This spring, Apple is planning to launch a major iPhone SE 4 upgrade, and that new model will introduce a glaring problem for the iPhone lineup. Apple will likely sell two iPhones15 and 14at higher prices than the new SE, despite them being worse products in almost every way.New features coming to the iPhone SE 4When the new iPhone SE 4 arrivescurrently expected in Marchit will include an impressive feature list.Highlights include:Edge-to-edge OLED display with a notchFace ID and no Home ButtonA18 chip thats also in the iPhone 168GB of RAMApple Intelligence support48MP rear cameraUSB-C portplus Apples new in-house 5G modemThe current iPhone SE starts at $429.Due to the significant upgrades being offered by the SE 4, Im expecting Apple to bump the price closer to $499.But heres the problem: even at that price point, Apple will still be charging more for two inferior iPhone models.The awkward sell of the iPhone 15 and 14Apple historically keeps selling older iPhone models for multiple years before theyre discontinued. This doesnt happen with the Pro models, but it does for base configurations.As a result, today Apple sells the following iPhones:iPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro MaxiPhone 16 & 16 PlusiPhone 15 & 15 PlusiPhone 14 & 14 PlusiPhone SEThe lineup makes a lot of sense, both in terms of features and pricing.But that will no longer be the case when the new SE arrives, replacing the very dated current SE model.The new lineup as of March will include iPhone 15 at $699, iPhone 14 at $599, and iPhone SE 4 at $499 (my guess).On paper, the cheapest model will be superior to Apples more expensive options in nearly every way.iPhone SE 4 will have more modern features, including full Apple Intelligence support, extra RAM, a better chip, and more.Theres little question it will be the best of the trio of iPhones. Pricier iPhones just wont offer enough to competeStarting this spring, there are only a couple advantages the iPhone 15 and 14 will have over the iPhone SE:iPhone 15 has a Dynamic Island rather than the notchand both 15 and 14 feature an Ultra Wide camera, which the SE wontIm not sure who would want to sacrifice the SEs own advantages for these features.Even if the SE didnt come with a price benefit at all, theres little debate which is better.With AI, more RAM, and a more modern A18 chip, its still clearly the better phone for most buyers. But add in the $100 or $200 premium of the alternatives?iPhone SE becomes even more of a no-brainer.Who do you think might prefer an iPhone 14 or 15 over the new SE 4? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel