Cupertino, February 20 – Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus following the launch of the all-new iPhone 16e, marking a major shift in the company’s smartphone lineup. With this move, Apple has now eliminated small-screen devices, Lightning ports, Touch ID, and LCD displays from its portfolio, signaling a full transition to larger, more advanced models.
iPhone 16e: The Direct Successor to iPhone 14
The iPhone 16e, priced at ₹59,900, directly replaces the iPhone 14 at the same price point but brings significant hardware and software upgrades. Key enhancements include:
✔ A18 chip for improved performance and efficiency
✔ 48MP Fusion Camera for superior photography
✔ Apple Intelligence compatibility for enhanced AI-driven features
With these upgrades, Apple is positioning the iPhone 16e as a next-generation standard iPhone, bridging the gap between the base iPhone models and the Pro lineup.
No Budget-Friendly Replacement for iPhone SE
Apple’s third-generation iPhone SE, previously its most affordable model at ₹47,600, has been completely discontinued without a direct replacement. This marks the first time Apple has pulled a mainline iPhone from its lineup mid-cycle, leaving budget-conscious customers without a low-cost iPhone option.
Apple’s Updated iPhone Lineup
Following these changes, Apple’s current iPhone portfolio now consists of:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
With the removal of the iPhone 14 Plus, customers seeking a large-screen iPhone at a lower price will now have to consider the iPhone 15 Plus, which comes at a higher price point.
Availability and Pre-Order Details
While iPhone 14 models have been removed from Apple’s website, they will still be available through channel partners until stocks last. However, Apple’s focus has now shifted entirely to its latest lineup.
The iPhone 16e will be available for pre-order starting February 21, with shipping beginning on February 28. This strategic shift reinforces Apple’s move towards premium devices, ensuring a unified, modern product lineup for its users.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
