Tim Cook Teases “Newest Member of the Family” Launch on February 19, iPhone 16e Likely

Apple is widely expected to announce the launch of a new entry-level iPhone model, replacing the nearly three-year-old iPhone SE (2022). Now, CEO Tim Cook has posted a teaser on social media, saying “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch”. The wording suggests that Apple might shift its strategy as previously rumoured, and include its next entry-level model in the iPhone 16 family, calling it the iPhone 16e. The use of the hashtag #AppleLaunch rather than #AppleEvent also indicates that this will be a relatively low-key announcement, likely in the form of a press release and video, rather than a full-fledged keynote. It was previously expected to be announced earlier this week.

Apple’s next iPhone SE has been the subject of much speculation for years. The company was originally thought to be targeting early 2024 for a launch, as the current model was already relatively old. The iPhone SE (2022) still uses the body style introduced with the iPhone 6 in 2014 with a relatively small screen and thick borders. Moreover, the iPhone SE was rumoured to be the first device with a 5G modem designed and developed in-house by Apple, following years of struggles and the acquisition of Intel’s former 5G cellular division and intellectual property.

It is likely that the next entry-level iPhone will have a completely new design and will ditch the physical Home button with an integrated Touch ID sensor. However, it might still have a notch, similar to the iPhone 14, rather than Apple’s newer “Dynamic Island” design with the front camera and Face ID sensors embedded within the screen. The purported 6.1-inch screen would match Apple’s current mainstream iPhones, and there has been no word of multiple variants, like the “iPhone SE Plus” expected with the previous generation.

The new iPhone SE (2025) or iPhone 16e, as it’s likely to be called, will ship with iOS 18.3 or higher, and it is likely that it will support some or all Apple Intelligence features. It is rumoured to be based on the same Apple A18 processor as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Storage should begin at 128GB, with at least a 256GB option also available. All previous iPhone SE models have featured only a single rear camera, and it is likely that the upcoming one will as well. This is rumoured to be a 48-megapixel unit, capable of 4K video recording but not spatial video like the rest of the iPhone 16 generation.

Other features will almost certainly include MagSafe wireless charging, stereo speakers, a USB Type-C port, and Ceramic Shield glass material for screen protection. Colour options are unknown.

Pricing will of course be a huge concern for potential buyers. While the new iPhone 16e or iPhone SE will be the lowest-cost current-gen Apple model, the company has never introduced a truly low-cost phone. It is not likely to be priced below $429 in the US, or ₹47,600 in India, which is the current model’s base price. The price might be considerably higher due to recent fluctuations in the Indian Rupee’s exchange rate, which means this device will compete with some flagship-level Android phones with far better specs and more features.