Apple is back with its premium upgrade strategy, and this time its target is the iPhone SE. The model has been discontinued alongside another popular version.

A New Budget Model

Apple unveiled its so-called budget iPhone model on Wednesday, surprisingly named the iPhone 16E. This new iPhone adopts many modern features from the iPhone 14, including support for Face ID and new AI features.

With every new iPhone launch comes the inevitable casualty of older models. This time, Apple has officially confirmed the discontinuation of both the iPhone 14 and the SE 2022 model. Now, the lineup begins with the 2023 iPhone 15 in the market.

So Long, iPhone SE

The iPhone 16E launch took many by surprise. However, hints were dropped earlier this month when Tim Cook indicated the arrival of a 'newest family member'. The decision to name it 16E, instead of SE 4, makes sense given the enhancements like the A18 chipset, AI features, Face ID, and the addition of the new Apple C1 modem.

Including these upgrades in a hypothetical SE 4 would have been thrilling. But it would have limited Apple's ability to adjust the price range. The introduction of the 16E enables Apple to conclude the affordable lineup, and position a new model alongside premium Android flagships, albeit with noteworthy concessions.

With the iPhone 15 now serving as the most affordable model at approximately Rs 70,000, the budget label feels misplaced. Apple has evidently shifted towards an emphasis on premium, encouraging consumers to invest more for innovative offerings.

Not The End Of iPhone 14

Despite the discontinuation, it doesn’t mark the end for the iPhone 14. While Apple halts production, the iPhone 14 remains accessible in both online and offline markets, likely with significant discounts as sellers move to clear their inventories. Moreover, it will continue to receive iOS upgrades for several years, maintaining its relevance in the market.