The speculations were confirmed, although many initially referred to it with an uppercase E instead of lowercase: the iPhone SE 4 has officially been named the iPhone 16e.
A lingering question remains about what the “e” signifies. Apple has traditionally been ambiguous about the meanings of suffixes such as S, R, and SE for different iPhone models, but this time they provided some clarity…
Majin Bu was Spot-On
According to my source, the upcoming iPhone that Apple is set to reveal in 2025 will not be named iPhone SE4, but rather iPhone 16E. It is expected to have a design akin to the iPhone 14, featuring an OLED display and an action button. The color options will include white and black.
He also hinted at apparent packaging just ahead of the announcement.
Apple’s Pattern of Ambiguous Suffixes
Apple has a history of creating letter suffixes without providing a clear explanation for their significance. The ‘S’ in the iPhone 3GS was purportedly short for ‘speed,’ yet the meaning wasn’t as clear for the iPhone models from 4S to 6S.
In contrast, the iPhone 5C had an unmistakable connotation: ‘colorful’ (it’s safe to say Apple did not intend for it to mean ‘cheap’).
The Macintosh SE indicated Special Edition, though its significance in relation to the iPhone SE remains ambiguous.
Prior to adopting clearer names like mini, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, Apple introduced the iPhone XR and XS, which also lacked clarity.
What Does the “e” Signify in iPhone 16e?
John Gruber noted that during yesterday’s press conference, someone inquired about the meaning of the “e,” and Apple responded that it signified… absolutely nothing.
In an online press briefing today, when questioned if the E had any specific meaning, an Apple representative confirmed that it does not stand for anything in particular, but is designed for everyone. I doubt she implied that the E secretly represents everyone, especially since it’s likely Apple doesn’t want every individual purchasing its entry-level iPhone model.
Thus, that’s the official explanation: it’s merely a random letter.
Image: DMN/Apple
