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No iPhone 16e after all: Code leak reveals evidence of iPhone SE 4, iPad Air with M3, and iPad 11

The fourth-gen iPhone SE might be launching soon. (Image source: AppleTrack)
The fourth-gen iPhone SE might be launching soon. (Image source: AppleTrack)
Clues hinting at the existence of the fourth-gen iPhone SE and new iPad models have been discovered in the iOS 18.3 code, suggesting these products may launch soon. This leak has revealed not only the processor in the next iPad Air, but possibly also the finalised name of the next iPhone SE.

The highly reliable leaker Evan Blass has uncovered a series of device names for unreleased products in the iOS 18.3 beta code. The discovery suggests that these products might launch before the release of iOS 18.4, i.e. between late January and late April. Surprisingly, the successor to the third-gen iPhone SE is listed as “iPhone SE (4th Gen)”.

This indicates that Apple’s next affordable smartphone may simply be marketed as iPhone SE rather than iPhone 16e, as suggested by earlier rumours. Nonetheless, the phone is likely to be positioned as a budget alternative to the iPhone 16, given that it will reportedly have a more dated design resembling an iPhone 14, including a large notch instead of the Dynamic Island. Furthermore, the fourth-gen iPhone SE will apparently not receive any rear ultrawide camera, leaving it with just a single 48 MP main shooter on the back. Its 6.1-inch OLED display is also tipped to have a far lower peak brightness than the iPhone 16’s screen, offering 1,200 nits rather than 2,000 nits.

The code further hints at the upcoming launch of the iPad 11, which is expected to share a similar design with its predecessor but receive an upgrade to the Apple A17 Pro for Apple Intelligence support. By contrast, the iPad Air is set to be updated with the Apple M3, whilst the newer Apple M4 seems to remain exclusive to the iPad Pro for now. It also appears that Apple will continue offering the iPad Air in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 01 > No iPhone 16e after all: Code leak reveals evidence of iPhone SE 4, iPad Air with M3, and iPad 11
Hannes Brecher, 2025-01-20 (Update: 2025-01-20)