The names of our smartphones are crucial. A cumbersome name is easily forgotten, a verbose one is hard to recall, and an unusual one we hesitate to utter. While a name doesn’t need inherent meaning, it must fit. The iPhone 16e’s name fits remarkably well, surpassing expected alternatives, making it one of Apple’s smartest decisions for this phone. However, there’s another name I would have favored even more.
Since rumors began circulating over a year ago, the common assumption was that this iPhone would be called the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone SE (2025), following the naming convention of previous models in the series. The original iPhone SE was succeeded by the iPhone SE (2020) and then the iPhone SE (2022), making either name a logical progression.
However, the “SE” designation is somewhat illogical. It doesn’t denote a “Special Edition” as intended. It’s an iPhone, and the “SE” suffix only served to distinguish Apple’s entry-level phone, separating it from the flagship models. Purchasing an SE model felt less like joining the iPhone community and more like a nominal contribution to a Kickstarter project – technically involved but not truly part of the inner circle.
Tim Cook’s introduction of the iPhone 16e as the “newest member of the family” perfectly reflects the new naming strategy. The iPhone 16e name integrates it seamlessly into the lineup alongside the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and the two iPhone 16 Pro models. While previous SE models were undoubtedly iPhones, the lack of a numerical designation created a divide. Consumers desire the latest technology, and the iPhone 16e fulfills that desire.
A Name for the Future
The iPhone 16e’s integration into the family has significant implications for the future, particularly if Apple decides to deviate from the vague multi-year update cycle of the SE series. This naming scheme allows for a potential annual release of a new “e-series” iPhone, maintaining its current status by adopting the numerical sequence. An iPhone 17e could logically follow the 16e in 2026.
While the SE series demonstrated Apple’s infrequent updates to its entry-level phone, it’s an anomaly in the industry. Most manufacturers release new entry-level phones annually, sometimes even more frequently. Annual updates to the “e-series,” however minor, would maintain its appeal for budget-conscious consumers.
The iPhone 16e’s name aligns with a preference for logic and order. The continued availability of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus slightly complicates the lineup, but the clear pricing structure compensates for this. The iPhone 16e starts at $599, the iPhone 15 at $699, the iPhone 16 at $799, and the iPhone 16 Pro at $999. The discontinuation of the iPhone 14, while potentially frustrating for some due to spec discrepancies, was necessary to avoid conflict with the 16e’s positioning.
“E” is Adequate, But “C” Would Be Superior
Following the iPhone 16e announcement, I found myself in the minority appreciating the new name. Critics drew comparisons to Motorola’s budget phone naming conventions and Samsung’s Galaxy S10e. Others questioned the “E’s” significance: Entry-level? Economy? Essential?
While the “E” doesn’t require a specific meaning, it lacks a strong association with Apple’s mobile division. “S,” previously used for new models, seems inappropriate as those phones represented major annual updates. The “S” suffix was easily linked to device features like Speed and Siri, highlighting a potential missed opportunity with the iPhone 16e.
Surprisingly, Apple didn’t revive the “C” designation. The iPhone 16c would have perfectly positioned the device as a more affordable yet premium iPhone, mirroring the iPhone 5c from 2013. Moreover, it would have cleverly linked the phone to the new C1 modem, a more significant advancement than Apple acknowledged, creating synergistic branding.
Names are important, and they should fit. While I won’t lament the SE name’s retirement, I appreciate its history and celebrate the iPhone 16e’s full integration into the iPhone family. However, for ultimate geeky satisfaction, the iPhone 16c would have been a perfect nod to the new C1 modem.
