A new claim has come from China that Apple’s iPhone SE 4 will use the same rear case manufacturing process as the upcoming iPhone 16 models. The claim was made by a leakster on Weibo who goes by the name “Fixed Focus Digital.”
This new information dispels previously rumors that Apple would use the iPhone 14 chassis for the iPhone SE 4. In November 2023, MacRumors learned from a source close to Apple’s manufacturing process that the dimensions of the iPhone SE 4 “perfectly match” the existing base iPhone 14.
Vertical camera setup likely on iPhone SE 4
Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPhone 14 models and adopt a newer rear casing process for the more affordable SE model may have been aimed at achieving economies of scale in production. However, it could also signal a change to the camera system on the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Previous rumors have suggested that the iPhone SE 4 will feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera.
In contrast, the iPhone 16 models appear to feature a new vertical camera lens arrangement, unlike the diagonal lens arrangement found on the iPhone 15 models. This new arrangement will allow the standard iPhone 16 models to shoot Spatial Video for the Vision Pro glasses. The iPhone SE 4 adopts the same rear chassis, suggesting it could feature a dual-camera arrangement, though there’s no definitive word yet on Apple’s plans for that.
Apple is said to be targeting a starting price of under $500 for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. The affordable device is expected to receive many upgrades. Touch ID and the Home button will be replaced with Face ID and a notch, and the screen size will increase from 4.7 inches to 6.1 inches. There will also be a USB-C port and an Action button on the new SE.
The third-generation iPhone SE, which was released in March 2022, has created a pent-up demand for a new model with the latest features. Be sure to check out our exclusive roundup for everything we know about the iPhone SE 4.