Apple may switch to using the 'SE' brand name in the next iPhone: What it means

Last month, some information sources reported that the next-generation iPhone SE scheduled to debut in spring would not be called 'iPhone SE'. Instead, it is highly possible that it will be named 'iPhone 16E'. Although this rumor may seem strange, considering the previous information about iPhone SE 4, I believe there is a reason behind this naming convention.

Rumors of iPhone SE 4

Here are our expectations for iPhone SE 4:

• The design of iPhone 14: It features an indentation for Face ID and a 6.1-inch OLED display.
• 'A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support'
• USB-C port
• A single rear camera: The 48MP sensor from iPhone 15
• 'Apple's own developed 5G modem, the first of its kind'

This will be the largest update in the history of the iPhone SE. Apple has not made a form factor update to the iPhone SE since its second-generation model in 2020. The iPhone SE 3 released in 2022 also had the same form factor, but added the A15 Bionic chip and 5G support. The iPhone SE 4 will be a large-scale refresh of the iPhone SE after five years.

Can You Believe It?

I have no doubt about the actual rumors surrounding iPhone SE 4, but I always had doubts about its price. Many people are proposing $499 as the expected price tag for iPhone SE 4, but this did not make sense to me. Currently, Apple sells the iPhone 14 for $599 and the iPhone 15 for $699.

Why is a new phone with both of these components (plus an even newer chipset) considered much cheaper?

There are two possible reasons for lowering the cost of iPhone SE 4:

• The use of a new in-house modem, which allows it to do without Qualcomm's expensive modem.
• 'Using BOE and LG displays instead of Samsung OLEDs, resulting in the adoption of panels with higher cost performance'

iPhone SE 4 has historically been called a 'small phone', but with a 6.1-inch display, it is difficult to call it small.

'iPhone 16E' will also be a clearer name for consumers and demonstrate that it is part of the lineup. This may lead to some sales promotion expectations. Currently, the SE brand makes it difficult to accurately grasp its age, but Apple can reduce this by using years instead of generation numbers.

Summary