Apple’s next budget iPhone might not be called the iPhone SE 4, as many expected. Instead, there are rumors suggesting that it will be named the iPhone 16E. The device is expected to be released in March 2025, and the name change has been reported by sources like Fixed Focus Digital and the leaker Majin Bu. This new name could signal a shift away from the traditional “SE” branding, though it’s still unclear if Apple will go with “iPhone 16E,” “iPhone 16 SE,” or something else entirely.
The rumor about the iPhone 16E isn’t fully confirmed yet, and it should be taken with caution. The source, Fixed Focus Digital, doesn’t have a great track record with Apple leaks. For example, they previously predicted an incorrect color finish for the iPhone 16. However, if Apple decides to use the iPhone 16 design for this new model, the rumor could be accurate.
Aside from the name, we have a good idea of what the iPhone 16E (or iPhone SE 4) might look like. It could take inspiration from the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and a 48MP primary camera. The device might also come with an A-series chip, 8GB RAM, and a USB-C port—all signs of a more modern and powerful budget iPhone. Another possible feature is the Action Button, which debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Despite the possible upgrades, Apple is unlikely to drastically raise the price of this device. The current iPhone SE 3 starts at $429, and the next model is expected to remain under $500. The iPhone SE 3, which is almost three years old, looks outdated with its iPhone 8 design, thick bezels, and Lightning port, so the iPhone 16E could offer a much-needed refresh.
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