Apple has officially discontinued the third-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus in India, making way for its latest budget offering—the iPhone 16e. These models have been removed from Apple’s website but are still available through third-party retailers like Flipkart and Amazon until stocks last.
The move aligns with Apple’s strategy of keeping its lineup updated with the latest technology while complying with new regulations, such as the European Union’s mandate for USB Type-C charging ports.
iPhone 16e: The New Budget iPhone
The iPhone 16e serves as an upgrade over the three-year-old iPhone SE. It features:
- A18 chip – A powerful 3nm processor enabling Apple Intelligence features.
- 6.1-inch OLED display – Offers better color accuracy and contrast than LCD panels.
- 48MP rear camera – A major jump from the 12MP camera in the iPhone SE.
- USB Type-C charging – A future-ready feature aligning with industry standards.
- iOS 18 – The latest software with AI-driven enhancements.
Priced at ₹59,900 for the base 128GB model, the iPhone 16e also comes in 256GB (₹69,900) and 512GB (₹89,900) variants.
Impact on Apple’s iPhone Lineup
With the iPhone 16e’s launch, Apple now offers:
- iPhone 16 series (flagship models)
- iPhone 15 series (previous-gen models)
- iPhone 16e (entry-level option)
It is expected that Apple will discontinue the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus once the iPhone 17 series is launched.
Availability & Pre-Orders
The iPhone 16e will be available for pre-order from February 21, with official sales beginning on February 28. Consumers in India can purchase it online and in Apple stores.
As Apple shifts towards a more streamlined lineup, the iPhone 16e stands out as a feature-rich yet affordable option, offering substantial upgrades over its predecessors.
