iPhone 16e Launch: Apple Discontinues Older Models in India

The iPhone 16e is now available, and with its arrival, Apple has decided to discontinue several older models in India. The discontinued models include the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus. The new iPhone 16e features substantial enhancements, such as the A18 chip with Apple Intelligence capabilities and a USB Type-C port, marking it as the most advanced budget iPhone to date.

After the release of the iPhone 16e, Apple removed the iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus from its official website in India. Although they remain available at third-party retailers like Flipkart and Amazon, these models are likely to sell out quickly as their stocks diminish.

Launch Details of Discontinued Models

Apple introduced the following models:

• iPhone SE (2022) in March 2022 with a starting price of ₹43,900.
• iPhone 14 in September 2022 starting at ₹79,900.
• iPhone 14 Plus for ₹89,900.

Alignment with EU Regulations

Following a similar initiative in Europe, Apple decided to stop selling older models that lacked USB Type-C ports, complying with EU regulations that require a universal charging standard.

Current iPhone Lineup in India

With the discontinuation of these models, the iPhone lineup in India now includes:

• iPhone 16 series
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 series

Future Discontinuation Plans

It is anticipated that Apple will also discontinue the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus when the iPhone 17 series is introduced next year.

Pricing and Availability of iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e pricing begins at ₹59,900 for the 128GB model, with higher storage variants available at the following prices:

• 256GB – ₹69,900
• 512GB – ₹89,900

Features of iPhone 16e

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e will kick off on February 21, with its official sale set to begin on February 28. The smartphone boasts impressive features, including:

• 6.1-inch OLED display equipped with a 60Hz refresh rate
• A18 chip (3nm) for optimal efficiency
• 48MP rear camera featuring Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
• 12MP TrueDepth front camera
• IP68-rated water and dust resistance
• USB Type-C charging capabilities (18W wired, 7.5W wireless)