(Image source from: Fortuneindia.com)
Last week, Apple revealed plans to introduce a new device on February 19, which is today. There is a strong consensus that this new release will be the iPhone SE 4, also referred to as the iPhone 16E, set to replace the 2022 version. Although the company has not confirmed any details about a new smartphone, various sources indicate that this upcoming budget-friendly iPhone will come with a range of hardware enhancements. These include a larger screen, a more powerful Apple chip, and the integration of Face ID technology. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the device will support Apple Intelligence features. Unlike past events, Apple has not specified when the launching of this new product will occur, although it is expected to make an appearance this Wednesday as the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E. It is important to note that the presentation of this forthcoming smartphone may not be live-streamed, in contrast to last year's M4 MacBook Pro and iMac announcements.
Insights from Varun Mishra, a Senior Analyst at Counterpoint, reveal that the iPhone SE lineup has served as Apple's affordable entry point into its ecosystem since its debut in 2016. The initial (2016) and second (2020) iterations gained popularity among consumers, capturing 10 percent and 13 percent of overall iPhone sales, respectively. However, data from Counterpoint shows that as of 2024, the current iPhone SE (2022) model represents only 1 percent of total iPhone sales. This decline signals a clear need for Apple to revamp its 'Special Edition' smartphone significantly. Recent reports suggest that the upcoming model will indeed offer such a refresh.
According to current reports, the iPhone SE 4 (or iPhone 16E) is slated to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display, which is significantly larger than the 4.7-inch LCD found in the 2022 version. It is believed to adopt an all-screen format with a display notch, similar to the design of the iPhone 14. While this new device will likely mirror the design aesthetic of the iPhone 14 with its glass and aluminum build, it will differentiate itself with a single rear camera that boasts an enhanced 48-megapixel sensor. Additionally, the upcoming iPhone is expected to replace Apple's mute switch with an Action Button and transition from the traditional Lightning port to a USB Type-C connection.
The anticipated iPhone 16E is rumored to feature a more efficient A18 chip, contrasting with the A15 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 14 and the current iPhone SE. If these expectations hold true, the new model is likely to incorporate Apple Intelligence capabilities similar to those present in other iPhone 16 devices. Additionally, reports suggest that this forthcoming smartphone could debut with Apple's first custom-built 5G modem. Until recently, speculation pointed to the next budget-friendly phone being released as the iPhone SE 4. However, emerging information indicates that Apple may opt to launch it as the iPhone 16E, due to various shared specifications with the iPhone 16, including the enhanced A18 chip, compatibility with Apple Intelligence, and the inclusion of the Action Button.
Moreover, significant enhancements such as a transition to a 48-megapixel rear camera, the adoption of Face ID over Touch ID, and the upgrade to a 6.1-inch OLED display replacing the smaller 4.7-inch LCD, could explain the purported shift in naming to iPhone 16E. This model is also expected to maintain support for MagSafe chargers and accessories, consistent with the latest iPhone releases.
