It's only a few months since the iPhone SE 2022 was unveiled, but already rumours are flying about the fourth generation update. Recently, one such rumour suggested that the iPhone SE could get an exciting upgrade in the form of a 6.1" display.
The suggested design would take cues from the iPhone XR, while finally ditching the home button. The idea was generally well received, though fans of Apple's now defunct iPhone Mini had one complaint – screen size.
Critics called for the fourth generation of the SE to maintain a smaller screen size, to appease those who prefer it. In the current iPhone 14 generation, the vanilla model and the iPhone 14 Pro sport 6.1" displays, while the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro Max feature a gargantuan 6.7" display.
There's good news for small screen fans, though. As reported by MacRumours, renowned display supply chain consultant, Ross Young, has Tweeted that Apple are still deciding on both screen size and screen material for the new SE.
The good news is that there's a 5.7" display in the mix. Okay, it's not the svelte 5.4" model that died with the iPhone Mini, but it would still represent the smallest iPhone in the line-up. According to Young, decisions are being made between 5.7" and 6.1" variants in both LCD and OLED.
The latter would represent a significant departure for Apple's best cheap phone. Until now, OLED panels have been reserved for only the best iPhones, with the SE sporting an LCD panel to help keep costs down. There are concerns that an OLED panel, coupled with rampant global inflation, could cause an unwelcome price hike for the iPhone SE.
I hope Apple do opt for a 5.7" panel on the iPhone SE 4. While I personally don't mind a larger display, there are swathes of people that do. Cutting them off unnecessarily seems like a bad business choice, even if the bitter taste of the iPhone Mini lingers.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
More than that, though, I think a 6.1" iPhone SE would muddy the waters for the iPhone. One of the best selling points for the SE is having a premium processor without the premium price tag. The current SE features the same A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 – albeit with one less GPU core than the version in the 14.
But if the SE had a 6.1" OLED panel, plus an up-to-date processor, it would encroach heavily on Apple's standard iPhone. And if there's one thing the iPhone line-up doesn't need, it's another complication.
Online news writer at T3.com, Sam has five years of experience in online and print journalism, with work featured in publications like Metro and Last Word on Sports. After years writing about music and football, Sam now turns his hand to bringing you news about new phones, smart home products, smart watches, laptops and TVs. Sam is a longtime fan and user of Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks and Apple Watches.He’s also T3’s resident football expert, bringing you everything you need to know about the big games, including how to watch them. In his spare time, Sam is a keen guitarist, watch lover and (very) amateur golfer.
-
This Zenith x Porter PILOT chronograph watch is a triumph in khaki
Zenith partners with PORTER on two limited edition khaki PILOT watches
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
PS Plus getting one of 2025's most exciting upcoming PS5 games for free
PS Plus Extra and Premium members getting Remedy's weird new shooter on day one
By Rik Henderson Published
-
These dummies allegedly show the iPhone 4 SE – and there's a big surprise
Could Apple be working on two different versions of the iPhone SE 4?
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
I tried the iPhone 16 Pro on safari – now I want one for the huge camera upgrade
The iPhone 16 Pro's zoom boost is a game-changer
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple’s now delivering big discounts on its best iPads
The fastest M1 iPad Pro and Air models are now appearing in the Apple refurb store
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
iPhone 17 Pro and entire iPhone 18 series tipped for a very important upgrade
The next iPhone Pro / Pro Max is expected to boost speeds through extra RAM
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
All-new Apple iPad mini 7 gets a surprise announcement – pre-orders now open
Apple isn't waiting for its next event to give us the news we've been waiting for
By Rik Henderson Published
-
This iPhone SE 4 feature may be missing in action
The iPhone SE 4 may resemble the most recent iPhones, but it looks like it'll be lacking one key feature
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Your iPhone could soon be the perfect partner for sports events, gigs and shows
Digital concert tickets could soon include everything from playlists to the location of your pals
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Apple’s slowing down its schedule for everything other than iPhones, says insider
The iPhone will remain an annual upgrade, but a new report says Apple plans to slow down its release schedule from 2025
By Carrie Marshall Published