring a larger screen, Face ID, and an overall more modern design. Additionally, it may incorporate Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-powered software.

Event Details and Live Streaming
The Apple iPhone SE 4 launch event is scheduled to take place at 10:00 AM PT, which translates to 11:30 PM IST in India. The event will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, and will be hosted by Apple CEO Tim Cook along with other senior executives. It will also be streamed live worldwide through Apple’s official website, YouTube channel, the Apple TV app, and Apple’s social media handles including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The expected price of the new iPhone SE 4 is around $499 in the US, between ₹50,000 and ₹55,000 in India, approximately £449 in the UK, €529 in Europe, and CAD 680 in Canada. However, if Apple decides to rebrand the device as the iPhone 16E, the prices may be slightly higher. Pre-orders are expected to begin from February 23, 2025, while deliveries may commence from March 1. The USA, Canada, UK, and India are likely to be among the first markets to receive the device.

Design and Key Features
The new iPhone SE 4 is expected to come with a 6.1-inch OLED display, marking a first for an SE model. The phone is rumored to include Apple’s in-house 5G modem, Face ID support, a flat-edge design resembling the iPhone 13, a glass back with an aluminum frame, and IP67 water and dust resistance.

It is expected to be powered by Apple’s A18 chip, just like the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and feature 8 GB of RAM with storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB. The battery is said to be slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 but better than the SE 3, with a USB-C port supporting fast charging.

In terms of the camera, the rear may have a 12 MP single camera with improved Night Mode and Smart HDR, while the front camera is expected to be a 12 MP TrueDepth camera capable of recording 4K video at 60 fps. There are reports suggesting that the iPhone SE 4 could introduce AI-powered camera features, making it the most affordable iPhone to integrate Apple Intelligence.

Additional Announcements: MacBook Air M4, iPad Air, and Smart Home Device
Apart from the iPhone SE 4, Apple might also unveil the new MacBook Air M4, which is expected to be powered by the latest M4 chip. The iPad Air may also receive an upgrade, possibly featuring the M3 chip, and an entry-level iPad might be announced with an A16 Bionic or A17 Pro chip.

Additionally, rumors indicate that Apple might introduce a new smart home device. Speculation suggests that this could be a HomePod with a display, designed to compete with devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. It is expected to feature a 6-inch or 7-inch screen, run on the A18 chip, and integrate Apple Intelligence features, serving as a central hub for smart home controls and FaceTime calls.