iPhone SE 4 Case Leak Suggests Device May Not Feature Action Button

[MacRumors]

Serial leaker Sonny Dickson has shared an image on social media purporting to show a case designed for Apple's unannounced iPhone SE 4. The case aligns with most rumors about the device, expected to launch in the spring, but there is one difference.

Rumors have suggested that the iPhone SE 4 will have a design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring an all-display design with Face ID instead of Touch ID, a 6.06-inch display, OLED display technology instead of LCD, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera located in a horizontal oblong bump, an Apple-designed 5G modem, 8GB RAM, a notch, and perhaps a multi-purpose Action button to replace the mute switch.

Most of the rumored design changes align with what can be seen in the image. However, if you look closely, there's a cut-out on the side above the location of the volume controls that appears to be an opening for a physical mute/silent switch. It's possible that the case manufacturer has left a cutout simply because they don't know if the button will be present or not. But given that Apple suppliers are expected to begin ramping up mass production of the device this month, it could be that Apple has chosen not to add an Action button, despite the fact that all iPhone 16 models inherited the button from 2023's iPhone 15 Pro models.

Some users may consider the lack of a programmable Action button a deal breaker, but we're betting most iPhone SE buyers wouldn't care. In our own online poll conducted earlier this year, half of iPhone 15 Pro users who participated said they forgot the Action button was even there, while many said they had it set to function essentially as a mute/silent switch replacement. The results suggest the button is popular with a more niche cohort of power users (i.e., not the kind of customers most likely to be interested in a ~$500 iPhone).

There's a small possibility that the more affordable iPhone SE 4 could be released ahead of the Lunar New Year in January 2025. However, all three previous iPhone SE models were announced in March over the years, so a spring 2025 release seems most likely.

Article Link: iPhone SE 4 Case Leak Suggests Device May Not Feature Action Button

 

[MayaUser]

beautiful....hopefully no camera shutter either

 

[wanha]

I doubt the inclusion or exclusion of the action button makes any difference to the average buyer of an iPhone SE

 

[spartan1967]

Apple designed 5G modem says much later than Spring 2025 to me.

 

[cjsuk]

Well that's a winner. One button I've never pushed on my 15 Pro!

 

[DrWojtek]

So it's an upgrade from the 15 and 16 series then!

 

[Tripps9000]

Ugh 😩 just release the phone already 🤣

 

[glenncashuric]

I use my 15 PM action button to silence the phone. I seem to remember doing the same thing with a button on my iPhone 4. If the button suddenly morphed into the mute switch of days of yore, I doubt I'd give it a second thought.

 

[maszaikasza]

Why manufacturer would start producing cases not knowing if there should be a cutout or not? It looks like it's not even a rumor, it's a clickbait.

 

[Wazzatagen]

Expected no one ever ; complained no one ever. Let's move on.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

An Action Button? That’s too pro for you SE peasants! Bwaha

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Give us the most non-pro phone ever please. We already know Apple will have to give us USB C and a chip that supports their AI so that’s already future proofing. The other things to give us:

- LCD screen (those sensitive to pwm)
- Same chassis buttons as before the 15
- physical SIM tray for US models
- all aluminum (lightweight)
- Sub 6” screen
- single camera lens w/no bump
- faceID

What a shame to have a no-frills phone for under $500 USD.

 

[DENZIE]

Glad I bought my 13 mini last year then.. instead of holding out for a smaller iPhone

 

[asdfjkl;]

Just looking for a bare bones iPhone and a low, low price. I usually buy a used phone and hold on to it until it no longer can run the latest OS. I'd consider buying a new SE if the price was low enough. Action button?Who cares

 

[boak]

Why manufacturer would start producing cases not knowing if there should be a cutout or not? It looks like it's not even a rumor, it's a clickbait.

Apple sends out dimensions to case manufacturers in advance

 

[Slix]

I want an Action Button on it, only because that means I can automate the Mute switch with Focus modes, and not have to push the button itself every time (like when I go to work).

 

[McWetty]

The heavier and bigger the phones get, the more I’m interested in the SE models. I want a plastic or aluminum shell for weight reduction and smaller screen. I’d prefer the OLED to LCD (but I understand why some don’t like OLED). I’d also like 1 really good lens instead of the huge bump. Lastly, It’s ok to have a slightly fatter (read: comfy to hold) phone if it adds battery and lens space.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Glad I bought my 13 mini last year then.. instead of holding out for a smaller iPhone

Me too. Just checked and I'm down to 91% battery health after about 18 months.

 

[hagar]

For years, there was this evolution towards minimalism and fewer buttons. And now we see the reverse. I have the 15 Pro and never used the Action button because I don't find a useful case that needs to be promoted and always reachable. And I always forget it's there.

 

[xJustxMegx]

An action button would be nice.

 

[Sippincider]

Some users may consider the lack of a programmable Action button a deal breaker, but we're betting most iPhone SE buyers wouldn't care.

Betting Apple doesn't care either: "Want your Action button? Step up to a 16."

 

[hagar]

I want an Action Button on it, only because that means I can automate the Mute switch with Focus modes, and not have to push the button itself every time (like when I go to work).

You can already automate Focus modes (based on time, location, when you step into your car, ...) and add System Filters to turn on Silent Mode. So I guess you can realise what you want without a dedicated hardware button.

 

[maszaikasza]

Apple sends out dimensions to case manufacturers in advance

So there should be no guessing if there is a button or not. You can't really produce anything without good specification.

 

[Sippincider]

Have family members where losing the Home button will be the deal breaker.

Having the Action button would be a nice workaround. But without? Probably will switch them to current SEs to get past this and buy a few years.

 

[Godspeed8230]

This will be my new iPhone.

iPhone SE 2020 -> iPhone SE 2025

I am extremely excited