With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus in India. These models are no longer available on Apple’s website, signaling the company’s move to streamline its lineup and focus on newer models.

The iPhone SE (2022) debuted in March 2022 at a starting price of ₹43,900, while the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus were introduced in September 2022 at ₹79,900 and ₹89,900, respectively. However, these models might still be available through third-party retailers like Flipkart and Amazon until stocks run out.

Key Points:

Apple has removed the iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus from its official store in India.

The discontinuation follows the launch of the new iPhone 16e, which starts at ₹59,900.

The iPhone 16e features the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, and a USB Type-C port.

Older iPhone models may still be available through third-party retailers until stocks last.

Apple may phase out the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus once the iPhone 17 series launches.

Reasons Behind the Discontinuation

Apple follows a pattern of retiring older models when new ones are launched. The iPhone 16e brings significant upgrades over the previous iPhone SE, including a more powerful A18 chip, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and a USB Type-C port, aligning with European regulations.

The company has also been gradually shifting its product lineup to modern features, such as Dynamic Island and USB-C charging. Similar to last year’s discontinuation of the iPhone 15 Pro series and iPhone 13 models, Apple is expected to remove the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus when the iPhone 17 series arrives.

iPhone 16e: Features and Pricing

The iPhone 16e serves as Apple’s new entry-level smartphone with updated specifications:

Display: 6.1-inch OLED with a 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: A18 chip with 3nm architecture

Cameras: 48MP rear camera with OIS, 12MP front-facing camera

Battery & Charging: USB Type-C, 18W wired, and 7.5W wireless charging

Software: Runs on iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence integration

Water Resistance: IP68 rating

The iPhone 16e starts at ₹59,900 for the 128GB variant, while the 256GB and 512GB models are priced at ₹69,900 and ₹89,900, respectively. Pre-orders begin on February 21, with sales starting on February 28.

Conclusion

Apple’s latest move indicates a shift towards modernizing its lineup while phasing out older models. While customers may still find the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus through third-party retailers, Apple is firmly steering its focus towards devices with advanced hardware and software capabilities.