The iPhone SE 4 May Use Existing iPhone 14 Battery

A new report from MacRumors reveals that Apple is already testing the battery that will power the upcoming fourth-generation model of the iPhone SE. The publication says the information jibes with previous reports about the new low-end smartphone.

The “iPhone SE 4,” which carries the “D59” device identifier, is expected to be powered by the same battery used in the base model iPhone 14. Partially assembled fourth-generation iPhone SE prototypes have been seen with model number A2863 lithium-ion batteries, which is the battery Apple uses in its iPhone 14.

MacRumors says internal design documentation has been found that corroborates this change. The battery boasts an improved capacity over the battery used in the current third-generation iPhone SE. The iPhone SE 3 battery has a capacity of 2,018 mAh, while the A2863 battery used in the iPhone 14 has a larger capacity of 3,279 mAh.

The A2863 battery’s increase of more than 1,250 mAh will potentially result in improved battery life in real-world usage over the third-generation iPhone SE.

It has been expected that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will use a collection of existing parts used in previous iPhones as a cost-cutting measure. While Apple has reportedly developed brand new batteries for use in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro that boast enhanced thermal capacities, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will use the iPhone 14 battery to keep costs down.

By using existing components for the iPhone SE 4, Apple avoids the additional research and development costs of creating new components, allowing it to maintain the handset’s positioning of the SE as a low-cost alternative for iPhone customers on a budget.

Using the battery from a previous model iPhone in the iPhone SE is not a new thing for Apple, as the Cupertino company’s second-generation iPhone SE used the same battery as the iPhone 8 that preceded it.

The fourth-generation iPhone SE is also expected to feature a design resembling the iPhone 14, although it will include an Action button and a USB-C port.

This means it will sport a more modern look than the prior SE model, including a larger display with overall dimensions that match those of the base model iPhone 14. The new handset will also reportedly use Face ID biometric identification to replace the third-generation’s Touch ID sensor.

The fourth-generation iPhone SE will reportedly have the same dimensions as the iPhone 14, which has the following dimensions and weight, although it’s expected to be approximately 6 grams lighter, weighing in at 165 grams.

• Length: 146.7 mm
• Width: 71.5 mm
• Thickness: 7.80 mm
• Weight: 172 g

Sources say the new iPhone SE will be manufactured from the same 6013 T6 aluminum used in the iPhone 14, as well as a glass backplate.

Some of the weight reduction is said to be due to the iPhone SE 4’s single 48-megapixel rear camera, which is being developed under the codename “Portland.” The fourth-gen iPhone SE is said to be equipped with a custom backplate, which will accommodate that design change.

As is usual for reports of this type, not everything is set in stone and the fourth-generation iPhone SE specifications could change slightly or even greatly before it’s officially unveiled.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]