Apple has revamped its budget iPhone lineup, replacing the SE designation with the new iPhone 16e. A report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners suggests Apple will now release “e” models annually, with the iPhone 17e expected in 2026, following the 16e. This shift indicates that Apple aims to integrate the “e” line into its main product range. However, there are doubts about the “e” line’s success unless prices decrease or features improve significantly, highlighting mixed consumer interest in smaller phones. Overall, Apple appears to be making strategic changes to enhance its affordability offerings.
Apple has recently revamped its budget-friendly iPhone lineup, completely eliminating the SE designation and introducing the iPhone 16e. A new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners indicates that Apple is also altering the release timetable for its new lineup of more affordable “e” iPhones.
In contrast to the SE models, which were released every two years and then sidelined for the past three, the “e” models will debut annually. Thus, the iPhone 17e is expected to arrive in 2026, just one year after the launch of the iPhone 16e.
This is merely a “prediction” from the research firm, but if it proves accurate, it suggests that Apple has significant aspirations for the “e” lineup, effectively integrating the “e” iPhone into its primary series of devices.
Furthermore, this strategy aligns with the naming conventions—while all the iPhone SE models were categorized under the SE label, the “e” designation ties it to a lineage of more mainstream premium devices. Therefore, it wouldn’t be logical to have an iPhone 16e without also transitioning to an iPhone 17e, followed by an iPhone 18e, and so forth—you catch the drift.
Apple iPhone 16e
Whether the “e” lineup will thrive on its own is an entirely different matter, and many believe it won’t succeed unless either the price decreases or the next model’s features improve. However, that’s just the perspective of the internet, which also seemingly adores compact phones, despite their lackluster sales figures. Therefore, nothing is set in stone.
Source | Via