First, the company shifted away from the “SE” branding after nearly a decade. Then it priced the budget phone higher than expected at $599 – a notable jump from the $429 iPhone SE.

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16e, marking a significant shift in the company's strategy as it also announces the discontinuation of the iPhone SE product line. The iPhone 16e is now positioned as Apple's entry-level iPhone,

Specs and features of the Apple's new iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 and a look back at innovations in the iPhone over time

You may also have seen in Apple's comparison tool that the iPhone 16e lacks “DC-HSDPA,” even though it's available in its pricier siblings. This is a 3G carrier aggregation technology that isn't as common these days, since 3G networks are being deprecated, so it shouldn't be an issue.

Apple’s $600 phone loses a few of the top iPhones' features, like the ultrawide camera and MagSafe charging, but it's a solid budget-priced optionAt $600, the iPhone 16e is now the least

The iPhone 16e isn’t just free of parts pairing, it’s also more repairable across the board. The new electrically released adhesive makes removing the battery easier because i

But factor in the price increase, and it might be worth sitting this one out Apple has launched a new budget iPhone. Rather than discussing specifications or the price hike, the real question is whether the company's latest and cheapest can be repaired.