Leaked iPhone SE 2025 Design Reveals Big Change—But Apple Holds Back This One Feature

Apple’s iPhone SE has long been the go-to option for users seeking an affordable entry into the iOS ecosystem. However, new leaks suggest that the 2025 iPhone SE will undergo a significant transformation—one that aligns it more closely with the flagship iPhones while maintaining clear distinctions to preserve its budget-friendly appeal.

Apple’s Mid-Range iPhone SE Adopts the Notch—But Not the Dynamic Island

The biggest design change coming to the next iPhone SE? The introduction of the notch. While Apple’s high-end iPhones have transitioned from the notch to the Dynamic Island, the latest leaks confirm that the iPhone SE will not be receiving this newer feature.

Instead, Apple is opting for a notched display, a decision that serves multiple strategic purposes. First and foremost, it helps keep costs down by utilizing older, more affordable display technology. Additionally, by maintaining a clear difference from the premium iPhone lineup, Apple ensures that consumers looking for top-tier features still have an incentive to upgrade to the flagship iPhone 16 series.

Why Apple is Keeping the Notch on the iPhone SE

Apple’s decision to keep the notch isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a calculated move based on cost efficiency, product differentiation, and brand consistency.

1. Cost Savings on Display Technology

Manufacturing a smartphone is an expensive process, and one of the most costly components is the display. By using a notched LCD or OLED panel instead of a Dynamic Island-enabled screen, Apple keeps production costs lower, allowing the iPhone SE to remain one of the most affordable models in the lineup.

Additionally, it’s unlikely that Apple will include high refresh rate technology in the SE. The ProMotion adaptive refresh rate, which offers up to 120Hz, has remained exclusive to the Pro models. This means that the 2025 iPhone SE will likely feature a 60Hz display, keeping it in line with previous iterations.

2. Preventing Feature Overlap With Flagship Models

If Apple gave the iPhone SE every new feature, it would reduce the incentive for consumers to upgrade to the more expensive models. The Dynamic Island, advanced ProMotion display, and additional premium features will remain reserved for the iPhone 16 lineup, ensuring a clear distinction between the budget and premium devices.

By maintaining a lower-tier feature set, Apple can encourage customers who want cutting-edge technology to invest in its flagship models while still offering a solid device for those who prefer affordability.

3. Making the iPhone SE Feel More Like an iPhone

For years, the iPhone SE lineup has been a nostalgic throwback, retaining Touch ID and a heavily bezel-reliant design while newer iPhones moved toward an edge-to-edge display. That changes in 2025.

With the introduction of the notch, Apple is bringing the iPhone SE in line with the modern iPhone aesthetic, making it feel more like a true part of the Apple ecosystem. This move eliminates the old-fashioned look of thick bezels and a Home button, instead embracing Face ID and a larger screen-to-body ratio.

What Else to Expect From the 2025 iPhone SE?

While the leaked details confirm the notched display, Apple enthusiasts are eager to learn more about what’s under the hood. Some rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 2025 may inherit the A16 Bionic chip, bringing significant performance improvements and better efficiency.

However, other premium features—such as an Always-On Display, ProMotion, and advanced camera capabilities—will likely remain exclusive to Apple’s flagship lineup.

A Smart Strategy for Apple's Budget Lineup

By keeping the notch, ditching Dynamic Island, and updating the overall design, Apple is striking a balance between affordability and brand identity. The 2025 iPhone SE will look and feel like a modern iPhone while maintaining its place as the best budget iPhone option for consumers.

Would you upgrade to the new iPhone SE, or are the missing features a dealbreaker? Let us know in the comments below!