Today, Apple announced its new entry-level smartphone, the iPhone 16e. It is said to be the successor to the third-generation iPhone SE, which the tech giant officially discontinued. It seems that the company is determined to bid farewell to older models, bring about new ones, and update its ecosystem. Apple no longer sells any small-screen phones that have their own niche. Similarly, the company is also no longer selling iPhone models that have a Lightning port, Touch ID, or an LCD screen. While Apple has never discontinued its mainline iPhone models mid-cycle with the introduction of the new phone, this has changed as Apple is no longer continuing with the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.
Apple made some significant changes in its product lineup and has now discontinued the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus
Apple seems to be pivoting in a different direction as it pursues its ambitious goals and introduces something new. While the launch of its iPhone 16e is already creating quite a buzz, this is not the only change the company is bringing about as it is stepping away from LCD displays in Apple's iPhone lineup and opting for OLED screens instead.
While Apple announced the iPhone 16e, it also made other announcements related to devices it would no longer be continuing with. Apple has officially discontinued the third-generation iPhone SE, and along with this, many other features that do not represent the evolving changes the company is undergoing will also be left behind. This includes the Lightning port as the transition to USB-C port is being made the standard. Similarly, iPhones with a Home button or even Touch ID would no longer be sold by the company.
While it is not unusual for Apple to have some products meet the end of the road when introducing fresh ones, the company discontinuing the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus does come as a surprise. The Apple lineup now includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and now iPhone 16e. Given the Cupertino-based tech giant's current direction, it would most likely let go of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus when the iPhone 17 lineup is announced in September.
Apple has made a significant shift in its iPhone strategy. This marks the first time the company has pulled a mainline iPhone from its lineup mid-year. With the company leaving the small-screen market entirely, it is yet to be seen what else it has in store.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
