iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E? What to Know About Apple’s Delay

Apple’s long-anticipated wait for the launch of the new version of the iPhone SE seems to be coming to an end. Last week, the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, teased the launch date in a tweet. 

Apple originally planned to debut the device on its website rather than hosting a press event, as it does for more high-profile launches. But each time the plans shifted, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman kept us all in the loop. 

Apple is also reportedly readying an Apple Vision Pro announcement, as well as a new MacBook Air with its M4 chip in the weeks ahead.

Read more: Apple Vision Pro, 1 Year On: The Future Needs to Hurry Up

A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move to unveil an updated SE lineup would be part of a greater effort to attract new customers, particularly those who don’t already use an iPhone.

The update would mark a significant shift for Apple’s entry-level iPhone, which debuted in 2016. The new model, reportedly codenamed V59, is expected to introduce Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, replacing Qualcomm’s hardware, and add Face ID for the first time — finally removing the physical home button, according to Bloomberg. It’s also likely to feature Apple’s A18 chip, which powers the iPhone 16, to better support the company’s new AI software, Apple Intelligence.

The update comes at a time when Apple recently reported a 1% dip in iPhone sales during the holiday quarter, failing to meet expectations. A more advanced yet still affordable iPhone SE could help Apple compete in key markets such as China and India, where budget-friendly smartphones with premium features continue to gain traction.

The current iPhone SE starts at $429 in the US, significantly less than the $799 entry price for an iPhone 16.