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

Three years have passed between the release of the third-generation iPhone SE and the iPhone 16E, Apple's latest budget phone. That's a relatively long time for mobile developments to evolve -- and for the sticker price to rise alongside those improvements.

Apple's iPhone 16e features significant upgrades over the previous entry-level iPhone, including Apple Intelligence, Face ID, and an Action button.

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.

The iPhone 16e starts at $599 for 128GB and will be available for preorder on February 21. The phone will be available on February 28. A 256GB version and a 512GB version will run you $699 and $899, respectively.

If you’re an iPhone SE 3 user, check out what changes have been made and whether now is the time for an upgrade (hint: it is). With its introduction, the iPhone 16e is now the most affordable iPhone on the market.

Apple’s new iPhone 16e arrived on my doorstep at a critical time in our personal tech world. Prices are higher, consumer demand is lower, and all the “incremental improvements” companies are pushing to get us to dole out the equivalent of a mortgage payment for the next new thing are,

The "essential" iPhone 16e is all you need to enjoy your visit to the walled garden. Apple Intelligence included.