Is iPhone SE Getting Rebranded? Here’s What We Know About the iPhone 16E

Apple is gearing up to release the fourth-generation iPhone SE in March 2025, but rumours suggest this device might arrive under a new name. Credible sources on social media platforms report that the successor of the iPhone SE will be the iPhone 16E.

The news initially broke through a December 13 post on Weibo by Fixed Focus Digital, an account with over two million followers. A similar claim was later made by Majin Bu, a reliable Apple leaker on X (formerly Twitter), on December 31. While the precise format of the name—whether it will be iPhone 16E, iPhone 16e, or something like iPhone 16 SE—remains unclear, the discussion has sparked considerable interest in Apple’s naming strategy.

What We Know About the iPhone 16E

Rumours about the fourth-generation iPhone SE suggest it will adopt a more modern design, ditching the outdated look of its predecessor. Unlike the third-generation iPhone SE, which is modelled after the iPhone 8, the iPhone 16E will have a chassis similar to the base iPhone 14 and iPhone 16. This means Apple’s budget-friendly option may finally embrace features like:

1. 6.1-inch OLED Display: A significant upgrade from the previous LCD screen.
2. Face ID: Marking a departure from Touch ID and thick bezels.
3. USB-C Port: Following the EU mandate, this will replace the Lightning port.
4. Single 48-Megapixel Rear Camera: Borrowing the advanced camera technology from higher-end models.
5. Apple’s A-Series Chip: Likely to feature a newer processor for enhanced performance.
6. Apple-Designed 5G Modem: A first for Apple, signalling its move to in-house modem technology.
7. 8GB RAM for Apple Intelligence: Promising smoother multitasking and faster processing.

However, one question lingers: will it include the Action button that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro models?

Pricing Specs

The current iPhone SE starts at $429 in the U.S., but given the significant hardware and design upgrades, a price hike seems inevitable. Apple’s strategy could position the iPhone 16E as an entry-level device that still offers premium features, appealing to users who want advanced technology without breaking the bank.

Evaluating Fixed Focus Digital’s Predictions

While Fixed Focus Digital has made accurate predictions in the past, such as the bronze-coloured iPhone 16 Pro (later named Desert Titanium), it has also made errors, like misreporting the iPhone 16 colour options. Whether its claims about the iPhone 16E’s design and naming prove true will likely define the account’s credibility.

Is Changing the Name a Good Step?

Apple’s potential shift from the SE branding to iPhone 16E (or a similar variation) may signify a strategic move to align its budget devices more closely with its flagship lineup. The SE branding, while familiar, carries connotations of older technology due to its association with past models like the iPhone 8. A new name could give Apple’s budget lineup a fresh identity, attracting consumers who perceive it as part of the modern generation of iPhones.

Opinion: Why a Name Change Could Matter

If Apple rebrands its SE line as the iPhone 16E, it may be a marketing masterstroke. This subtle yet impactful shift could eliminate the perception that budget devices are outdated, encouraging more buyers to invest in the lineup. It also ties the device to Apple’s flagship series, making it feel like a cohesive part of the ecosystem. However, this strategy could backfire if the new name confuses customers or if the device’s price increase alienates traditional SE buyers.

Ultimately, whether Apple’s move is a good step will depend on how it balances modern features, pricing, and branding to cater to its loyal consumer base.

See Also: Apple’s Privacy Evolution: Balancing Protection, Functionality, and Business Strategy