New details about the iPhone SE 4 have just leaked. Here's what we learned

The iPhone SE will finally get a new look, although it could still look identical to a two-generation-old mainline model. This source of information comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who claims that the next “SE” variant could arrive early next year.

“The new model will be similar to the iPhone 14, including the notch on the top,” the report says. This means that the upcoming iPhone could also be the last Apple smartphone with a physical home button with an integrated Touch ID sensor.

So far, the last two iPhone SE models have carried essentially the same design language that was first introduced with the iPhone 8. However, it won't be a real eye-catcher as the boat-shaped notch was never really a feast for the eyes, and the pill-shaped cutout introduced with the iPhone 14 series is the latest design avatar.

But yes, with those thick top and bottom bezels gone, we're looking at a larger screen, although it will most likely still be an LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. The more exciting – and practical – upgrade could be a larger battery and MagSafe support.

AI for everyone

But the most enticing aspect of the next iPhone SE might be support for Apple Intelligence – the bundle of generative AI features that includes a revamped Siri, deeper app integration and a little help from ChatGPT.

This also means we're getting the latest silicon from Apple. Previously, Apple Intelligence was limited to the A17 Pro (in the iPhone 15 Pro pair) and the A18 series, which powers the iPhone 16 lineup.

It's plausible that the 2025 iPhone SE could feature the A18, and given the history of its predecessors, it won't be out of character either. But packing in next-generation silicon and a more expensive design language is almost a sure sign that we're expecting a price increase.

That won't come as a surprise either. Apple has imposed a 5G tax on the current-generation iPhone SE, which costs $429, and given the additional costs of deploying generative AI on a phone in the form of more expensive silicon and cloud server costs, we might as well set to the “AI tax”. Next year.

So far, the next iPhone SE seems to be an exciting upgrade, especially for people who just want a pocket-friendly phone for a reliably functioning phone, one without all the bells and whistles of multiple cameras and with fancy capacitive display buttons.

Bloomberg's report also mentions the launch of updated iPads next year, as well as a new version of the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air in 11-inch and 13-inch formats.