Apple may drop iPhone SE series for new iPhone 16e

Apple might discontinue its iPhone SE branding, introducing the new "iPhone 16e" instead, according to a report by India Today, based on a post from "Fixed Focus Digital" on the Chinese platform Weibo. This new model is expected to align more closely with the iPhone 16 in terms of camera and display specifications, marking a significant upgrade from previous SE models.

The iPhone 16e is rumored to be equipped with the A18 chipset, significantly boosting its performance and bringing it closer to the processing capabilities of the iPhone 16 series. The report highlights an increase in RAM from 4GB to 8GB, enhancing multitasking capabilities and supporting Apple Intelligence.

Additionally, the Weibo tipster suggests that the iPhone 16e will have the same screen size as the standard iPhone 16, featuring a full-screen design. The upcoming iPhone 16e is expected to sport a 6.06-inch OLED display, a notable improvement over the 4.7-inch LCD screen of its predecessor.

Another significant change is the replacement of the Touch ID home button with Face ID, aligning the phone's design with Apple's latest models.

In terms of pricing, the iPhone 16e is expected to range from USD 499 to USD 549, which is an increase from the iPhone SE 3's starting price of USD 429.

This news comes amid rumors that Apple plans to discontinue the SE series and stop selling the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 series in Europe by the end of the year. According to a report from 9to5Mac, these models feature a Lightning port, which will not comply with the European Union's policy taking effect in January 2025.