We’re a few months away from the launch of Apple’s next flagship iPhone, the iPhone SE 4, which should launch in early spring. I have been looking forward to the new model since it became clear that Apple really will replace the old tired iPhone SE 3 with a more modern version. With that, we see many rumors from separate reliable sources that mention the arrival of the iPhone in the middle distance.
Like I said, the iPhone SE 4’s design, specs, and starting price make the handset an incredible value. Then, a new rumor made me realize that the only thing missing from the package was the name. Apple is reportedly going to use the new iPhone 16E name for the iPhone SE 4, and I think it’s a smart move that could make the device more appealing to some people.
When it was first launched, the first iPhone SE model sold better than its mid-range Android rivals. They have the latest Apple chips and features but are packed in an older design. However, the iPhone SE 3 is no longer a good value in 2025. It has a small screen and hardware that cannot support Apple Intelligence.
All rumors point to Apple using the same strategy for the iPhone 16E. The phone will feature the old iPhone design. It won’t be the iPhone 8 chassis that the iPhone SE 3 uses, but the newer iPhone 14 form factor. That means the iPhone 16E will get an all-screen display with a Face ID notch at the top.
Real updates on phone components. The iPhone 16E should pack the same A18 chip as the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, paired with 8GB of RAM. It’s a massive upgrade over the iPhone SE 3, ensuring the iPhone 16E can open the Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 18. The phone is also likely to support the new Apple AI feature in iOS 19 and other future releases.
Apple’s requirement to provide Apple Intelligence support for all products is what ensures the iPhone 16E will have access to Apple’s latest chips and memory. This upgrade also makes the iPhone 16E more attractive than the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models that Apple still sells. Neither can run Apple Intelligence, and it will cost more than the rumored $499 iPhone 16E.
With all this, the iPhone 16E will be served with a name like “iPhone SE.” So much more capable and powerful than the previous SE model.
Also, a name like iPhone 16E tells buyers that this device is part of the same iPhone 16 generation. It will have a single-lens camera on the back instead of two on the non-Pro model and won’t have the Dynamic Island notch, but it will have the same high-end specs as the regular iPhone 16.
Long-time iPhone users like myself already know why the iPhone SE 4 is so appealing. But buyers who aren’t always on top of the latest iPhone developments won’t be. Calling the iPhone 16E fixes that problem. The name will refer to the new phone instead of some SE versions from the past.
Nothing is confirmed, but the iPhone 16E moniker makes me understand. Besides, the more I think about it, the iPhone SE name should be retired for good. However, Apple may add iPhone E variants to its lineup every few years moving forward.
