New Apple SE 4: refurbisher killer or a failure?

The rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone SE 4 suggest it will be a significant upgrade from its predecessors, with a release expected in 2024 or early 2025. Here are the key details based on current leaks:

1. Design and Display: The Apple iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display. This is a notable shift from the smaller LCD screens of previous SE models. The design will likely include a notch and possibly even an Action Button, akin to what has been seen on recent Pro models.
2. Hardware and Performance: The device is expected to be powered by the A18 chipset, potentially offering 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This would make it a very powerful budget option. Additionally, it might be the first iPhone to use Apple's own 5G chip instead of the Qualcomm chips used in other models.
3. Camera: Rumors suggest a significant camera upgrade, with a single 48MP rear camera, which would be a considerable improvement over the 12MP camera in the current iPhone SE. Features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR are expected, though it might lack Night Mode.
4. Battery and Charging: The SE 4 might include a battery similar to that of the iPhone 14, with a capacity around 3,279mAh, providing better battery life than its predecessor. Charging will likely be via USB-C, complying with recent EU regulations, and support for 20W wired charging and 12W wireless charging is expected.
5. Pricing: The inclusion of higher-end components like an OLED display and 48MP camera could lead to a price increase, with estimates suggesting it might start between US$ 499 and US$ 549. At this moment SE 3 is priced at US$ 429.

History of Apple iPhone SE

 Apple iPhone SE

- Introduction Year: March 2016

- Specifications: The first iPhone SE featured a 4-inch display and the body of the iPhone 5s but included the internal hardware of the iPhone 6s, such as the A9 chip and a 12 MP camera. The device had Touch ID but did not support 3D Touch.

- Sales Figures: While Apple did not release specific sales figures for the iPhone SE, the device was highly popular, especially among consumers who preferred a smaller screen. Estimates suggest that approximately 30 million units were sold in the first year.

Apple iPhone SE 2

- Introduction Year: April 2020

- Specifications: The second-generation iPhone SE had a 4.7-inch display and the body of the iPhone 8 but was powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which was also used in the iPhone 11 series. The device featured Touch ID, a 12 MP rear camera, and a 7 MP front camera.

- Sales Figures: The iPhone SE (2020) was well-received, particularly for its value-for-money proposition. It is estimated that between 20 and 25 million units were sold in its first year.

Apple iPhone SE 3

- Introduction Year: March 2022

- Specifications: The third-generation iPhone SE retained the same 4.7-inch body as its predecessor but came with the more powerful A15 Bionic chip (the same as in the iPhone 13) and added 5G support. The camera remained largely unchanged, but performance and battery life were improved thanks to the new chip.

- Sales Figures: The iPhone SE (2022) had a slightly slower start in terms of sales compared to the second generation, primarily because many consumers had become accustomed to larger screens, and there were other attractive options available in the same price range. It is estimated that between 10 and 15 million units were sold in the first year.

Impact Apple SE 4 on secondary market

Over the years, sales volumes of new Apple iPhone SE models have shown a notable decline, dropping from over 30 million units in 2016 to around 12 million in 2022. A significant factor contributing to this trend is the intense competition the iPhone SE faces from more premium used and refurbished Apple devices. The relatively high price of the iPhone SE 3 has been a major hurdle to its success, despite it offering one of the best price-to-specification ratios within Apple’s lineup.

While there is some debate among researchers regarding the average selling price (ASP) of used and refurbished iPhones, it is generally agreed that the ASP is significantly lower than the anticipated price of the upcoming iPhone SE 4, which is expected to start at US$ 499. This price disparity suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will likely struggle to disrupt the market for refurbished iPhones. Therefore, it's unlikely that the new iPhone SE 4 will become the long-anticipated Apple "refurbisher killer."