Apple has officially phased out the iPhone SE series, introducing the iPhone 16e as its successor. Rather than sticking with the SE’s signature compact size and traditional design, the new model takes on a more contemporary identity—larger screen, no home button, and a suite of AI-powered features driven by Apple Intelligence.
A Departure from the SE Legacy
Since its debut in 2016, the iPhone SE line stood out for delivering flagship-level performance at a budget-friendly price, wrapped in a familiar design. The iPhone 16e breaks from that formula. Apple has embraced a full-screen layout, removing the classic home button in favor of modern navigation and Face ID.
What truly sets it apart is the integration of Apple Intelligence—an advanced system that enhances Siri and automates everyday tasks through machine learning. This shift moves the iPhone 16e closer to the premium experience found in Apple’s flagship models, blurring the line between entry-level and high-end devices.
A New Target Audience
While the SE series catered to cost-conscious buyers seeking a simple iPhone experience, the 16e appears aimed at a different crowd—users of older models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 who are ready for an upgrade. With generous trade-in programs, Apple is positioning the 16e as a smooth stepping stone into the next generation of iPhones, keeping existing users engaged within its ecosystem rather than chasing first-time buyers looking for rock-bottom prices.
Rethinking the Budget iPhone
The introduction of the iPhone 16e marks a strategic pivot in Apple’s approach to affordability. Instead of prioritizing the lowest cost, the company now focuses on delivering modern design and AI-driven features at a more accessible price point.
This new direction signals the end of the SE’s classic blueprint—compact size, lower specs, and minimal features—and the start of a smarter, more capable entry-tier iPhone. By weaving Apple Intelligence into the experience, the 16e embodies the company’s vision for the future: devices that are not only sleek and powerful but also deeply intelligent.
For users seeking a balance between performance, innovation, and price, the iPhone 16e represents Apple’s reimagined gateway into its ecosystem—modern, capable, and built for the AI era.