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iPhone SE

The iPhone SE series is Apple’s line of budget-friendly smartphones. The SE models are known for using older iPhone body styles while incorporating newer internal hardware, making them an attractive option for users who prefer a compact form factor without sacrificing speed and software support.

Price is a standout feature. While the iPhone 16 starts at $799, the current iPhone SE 3 comes in at about half that: $429.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on iPhone SE:

Add an iPhone SE to your Apple arsenal for less than $125

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A refurbished Apple iPhone SE (second-gen from 2020)
Pick up this quality iPhone SE at a steep discount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re itching to add a reliable iPhone to your pile of Apple gear — but without dropping flagship-level cash — this deal on an iPhone SE (a refurbished second-gen model) might make your week.

Right now, you can get your hands on a Grade-A refurbished second-gen iPhone SE with 64GB of storage, unlocked and in near-mint condition for just $124.99. Even better? Shipping is free, and the phone is ready to roll with any major carrier.

Will Apple’s iPhone 16e strategy scare away SE buyers?

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Will iPhone SE owners buy iPhone 16e
iPhone SE wasn't a very big seller, but the leap to iPhone 16e, pictured, might be a too big a jump for many SE fans.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s recent decision to replace the iPhone SE with the more premium iPhone 16e marks a shift in the company’s approach to the budget smartphone market — and it might be a big risk, according to new research. The new iPhone 16e, priced at $599, represents a pretty big jump from the iPhone SE’s $429 price point. And that raises questions about whether Apple’s strategy will pay off. Will iPhone SE owners buy iPhone 16e?

Apple created iPhone 16e because iPhone SE 3 was a dud

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iPhone 16e beats iPhone SE 3
Why iPhone 16e beats iPhone SE 3
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The new iPhone 16e drew criticism because it costs 40% more than the handset it replaced, the budget-priced iPhone SE 3. Critics assume Apple cynically took away something lots of buyers wanted: a cheap iPhone. But actually, Apple couldn’t sell many of the low-cost model, according to industry analysts.

The newest offering, with significantly improved specs over the now-defunct iPhone SE 3, seems to be Apple’s attempt to make a low-end handset that more consumers will be interested in, even if the cost went up.

If you’re considering whether to buy Apple iPhone, you might want to see how the iPhone 16e compares to its predecessor.

Tim Cook teases new Apple product, but what is it?

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Animated chromatic Apple logo over a light gray background, with a circlular shape
What could it mean?
Animation: Apple

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed Thursday that his company plans to launch a new product on February 19. He didn’t say what’s on the agenda, other than using a social media post to tease “the newest member of the family.”

There are actually several Apple products that rumors indicate could launch then, including AirTag 2, a new HomePod, the iPhone SE 4, and the MacBook Air with an M4 processor. If you’re curious when does the new MacBook Pro come out, reports suggest Apple may introduce it alongside other anticipated products.

Everything to expect from the redesigned iPhone SE 4

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iPhone SE 4 rumors
There’s no reason to wait to find out all about the iPhone SE 4.
Image: Majin Bu/CCult of Mac

The iPhone SE 4 could launch this week, bringing a significant redesign to Apple’s budget handset. It’ll reportedly mean the end of features that were iPhone hallmarks for many years, like the Home button. Plus, it’ll support Cupertino’s new collection of AI-powered features. Stay updated with the latest iOS news and what this means for iPhone SE owners by checking out this article.

Read on to learn everything that already leaked out describing the revamped fourth-generation SE.

Video gives sneak peek at seriously redesigned iPhone SE 4

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iPhone SE 4 from leaked video
This might be our best look yet at the iPhone SE 4.
Screenshot: Majin Bu

The iPhone SE 4 is right around the corner, and a new video supposedly showing off the low-cost handset reveals what it’ll look like from every angle.

If  this leaked video turns out to be accurate, then the recent rumor that the display in Apple’s next budget handset will sport a Dynamic Island isn’t correct. And that’s just one of many details shown.

Will iOS 19 redesign look more like visionOS? [The CultCast]

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Image of iPhone with Camera app on it, along with The CultCast logo (episode 683)
The iOS overhaul might start with the Camera app.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Is 2025 the year we see a big iOS 19 redesign based on the look and feel of visionOS? A new rumor says so, starting with the Camera app. There’s much to discuss!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Erfon finally made a decision on what size iPad Pro to buy.
  • We discuss the latest rumors about the upcoming iPhone SE and iPad Air models.
  • Apple takes steps to eliminate AI-generated fake news from notification summaries. But the company seems more intent than ever on getting everyone to use Apple Intelligence.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

New MacBook, iPhone and iPads could launch in just weeks

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Apple winter event
A whole slew of products could launch at a possible Apple winter 2025 event.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple appears ready to start 2025 strong by launching a new low-price iPhone, a faster MacBook Air and a pair of revamped iPad models. These could come at a possible Apple winter event as early as February, though the wait might be longer.

An Apple winter event isn’t a given. The company could simply issue a series of press releases introducing the new products. No matter what, you don’t need to wait until the official announcements to know what’s in store. Here are the rumors available on all four upcoming devices.

iPhone SE 4 might avoid Apple’s screen notch

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iPhone SE 4 rumors
Rumors point to the iPhone SE 4 being surprisingly advanced.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The iPhone SE 4, expected soon, makes the Dynamic Island universal on current Apple handsets, according to a generally reliable tipster. If true, it means the iPhone SE 4 will skip the screen notch previously expected.

It’s already virtually certain that Apple’s upcoming lower-cost model will drop another bit of obsolete tech: the Lightning port. And the Home button is on the way out, too.

Why iPhone 14 and iPhone SE were banned in the EU

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iPhone SE banned in the EU
The iPhone SE is among the Apple products pulled from Apple stores in the EU.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

It’s no longer possible to buy an iPhone 14 or iPhone SE 3 from Apple in the EU. And many of Apple’s older accessories also disappeared from the company’s shelves in the European Union, too.

It’s all a result of a EU law that, as of Saturday, banned the sale of handsets with proprietary charging ports. Apple was a primary focus of the legislation.

Apple to discontinue iPhone 14 and iPhone SE sales in the EU

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iPhone 14 in purple
Apple will soon take iPhone SE and iPhone 14 off the shelves in the EU.
Photo: Unsplash

Apple will reportedly stop selling the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and iPhone 14 in the EU by the end of this year. It will do this to comply with the EU’s directive, which mandates all smartphones to use USB-C for charging.

Apple only switched to USB-C on its smartphone lineup with the iPhone 15’s launch in 2023.

iPhone SE 4’s in-house Apple 5G modem could deliver major power savings

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iPhone SE 4 rumors
iPhone SE 4 will be a big upgrade over the iPhone SE 3.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple’s next iPhone SE might use the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16 and 8GB RAM. It will also use the same cameras as the iPhone 15.

The upcoming iPhone SE 4 will reportedly sport a new design that will see Apple ditch the physical Home button. It will also stand out for being the first product in Apple’s portfolio to use its in-house 5G modem.

iPhone SE 4 with Apple Intelligence on course for early 2025

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iPhone SE 4 rumors
iPhone SE 4 could get an intelligence boost.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iPhone SE 4 will debut early next year, according to a reliable source, and supposedly will support Apple Intelligence, the AI-powered features coming soon to iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. The previous iPhone SE 2022 model didn’t perform as well as expected, which may have led Apple to rethink its strategy. Learn more about why Apple created the iPhone 16E in response to the SE’s shortcomings here.

Apple’s 2025 budget handset reportedly will receive a significant redesign. And previous rumors suggest the handset will come with an upgraded display, too.

iPhone SE 4 might finally make jump to OLED

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iPhone SE 4 rumors
Apple could close the door on LCD iPhones with the SE 4.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Fresh evidence points to iPhone SE 4 including an OLED display. If true, this would make it the first in Apple’s line of budget handsets to use this improved type of screen, while every other iPhone gave up traditional LCDs years ago.

The next iPhone SE model is supposedly on the docket for 2025.

This is the most mystifying iPhone 17 rumor yet [The CultCast]

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An iPhone with the word
Apple apparently thinks thin is in again. But your wallet better be fat!
Photo: Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest rumors about a premium “iPhone 17 Slim” leave us scratching our heads. Thickness aside, it sounds like it will bring less of almost everything. Will you pay more for an iPhone Air?

Also on The CultCast:

  • At least one iPhone 17 might get an extra-fancy camera.
  • And we might not be that far from a folding iPhone or a deluxe iPhone SE.
  • After blowing through billions, it sounds like Apple TV+ will be tightening its belt.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Bulked-up iPhone SE 4 could add OLED screen for first time

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bigger iPhone SE with OLED display rumored
If the claim is true, iPhone SE 4 would be the first SE with an OLED display, not to mention a bigger size overall.
Photo: Filipe Alves

The upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE might see a pretty big size increase and become the first SE handset to boast an OLED screen, according to the latest rumors. Other rumored upgrades for the budget iPhone include a powerful 48MP camera and more memory so it can run Apple Intelligence features.

Those are some big changes for an entry-level handset folks thought might be on the chopping block not long ago.

iPhone SE 4 could get a price hike

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iPhone SE in Red
iPhone SE could get a big design and size upgrade
Photo: Filipe Alves

Apple’s next iPhone SE refresh could have a higher price tag than the current model. A leak indicates Apple might bump the iPhone SE 4’s price by 10%.

Despite the possible hike, Apple apparently wants to keep the price of its compact iPhone below $499.

iPhones go for as little as $126 in refurb blowout

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iPhone SE 2 in woot's refurbished iPhone deals
In Woot's sale, you can get a compact and capable iPhone SE 2 for just $126.
Photo: the Hacker 34

“iPhone Extravaganza!” That’s what Woot is calling its latest blowout sale on refurbished iPhones. From handsets going back to iPhone X up through recent models like iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone 14 Plus, Woot’s refurbished iPhone deals cover 13 items, with a choice of colors, while they last.

And as Woot said in its page’s subtitle, “Just once I would like Siri to say that I look like a million bucks.”

Alleged iPhone SE 4 renders show an iPhone 14-like design

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iPhone SE in Red
iPhone SE could get a big design and size upgrade
Photo: Filipe Alves

Apple last refreshed the iPhone SE in 2022. While the model is begging for an update, the company apparently plans to launch one only in 2025.

Despite the iPhone SE 4 a year away from launch, its alleged CAD renders have leaked online. They reveal its iPhone 14-inspired design and the addition of a 6.1-inch display with a notch.

Clock ticks on killer iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods refurb deals

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Deals on Apple refurbished gear - iPhone 13 Pro
On the deals list: iPhone 13 Pro (and various minis!)
Photo: Apple

Amazon bargain site Woot! is quietly offering some fantastic refurbished Apple gear deals, including iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods.

Woot refers to its deals lineup as “basically an Apple soup.” It’s your chance to slurp up bargains (if you don’t need the newest gadgets).

The sale ends Monday, February 26, at 10 p.m. PT.

iPhone SE 4 could look a lot like iPhone 14

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iPhone 14
The iPhone SE 4 might look very much like the iPhone 14.
Photo: Apple

A new report sheds light on the iPhone SE 4’s design and camera setup. Apple’s next budget iPhone will use a modified iPhone 14 chassis that’s slightly lighter.

Based on the current development status, Apple’s next budget iPhone is unlikely to launch before 2025.

Get up to 35% off big selection of eye-catching iPhone cases

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SwitchEasy's MagEasy lineup of iPhone cases is on sale.
SwitchEasy's MagEasy lineup of iPhone cases is on sale.
Photo: SwitchEasy

If you have an iPhone, you should probably protect that expensive gadget from drops and scrapes with a case. And it’ll change up your handset’s look, too. Good thing SwitchEasy is having a big sale on its MagEasy lineup — one case for 20% off and an additional 15% off when you buy two cases.

The collection on sale includes a variety of cases for iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11 and SE. Just remember to use coupon code cultofmac on the product page when you buy.

Apple puts iPhone SE 4 plans back on hold

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iPhone XR with iPhone SE 4 text
Don’t hold your breath for the iPhone SE 4.
Image: Rajesh

The on again/off again iPhone SE 4 is reportedly off again. For at least a couple of years, anyway. Apple reportedly no longer intends to make a new budget iOS handset in 2024.

That’s probably not surprising considering the popularity of the company’s more expensive models.

Reports of iPhone SE 4’s death were greatly exaggerated

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iPhone 14
The iPhone SE 4 might look very much like the iPhone 14.
Photo: Apple

Apple plans to release an iPhone SE 4 based heavily on the design of the iPhone 14, according to a new report from a reliable source.

Word that Apple canceled the low-cost handset leaked out recently, but work on the device has supposedly started again.

iPhone SE 4 could have been axed

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iPhone SE 4 could have been axed
The iPhone SE 3 could be the last.
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

There’ll be no iPhone SE 4, according to a reliable source of insider info. And the previous model is supposedly Apple’s last low-cost handset.

This is not intended to force consumers to buy pricier models. Shoppers are doing that on their own.