The highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 is set to launch soon, but one significant aspect remains uncertain: its price. While the rumors have revealed much about the device’s specs, the exact cost is still under wraps, and this could potentially be a problem for Apple’s budget-friendly lineup.
Price concerns for the iPhone SE 4

Although Apple has kept the price of the fourth-generation iPhone SE a secret, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has suggested that it will come with a higher price tag compared to its predecessor, which is priced at $429. While the exact increase remains unclear, it’s expected to be within the same general range as entry-level smartphones from brands like Samsung and Google.
Expected cost of the iPhone SE 4
Given the pricing trends of similar devices, the cost is likely to hover around $500. For instance, the low-end Pixel 8a retailed for $499, and its successor may follow suit, with an option priced around $599 for models with more storage. As such, the iPhone SE 4 may see a similar price point as its competitors in the budget smartphone market.
Hardware and software upgrades: the reason behind the price hike
Why the price increase? It all comes down to the expected hardware and software improvements. The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to feature the same form factor as the iPhone 14, marking a departure from the iconic home button introduced by Steve Jobs back in 2007. While the SE series typically reuses older designs to keep costs down, this new iteration will likely bring some modern upgrades to make it more appealing to consumers.
Design and specs: will the iPhone SE 4 live up to the new price?
In terms of design, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to maintain the iPhone 14’s classic look, without incorporating the dynamic island feature found in Apple’s more recent models. Despite using an older design, the iPhone 14’s structure has aged well and continues to hold up, so this doesn’t detract from the overall appeal of the SE. However, it remains to be seen whether the added features will justify the price hike in this budget-friendly line.
The big question is: will consumers accept the higher price?
The key question for Apple’s new iPhone SE 4 is whether it can successfully justify the price increase. As the competition in the budget smartphone space intensifies, it will be crucial for Apple to offer tangible upgrades that appeal to cost-conscious consumers.