Just a few days into 2024, Gareth Beavis, a freelance tech journalist, shared an intriguing piece for TechRadar. He argued that the rumored iPhone SE 4 could break new ground by using Apple Intelligence AI tools to democratize advanced technology. It’s a compelling idea, one I largely agree with. But as I trudged across a frosty London park, reflecting on the smartphone market, a different concept emerged: what if the iPhone SE 4 became the ultimate anti-AI phone?
A Counterpoint to the AI Craze
Machine learning has become nearly unavoidable in smartphones. Smart algorithms optimize battery life and enhance photo processing, while flagship models like the Google Pixel 8 have taken AI integration to new heights. These devices now rewrite emails, reshape photos, take notes, and perform countless other tasks.
While undeniably useful, some of these AI features can feel more intrusive than innovative. Apple’s approach to generative AI in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, for instance, hasn’t exactly blown me away. I’m not alone in this sentiment—my colleague Philip Berne shares similar reservations.
The concern extends beyond utility to privacy. Smartphones already collect vast amounts of personal data, but layering in generative AI can make these devices feel uncomfortably omnipresent. And with flagship models like the anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 embracing AI tools, it seems this trend is inevitable.
A Niche for Simplicity and Privacy
This surge in AI integration presents an opportunity for a different kind of phone—one that prioritizes functionality and privacy over flashy AI features. Picture a next-generation iPhone SE designed not as a hub of artificial intelligence but as a streamlined, privacy-centric tool.
Such a device could resonate with users seeking to digitally detox and limit screen time. It would focus on being a great phone, camera, browser, and casual gaming platform—much like the phones of the 2010s. Nostalgia aside, there’s a growing market for straightforward devices that aren’t vying for attention with constant notifications and algorithmic suggestions.
Imagine an iPhone SE 4 that ships with privacy-first settings enabled out of the box. It could cater to those who don’t need their phone to generate Van Gogh-inspired dog portraits or mash emojis into Frankenstein creations.
Can Apple Lead the Way?
Apple, with its intuitive iOS ecosystem and strong emphasis on privacy, is perfectly positioned to take this route. The iPhone SE 4 could embody a return to basics while aligning with Apple’s brand ethos.
That said, the likely reality is different. If the SE 4 materializes, it will probably serve as an entry point for Apple Intelligence, aligning with the broader industry’s AI trajectory. If that’s the case, I hope Apple ensures its AI tools are robust and genuinely useful from the start, avoiding the piecemeal rollout that frustrated users with the iPhone 16.
Ultimately, whether Apple embraces privacy-first simplicity or leans into AI, the next iPhone SE has the potential to redefine the budget smartphone space. My hope is that Cupertino doesn’t miss this opportunity to appeal to users who crave functionality, not just flashy features.
