5 Upgrades Users Hope Apple Will Include in the Next iPhone SE

Apple could launch the next iPhone SE as early as February 19, 2025, and these five updates could make it one of the best mid-range options available this year.

Table of Contents

• 5. iPhone SE needs a design refresh 
• 4. Apple Intelligence support for iPhone SE
• 3. A better camera system has been long overdue.
• 2. It's time for USB-C and MagSafe to debut on the iPhone SE
• 1. Apple's in-house 5G modem will be chosen

5. iPhone SE needs a design refresh

Since the launch of the iPhone X, Apple has adopted a modern design throughout its entire lineup — with the exception of the iPhone SE, which remains stuck in the past. It’s been nearly three years since the iPhone SE (2022) was released, but it still looks like the iPhone 8 from 2017.

The next iPhone SE is in dire need of a design refresh, and rumors suggest that Apple may finally ditch the old design for something more modern. This new design could feature flat edges, an edge-to-edge display, and of course, no physical home button. On the back, it's likely to retain a single camera, just like the current model.

What’s still unclear is whether Apple will use a notch for the front camera or bring Dynamic Island to the SE. Either way, let’s hope Apple doesn’t abandon the iPhone SE (2025) again. It’s time this phone got the design upgrade it deserves.

4. Apple Intelligence support for iPhone SE

Apple is betting big on Apple Intelligence, and has been improving it with regular iOS updates. But if it really wants more users to join, the next iPhone SE needs to support it. That also means a meaningful processing upgrade with the A18 chipset. The iPhone SE has been Apple’s basic phone since the first version of the device was released. Adding AI features would only make it more appealing.

Yes, that would technically make it more powerful (and feature-rich) than the iPhone 15 series , but if Apple wants Apple Intelligence to reach more people, this is how it's done.

3. A better camera system has been long overdue.

The previous iPhone SE didn't get much of a camera upgrade beyond Smart HDR 4 and better low-light performance. There were no hardware-level sensor upgrades, and that needs to change this time around.

While rumors suggest the next iPhone SE will retain the single-camera setup, Apple should at least give it the 48MP sensor from the iPhone 15. This should result in sharper photos, better low-light performance, and overall better photos thanks to the improved light intake. Plus, it could unlock useful features like 2x optical zoom and software-based portrait mode.

2. It's time for USB-C and MagSafe to debut on the iPhone SE

All new iPhones now have USB-C, and the iPhone SE (2025) will almost certainly do the same. The move to USB-C not only makes charging more convenient — you can use the same cable for your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even AirPods — but it also unlocks support for a wider range of accessories like external hard drives, microphones, and more.

MagSafe also needs to be on the iPhone SE. It’s the only iPhone in Apple’s current lineup that doesn’t have it yet. Sure, it already supports wireless charging, but adding MagSafe would improve charging efficiency and open the door to a whole ecosystem of the best MagSafe accessories.

1. Apple's in-house 5G modem will be chosen

Apple has been rumored to be developing its own 5G modem for some time, and it looks like the next iPhone SE could be the first to get it. Currently, the company relies heavily on Qualcomm for modem chips. However, it’s no secret that Apple wants complete control over its hardware and performance. We’ve seen what the company can do with its A-series and M-series chips, so hopefully the same will happen here.

Honestly, the iPhone SE has always felt like an afterthought. It often feels like Apple doesn’t really care about it as much as the other phones the company releases. But with all the rumors of major upgrades across the board, this could finally be the SE that’s actually worth buying. And if those upgrades pan out, the iPhone SE (2025) could give mid-range Android phones some much-needed competition in the US market.