I revisited the iPhone SE in 2025, and it received me excited for every little thing however itself

By the top of this week, Apple ought to have changed the present iPhone SE, which launched nearly three years in the past, with a extra vitalized, succesful, and in-with-the-times successor. It’s going to probably nonetheless be known as “iPhone SE,” however not a lot else concerning the new telephone would be the identical. That is a superb factor.

Additionally: Apple could lastly launch this new iPhone mannequin this week – what to anticipate with SE 4

For the previous two years, Apple has, in a manner, gotten away with freeway theft. When the newest iPhone SE first launched in 2022, it was a believable deal, with the identical processing energy because the iPhone 13 however in a $429 bundle. Years later, that very same processor, whereas succesful, is not as promising as what different rivals are providing on the worth level.

At the very least, that is what I found after rebooting the handset from my drawer of forgotten tech. I revisited the iPhone SE to arrange for Apple’s massive product unveiling this week. However as shortly as notifications popped up after I related to Wi-Fi, I used to be reminded of why the telephone had been in my drawer within the first place.

Except you are a minimalist and/or desire the old-school manner of utilizing smartphones (e.g., urgent bodily dwelling buttons and having a palm-sized kind issue), the iPhone SE will not lower it for most individuals in 2025. The 4.7-inch LCD show makes typing simply as tough as studying the captions of vertical movies, the mere 64GB of base storage is sufficient to retailer three apps, a video, and the newest software program replace, and the battery is ideal for people who take into account themselves the exact opposite of an influence consumer.

Additionally: Can rebooting your iPhone actually make it run sooner? I attempted it each day to search out out

I managed to get by two days of re-using the iPhone SE, however that wasn’t with out some hand fatigue, squinting, and the occasional go to to the closest energy financial institution. Even then, I needed to dig out a Lightning cable to cost the telephone, which made the expertise extra of a burden. In a manner, it felt just like the iPhone SE was telling me to maneuver on, and so I did.

To be honest, it wasn’t all doom and gloom with the iPhone SE. For instance, I did not miss having Apple Intelligence options to present me writing type strategies or take away topics from my pictures. 

Additionally: Apple releases iOS 18.3 with AI-powered Apple Intelligence on by default

The A15 Bionic chip, with its 4GB of RAM, was sufficient to run a number of Safari tabs, in style social media apps, and most video games. This reliability in a price range bundle is what made the SE such an awesome deal within the first place.

That is why my anticipation for the subsequent iPhone SE, which can come as quickly as tomorrow, is at an all-time excessive. As I discussed, many issues concerning the new mannequin will probably drastically differ from the present one. Based mostly on the newest experiences, listed below are the most important modifications:

If all of those modifications maintain true, and Apple costs the telephone competitively, the iPhone SE could go from one of many worst telephone offers in 2025 to the price range telephone to beat this yr.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

In the event you’re looking for an reasonably priced iPhone this week, take into account ready a couple of extra days. Even when Apple costs the brand new iPhone SE within the $500-$600 vary, it will nonetheless be a major improve from the earlier mannequin and simple to justify. 

Additionally: Greatest iPhones 2025: Which iPhone mannequin do you have to purchase?

There is a good probability it will not have a secondary digicam just like the iPhone 14, which Apple nonetheless sells, however the modernized options, such because the USB-C charging port, assist for Apple Intelligence, and longer software program replace coverage, ought to make the SE the extra worthwhile funding.

Till then, I am going to pour one out for probably Apple’s final “small” telephone. The successor might be so significantly better in nearly each manner, but it surely will not be the identical.