This spring, Apple is planning to launch a major iPhone SE 4 upgrade, and that new model will introduce a glaring problem for the iPhone lineup. Apple will likely sell two iPhones—15 and 14—at higher prices than the new SE, despite them being worse products in almost every way.
New features coming to the iPhone SE 4
When the new iPhone SE 4 arrives—currently expected in March—it will include an impressive feature list.
Highlights include:
- Edge-to-edge OLED display with a notch
- Face ID and no Home Button
- A18 chip that’s also in the iPhone 16
- 8GB of RAM
- Apple Intelligence support
- 48MP rear camera
- USB-C port
- plus Apple’s new in-house 5G modem
The current iPhone SE starts at $429.
Due to the significant upgrades being offered by the SE 4, I’m expecting Apple to bump the price closer to $499.
But here’s the problem: even at that price point, Apple will still be charging more for two inferior iPhone models.
The awkward sell of the iPhone 15 and 14
Apple historically keeps selling older iPhone models for multiple years before they’re discontinued. This doesn’t happen with the Pro models, but it does for base configurations.
As a result, today Apple sells the following iPhones:
- iPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 & 16 Plus
- iPhone 15 & 15 Plus
- iPhone 14 & 14 Plus
- iPhone SE
The lineup makes a lot of sense, both in terms of features and pricing.
But that will no longer be the case when the new SE arrives, replacing the very dated current SE model.
The new lineup as of March will include iPhone 15 at $699, iPhone 14 at $599, and iPhone SE 4 at $499 (my guess).
On paper, the cheapest model will be superior to Apple’s more expensive options in nearly every way.
iPhone SE 4 will have more modern features, including full Apple Intelligence support, extra RAM, a better chip, and more.
There’s little question it will be the best of the trio of iPhones.
Pricier iPhones just won’t offer enough to compete
Starting this spring, there are only a couple advantages the iPhone 15 and 14 will have over the iPhone SE:
- iPhone 15 has a Dynamic Island rather than the notch
- and both 15 and 14 feature an Ultra Wide camera, which the SE won’t
I’m not sure who would want to sacrifice the SE’s own advantages for these features.
Even if the SE didn’t come with a price benefit at all, there’s little debate which is better.
With AI, more RAM, and a more modern A18 chip, it’s still clearly the better phone for most buyers. But add in the $100 or $200 premium of the alternatives?
iPhone SE becomes even more of a no-brainer.
Who do you think might prefer an iPhone 14 or 15 over the new SE 4? Let us know in the comments.
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