Next iPhone SE may have powerful A18 chip and Apple Intelligence AI functions

New unofficial details about the upcoming next-generation iPhone SE have surfaced online. The new budget iPhone is expected to be equipped with the latest Apple A18 processor, enabling the Apple Intelligence AI feature even in Apple's budget devices.

According to 9to5mac, the well-known insider Ice Universe, who has a reputation as a reliable source for Apple product leaks, shared the anticipated specifications of the fourth-generation iPhone SE, which is expected to be announced next year. Besides the expected modern design akin to the iPhone 14, Face ID, and a USB-C port, the iPhone SE 4 might hold another surprise.

According to the source, the new iPhone SE will be equipped with the A18 chip and possibly 6 or 8 GB of RAM. The same chip will be used across all iPhone 16 models, including the base versions. Previously, Apple used the same series of chips in both Pro and regular models, with some differences in CPU and GPU cores. However, starting with the iPhone 14, the company began focusing more on the performance of Pro models, equipping them with exclusive chips, while the base models received less powerful platforms.

The introduction of Apple Intelligence this year changed the situation. Among the current iPhones, only models with the A17 Pro chip (iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max) will receive new AI features with iOS 18. This is likely why all new iPhone 16 models will be equipped with the A18 chip; otherwise, Apple would have to sell new iPhones without access to the latest features, making these devices less competitive and harder to sell.

Traditionally, the iPhone SE has always received chips from the latest iPhone models, so this news is not surprising. However, given the time elapsed since the last SE update, Apple could have opted for an older chip (such as the A16 Bionic) instead of the A18. Clearly, the company intends to use AI features as a key advantage across all its products.

Additionally, leaks about a new HomePod with a touchscreen suggest it might also be equipped with the A18 chip. This hints that Apple might soon update its budget iPad and iPad mini models with the latest chips. While Apple Intelligence features will not be available for older devices, all new iPhones and iPads are likely to receive AI capabilities.