Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch the next-generation iPhone SE, but it may come with a surprising twist. Leaks suggest that the device will not continue the “SE” branding but will instead be called the iPhone 16E, potentially integrating it more closely with the flagship iPhone lineup. This shift would mark a departure from the SE’s traditional branding, which has been associated with offering older designs at a budget-friendly price point.
Multiple sources, including leakers Majin Bu and Fixed Focus Digital, have hinted at the new name. They claim the 2025 release will bring significant changes to the device’s design and capabilities.
The upcoming iPhone 16E is expected to adopt a modern form factor, abandoning its predecessor’s dated iPhone 8-inspired design in favor of one resembling the iPhone 14. This transformation would introduce features like a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, and the possibility of an action button, a feature introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models. This upgrade will align the budget model with current flagship designs, offering a notch-based display for the first time. The new device is also rumored to feature Apple’s A18 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and enhanced capabilities for Apple Intelligence.
Rumors about the device’s design indicate it will come in black and white color options and will include a single rear camera. While the iPhone 14 design serves as its foundation, the 16E is expected to house a more advanced 48-megapixel camera sensor, offering significant improvements in photo quality. Other potential enhancements include a 3,279mAh battery, which would mark a notable upgrade for the budget-friendly iPhone line.
Apple’s rebranding of the iPhone SE to the iPhone 16E feels like more than just a name change—it’s a clear signal of where the company is headed. By tying the device more closely to the flagship iPhone lineup, Apple seems to be stepping away from the SE’s reputation as a low-cost, recycled design. Instead, the iPhone 16E could represent a more deliberate attempt to balance affordability with relevance, giving customers a streamlined version of the latest iPhones without compromising on modern expectations. This isn’t just about marketing; it’s about reshaping how the budget iPhone is perceived.
Speculation about the pricing of the iPhone 16E indicates it will remain relatively affordable, potentially launching at under $500 in the United States. While this would represent a slight increase over the current iPhone SE pricing, the upgrades in design and technology are likely to justify the change. The phone is anticipated to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2025, possibly at an Apple event in March, continuing the tradition of early-year SE launches.
(via Weibo)
