iPhone SE 4 mass production likely to begin in December 2024: Everything we know about the upcoming smartphone

Of late there have been multiple reports about Apple launching the iPhone SE 4 and the iPhone SE 4 Plus. Now a fresh report suggests that Apple will start mass production of the iPhone SE 4 in December 2025. And the piece of information comes from Ming Chi Kuo, who is a noted Apple analyst. In his blog, Kuo has predicted that mass production of the iPhone SE4 will begin in December 2024. This would mean that Apple is likely preparing a significant manufacturing ramp-up ahead of an official launch, possibly set for early 2025. According to Kuo, Apple is projecting production of about 8.6 million units from December 2024 through the first quarter of 2025 (ending in March).
Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4 could bring a big upgrade to its budget-friendly lineup. According to recent leaks, Apple may introduce not only an iPhone SE 4 but also an iPhone SE 4 Plus, offering a larger-screen option for those wanting more variety in Apple’s more affordable range. This information comes from the Japanese website Macotakara, which obtained a 3D mockup of what’s believed to be the iPhone SE 4 and compared it with existing iPhone 14 cases and accessories.
Based on the mockup, the iPhone SE 4 could look a lot like the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch display. It’s expected to have a TrueDepth front camera similar to that of the iPhone 14, indicating that Face ID might finally arrive in Apple’s SE lineup. Dimensions are also nearly identical, with the SE 4 mockup showing a height of 146.7 mm, a width of 71.5 mm, and a thickness of 7.80 mm—essentially the same size as the iPhone 14.
One notable change could be the introduction of a USB-C port instead of Apple’s traditional Lightning port. This would align with the EU’s new regulations for a universal charging standard. Additionally, the bottom of the iPhone SE 4 mockup shows five speaker holes on the right and three on the left, indicating stereo speakers and a built-in microphone similar to the iPhone 14.
However, there are a few subtle differences in the rear camera layout compared to the iPhone 14. The SE 4’s main camera appears to be slightly smaller, and the distance between the camera and flash is different, which means accessories made for the iPhone 14 may not be a perfect fit for the SE 4.
Interestingly, Macotakara reports that Apple initially planned to make the iPhone SE 4 in a 6.7-inch size, matching the iPhone 14 Plus, but later decided to include a 6.1-inch model as well. This hints at the possibility of an iPhone SE 4 Plus, though Apple hasn’t confirmed the final model options yet.
With design elements from the iPhone 14 and potential upgrades like Face ID and USB-C, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a significant step forward. Whether Apple will release just one model or include a Plus variant remains to be seen, but these rumors have certainly sparked excitement among Apple fans.