A leaker has suggested that Apple will launch the new iPhone SE 4 or the iPhone 16E sooner than expected, along with the new entry-level iPad 11. We have previously covered that the iPhone 16E is expected to come with a brand-new design and will be launched in the Spring of this year. Based on recent rumors, a leaker claims that Apple will launch the iPhone 16E later this month, possibly alongside the release of iOS 18.3. However, a well-reputed analyst has shot down the rumors and claims that the device is set to release with iOS 18.4.
Apple will stick to its typical launch time frame for the iPhone 16E, possibly launching it sometime before the release of iOS 18.4
Apple recently released the second beta of iOS 18.3, which comes with a handful of improvements under the hood, and it is expected to be released after 22nd January. A private account on X with a credible track record claims that Apple will launch the iPhone 16E later this month (via MacRumors). The leaker has previously revealed iOS-related information and claims that the devices codenamed "V59" and "J481 will be released alongside iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Both of these codenames belong to the iPhone 16E and the iPad 11, respectively.
Apple has typically released the SE lineup in the March to April timeframe, and the latest rumor does not align with the company's schedule. The company will release the iOS 18.3 update later this month, and it will not be accompanied by the budget iPhone and iPad models, according to the prominent industry analyst Mark Gurman. Gurman responded to the rumor mere minutes after it was shared, stating that the iPhone 16E, the SE 4, and the iPad 11 are "being developed on the iOS 18.3 train," but it does not mean that the hardware and the software will be released together.
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
Gurman stated that the company will release the new iPhone 16E and the iPad 11 "by April" before Apple releases iOS 18.4 to the general public. We believe that Gurman's information is more credible as it aligns perfectly with Apple's typical schedule. It is good to see that we finally have a timeframe to look forward to.
It was recently noted that Apple plans to re-brand the iPhone SE 4 into the iPhone 16E, which would be in line with the company's current flagship models. The device is slated to look like the iPhone 14 with Face ID and a bigger 6.1-inch OLED display. Under the hood, the device could be powered by the company's A17 Pro chip or the A18 chip coupled with 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence. We will keep you posted on the device's release timeframe, so stick around.
