If you're confused about who the iPhone 16e is for, you're not alone — I know I won't be upgrading. I'm going to cut right to it. I should have been an easy sell for the iPhone SE 4, but I'm vehemently against the iPhone 16e.

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.

A rumor from some weeks back is suddenly gathering steam, suggesting a different iPhone is on the brink of release.