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iPhone SE 4 could launch as early as tomorrow (US time). Photo: Macrumors

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone SE 4 as early as tomorrow (US time). According to analysis by SellCell , this low-cost iPhone model could improve its ability to retain its value in the long term.

Despite its lower price, the iPhone SE has always depreciated faster than Apple's premium iPhones.

According to SellCell 's depreciation analysis, previous iPhone SE models have seen their value depreciate significantly faster than standard iPhones. The third-generation ‌iPhone SE‌ lost 42.6% of its value in the first month and 57.8% after six months. By comparison, the iPhone 15 series lost 28.8% of its value in the first month and 27.8% after six months.

The second-generation ‌iPhone SE‌ has lost 50.8% of its value over six months, while the iPhone 14 series has dropped 31.1% over the same period.

This could be due to the ‌iPhone SE‌'s lower starting price, its use of older designs, and overall lower demand in the used iPhone market.

iPhone mini holds its value well

It's worth noting, however, that some smaller and cheaper iPhones have held their value more effectively.

For example, the iPhone 13 mini holds its value significantly better than the iPhone SE, losing just 19.2% of its value in the first month, compared to 42.6% for the third-generation SE. And after 12 months, it lost 46.1%, compared to 64.4% for the third-generation SE. Even after 24 months, the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini lost just 53% of its original value, putting it closer to the flagship models than the iPhone SE.

The reason is said to be that the iPhone mini has a more modern design than the iPhone SE, with a more powerful configuration, suitable for long-term users.

Will the iPhone SE 4 hold its value better?

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a design similar to the iPhone 14, with many significant upgrades. This is considered a factor that helps it change the trend of rapid depreciation of the previous SE line.

With a move to an ‌iPhone‌ 14-style design with a notch display, no Home button, a significantly more advanced camera system and chipset, and support for Apple Intelligence, the iPhone SE 4 could hold its value more effectively than previous generations as it stays competitive in the product line longer.

Like other devices, the old ‌iPhone SE‌ continues to lose value after its successor is released. The iPhone SE 2 saw a further 4% price drop in the 12 weeks since the third-generation SE was released. So those looking to upgrade to the iPhone SE 4 should sell their old iPhone SE soon to maximize their salvage value.

iPhone SE 4 price affects its ability to retain value

Price will also be a key factor in determining the ‌iPhone SE‌ 4's long-term value retention.

Reports suggest that the iPhone SE 4 could start at $499 in the US, up slightly from the $429 price tag of the current iPhone SE 3. While this could make the new ‌iPhone SE‌ an attractive option for budget-conscious customers, it also raises expectations for hardware improvements that justify the price increase.

Apple has delayed the iPhone SE 4 longer than its usual two-year cycle, creating a larger gap in its lineup that could increase demand for lower-cost iPhones, as consumers don't have many options for lower-cost iPhones with new hardware. This could make the iPhone SE 4 more sought after when it launches.

Watch the iPhone SE 4 concept video (Source: Technizo Concept):

3 Apple super products launched this week, iPhone SE 4 is the most promising CEO Tim Cook has officially confirmed that Apple will announce a new product on Wednesday, February 19. Of which, iPhone SE 4 is considered the most promising candidate.