Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE is set to receive its most significant upgrade yet, with the fourth-generation model expected to drop later this year. But insiders suggest Apple may abandon the SE name entirely, rebranding the device as the iPhone 16E.
This potential rebranding would mark the first name change for the SE since its debut in 2016 and align it more closely with Apple’s main iPhone range. It could also signal a broader shakeup of Apple’s lineup, with the “Plus” model reportedly not selling well.
That means the 16E could step in to fill the gap, offering a capable but affordable option for users who don’t need the bells and whistles of the flagship models. The SE range has typically kept costs low by pairing the latest processors with a smattering of older components from previous models.
We won’t know for sure until it launches, but the new model looks set to adopt the design of the iPhone 14, complete with a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and a USB-C port, leaving behind the smaller 4.7-inch form factor and Touch ID. It’s also expected to feature Apple’s A18 chip, matching the iPhone 16 series in processing power and enabling support for Apple Intelligence features. On the back, a 48MP camera would provide a significant upgrade for iPhone photographers.
Despite those substantial updates, the iPhone 16E is expected to maintain its reputation as the most affordable iPhone in Apple’s lineup, though its price will likely creep closer to $500/£500 than its current start price of $429/£429. That would still represent excellent value if the above specs turn out to be true.
Apple’s lineup has been stagnating for several years now, and we’re excited to see how a more powerful entry in this price range shakes things up. iPhone 16E is expected to launch this Spring, although don’t rule out Apple flipping the script on us and waiting until September to launch a 17E instead!