Upon its launch this year, the iPhone SE might adopt a fresh moniker.
Upon its launch this year, the iPhone SE might adopt a fresh moniker.
New year, new smartphone speculations. This speculation isn't exactly new anymore. It's been circulating since 2024 when people were speculating that Apple would introduce the fourth-generation iPhone SE alongside the iPhone 16. It's highly probable that Apple will release the iPhone SE this year, but it'll go by a name different from what you're accustomed to.
The upcoming iPhone SE will be titled the iPhone 16E. A leaker who disseminated this info has shared renders of a supposed case on Twitter/X/whatever that fits the phone. The iPhone 16E may borrow the design from the iPhone 14. Instead of rounded edges and a display less than 5-inches, the iPhone 16E could have squared edges with standard volume buttons, the mute switch on the left side, and the power button on the right. Apple also plans to abandon the Home button. The last iPhone to incorporate this tactile home button was 2022's iPhone SE. Perhaps Apple has another iconic “vintage” feature they'll preserve in the iPhone 16E.
We're still uncertain about the origin of the iPhone SE's new name, as this leaker's credibility varies among Apple blogs. However, the anticipated name change aligns with rumors we've been hearing over the past year. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, who has a solid reputation for predicting Apple's next big thing, mentioned a significant overhaul in the iPhone lineup and that Apple would introduce the iPhone SE as part of the commotion. Gurman also stated that the model would resemble the iPhone 14 and sport a higher-definition OLED display, suggesting a larger-screen device compared to the third-gen iPhone SE.
What could the "E" signify in iPhone 16E? My guess is the word "economical" since this version of the iPhone usually provides the fundamentals of life in the walled garden without the excessive marketing jargon. Or perhaps it means iPhone "express." It will incorporate some Apple Intelligent features, although not as intensely as the iPhone 16/16 Pro can, which is why I think a goofy term like "express" could apply in this situation (I've never been on a product design team). Features such as the curated inbox in Mail and improved Siri performance could be prioritized over complex apps like Image Playground on a budget iPhone.
The iPhone SE is expected to debut in 2025. The third generation was released in 2022, around late winter/early spring. If analysts' predictions about production beginning in December 2024 are accurate, we might be looking at the same timeframe.
The upcoming iPhone 16E is anticipated to adopt technological advancements from the iPhone 14, showcasing Apple's commitment to the future of tech. With the integration of Apple Intelligent features, the budget-friendly iPhone 16E is set to provide a solid user experience, potentially surpassing the third-generation model.