Apple unveils iPhone 16e, ditching the SE moniker

Photo: Apple

Apple has officially announced the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level model joining the iPhone 16 family. Dropping the SE branding, the iPhone 16e aims to distance itself from perceptions of being a "lesser" device. It boasts several key features, including Apple Intelligence support, previously absent in the iPhone 14.  

The iPhone 16e sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with Ceramic Shield, and Apple claims it has the "toughest back glass in a smartphone." It's powered by the A18 chip and features a 48MP "2-in-1 camera system"—though it's still a single lens setup capable of lossless 2x zoom. Apple also promises "the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone," exceeding the iPhone 11 by six hours and all SE models by up to 12 hours. But that claim requires real-life testing.

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Apple event teased for Feb. 19, AirTag 2 and iPhone SE rumours swirl

Photo: Apple

Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted, "Get ready to meet the newest member of the family, teasing the event scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, which he affixed with the #AppleLaunch hashtag. Cook's tweet included an animated image of a shimmering Apple logo superimposed on what resembles an AirTag outline, fueling speculation about the long-rumoured AirTag 2. The new tracker is expected to feature an improved range, a more secure speaker, and Apple Vision Pro integration.

Rumours also point to a new iPhone SE announcement. While initially predicted for this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests the SE will arrive by next week, coinciding with Apple's product briefings. Gurman also mentioned a potential Apple Vision Pro announcement and an M4-powered MacBook Air launch "within weeks." With several potential releases in the pipeline, Apple's February 19 event promises to be packed with news.

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What we know about the Apple iPhone SE

Leaked images and rumours suggest the 2025 iPhone SE will feature a notch and a single rear camera (Image: Majin Bu)

Apple is expected to announce a redesigned iPhone SE this week, potentially shaking up its budget-friendly lineup. Rumours point to a website announcement, likely Tuesday or Wednesday morning rather than a full event.

The new SE is anticipated to ditch the home button and thick bezels for a design similar to the iPhone 14, complete with Face ID in a notch and a larger 6.1-inch OLED screen. Other rumoured features include a customizable Action button, a single rear camera (possibly upgraded to 48 megapixels), and a USB-C port. 

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Report: First phase of Apple's plan to replace Qualcomm modems in iPhones is coming

We might finally get to see Apple's rumoured cellular modem in action. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the company is ready to replace Qualcomm's chips in the upcoming iPhone SE. Codenamed Sinope, the in-house part is expected to come in a slimmer iPhone and low-end iPads later in 2025, too. There are plans to bring the modems to the Mac and Vision Pro headset down the line. The company's multi-year goal is to overtake Qualcomm technologically in 2027.

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