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.

However, with the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple has discontinued three older generation iPhone models that it was still selling. On Wednesday, Apple pulled the plug on the iPhone SE, iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.

Apple's iPhone 16e makes some trades to hit a lower price, but it makes a case for itself as the cheapest phone that will last the longest.

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.

Following the iPhone 16e's release, the iPhone SE 3 has been discontinued. It was one of the last small phones of its kind.

If the iPhone SE was your device-of-choice before, the iPhone 16e might just be right up your alley. This iPhone is meant to deliver just the essentials.

The iPhone SE is no more. It’s now replaced by the iPhone 16e, which includes a price hike, Face ID, and USB-C.

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, replacing the third-generation iPhone SE, which has now been discontinued. With thi

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.