Rumor of iPhone 16E Release This Month Debunked by Analyst After Leaker’s Claim

Recent leaks have indicated that Apple may be on the verge of launching its anticipated iPhone SE 4, or the newly rebranded iPhone 16E, along with an entry-level iPad 11, earlier than initially projected. Previous reports have suggested that the iPhone 16E will showcase a completely refreshed design, targeted for a Spring 2024 release. However, emerging rumors imply the possibility of a launch within this month, perhaps coinciding with the rollout of iOS 18.3. Contrarily, a well-known industry analyst has contested these claims, insisting that the iPhone 16E is likely to debut with the release of iOS 18.4.

Expected Launch Timeline for the iPhone 16E

Apple recently shared the second beta version of iOS 18.3, which includes various enhancements and is projected to be officially released after January 22, 2024. A reliable account on X has suggested that the iPhone 16E could debut later this month (refer to MacRumors for more details). This leaker has a solid history of sharing accurate information about iOS developments, indicating that devices codenamed “V59” and “J481” — corresponding to the iPhone 16E and iPad 11 respectively — will launch alongside iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3.

Historically, Apple unveils its SE lineup between March and April, which presents a discrepancy with the current rumors regarding the iPhone 16E’s launch. The release of iOS 18.3 is indeed slated for this month, but leading industry expert Mark Gurman asserts that typically, budget devices like the iPhone and iPad will not launch concurrently with software updates. Immediately addressing the recent speculation, Gurman pointed out that while the iPhone 16E and iPad 11 are in development alongside the iOS 18.3 updates, there’s no assurance that they will be released simultaneously.

Yes, the new iPads and iPhone SE replacement are being developed on the iOS 18.3 train – but that doesn’t mean they launch together this month. It means they’ll launch before iOS 18.4, by April if all goes to plan. https://t.co/qaMSH1ImSW

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 7, 2025

According to Gurman, both the iPhone 16E and iPad 11 are expected to be available by April 2024, prior to the public release of iOS 18.4. This projection resonates well with Apple’s usual product launch rhythm, providing a clearer roadmap for eager customers.

Moreover, it’s noteworthy that Apple is rebranding the iPhone SE 4 to align with its flagship product line, which is consistent with the company’s strategic positioning. The upcoming device is anticipated to mirror the iPhone 14’s aesthetic, incorporating features such as Face ID and a larger 6.1-inch OLED screen. On the performance front, the iPhone 16E is rumored to be equipped with either the state-of-the-art A17 Pro chip or the newer A18 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM to enhance Apple Intelligence functionalities. We will continue to provide updates regarding the launch timeline, so stay tuned for more exciting news!

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