Apple Unveils iPhone 16e, Discontinues iPhone SE and iPhone 14 Series

News 26 Feb 2025

Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, in 2025, reshaping the entire iPhone product range. The business shocked its audience by fully discontinuing the three phone models, including the iPhone SE and both iPhone 14 versions, while simplifying its affordable phone selection. The brand new iPhone 16e replaces the former models, providing users with a new budget-friendly iPhone option.

Apple maintained the SE series as its introductory line for many years by placing contemporary processors inside classic handhelds with fingerprint identification features. However, the iPhone 16e uses its new modern iPhone 14-style design instead of keeping the SE brand. The entry-level iPhone’s price increase to $599 may lead budget users away, as it now exceeds the original price of the SE, which was $429.

A Modern Budget iPhone with High-End Features

In contrast to the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 16e does not contain a Home button and has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display that matches iPhone 14 specifications. Face ID has become the only authentication system available for Apple’s iPhone family after Touch ID left the product line.

A significant enhancement of the iPhone 16e comes from its A18 chip, which uses second-generation 3nm technology that provides quick performance, enhanced power efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities. The Apple C1 modem became available in the 16e to mark Apple’s separation from Qualcomm-based components to provide quick performance.

The 16e features a 48MP single camera with built-in 2x optical zoom which outperforms the SE camera from previous versions because of its outdated sensor technology. Apple asserts that its latest camera technology boosts nighttime photography and portrait modes to create an attractive camera configuration at this price range.

Availability and Market Impact

Users can pre-order the iPhone 16e starting February 21 before its official launch date of February 28. Apple announced its product launch across 59 territories, starting in the United States and continuing to Canada and India. In parallel, it expanded to leading European and Asian markets. The upcoming April update will provide Indian customers with expanded language support, enabling them to select multiple Indian languages as their iPhone default.

Replacing SE alongside older models from Apple forces customers toward upcoming iPhone designs and AI features aligning with modern experiences. Apple’s new iPhone 16e provides advanced capabilities at a competitive price point which produces an appealing option for consumers seeking premium features without breaking the bank.

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