Apple is reportedly planning a major shift in branding for its upcoming iPhone SE 4, which could launch as the iPhone 16e. According to a Weibo tipster known as ‘Fixed focus digital’, the company is likely to drop the SE branding, signaling a repositioning of its entry-level offering to align more closely with the flagship iPhone 16 lineup.
The device is expected to debut in March 2025 as part of the iPhone 16 series, joining the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This development follows three generations of SE-branded models launched in 2016, 2020, and 2022, which served as affordable alternatives while maintaining powerful performance.
Key Features and Specifications: What We Know So Far
The iPhone SE 4/iPhone 16e is rumored to feature significant upgrades over its predecessor, bringing it closer in design and capability to the flagship lineup.
Display and Design
- Larger Screen: The iPhone 16e will reportedly feature a 6.06-inch display, a significant leap from the 4.7-inch screen on the iPhone SE 3.
- Full-Screen Design: The new model is expected to adopt a full-screen display with Face ID, marking a departure from the classic SE design with Touch ID.
- Standard 60Hz Refresh Rate: While not as high as the Pro models, this is in line with its positioning as a mid-range device.
Performance
- A18 Chipset: The iPhone 16e will be powered by Apple’s in-house A18 chipset, delivering flagship-level performance and enhanced efficiency.
- First 5G Modem by Apple: It is also expected to be the first iPhone to feature Apple’s in-house 5G modem, showcasing the company’s advancements in network technology.
Camera Upgrades
- Rear Camera: A 48MP Sony Exmor IMX904 sensor is set to replace the 12MP camera on the SE 3, promising improved photo quality and detail.
- Front Camera: The selfie camera will reportedly be upgraded to 12MP, compared to the 7MP sensor on the previous model.
Battery and Charging
- Battery Capacity: The device is expected to pack a 3,279mAh battery, a significant improvement over the 2,018mAh battery in the SE 3.
- Charging: It will support 20W wired fast charging, along with Qi2 and MagSafe wireless charging, aligning with Apple’s broader ecosystem.
Durability
- IP68 Rating: The iPhone 16e is rumored to offer dust and water resistance, bringing it on par with the flagship models.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16e is expected to be priced between $499 (approx ₹42,220) and $549 (around ₹46,400), similar to its predecessor, which launched in India at ₹43,900 in March 2022. Given the larger screen, enhanced performance, and upgraded cameras, this pricing places the device as a value-for-money option in Apple’s ecosystem.
The phone will reportedly debut globally in March 2025, alongside its launch in India.
Why Apple Might Drop the SE Branding
The rumored renaming of the iPhone SE 4 to iPhone 16e signals a strategic shift by Apple to integrate its entry-level devices into the main lineup. By eliminating the SE branding, Apple could better emphasize the device’s alignment with flagship models while still offering it as a mid-range alternative.
The iPhone 16e will likely target users looking for a premium smartphone experience without the higher price tag of Pro models.
Conclusion: A Mid-Range Device with Flagship Ambitions
With its rumored larger display, A18 chipset, improved cameras, and first-ever 5G modem, the iPhone 16e is shaping up to be a compelling choice for buyers seeking Apple’s premium quality at a competitive price. Its inclusion in the iPhone 16 lineup could mark a new chapter in Apple’s approach to entry-level devices.
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.
