Apple is about to introduce an important iPhone model

Apple's compact phone targets users who care more about price than other features like camera, battery life, and AI.

iPhone SE 4 based on iPhone 14 design. Photo: 9to5mac .

iPhone 16E is expected to be the name of the low-cost iPhone, which Apple will launch tonight, February 19. Before the launch of the new iPhone, Optimum 's survey results revealed why the low-cost line plays an important role in Apple's product ecosystem.

Of the 1,500 US consumers polled about the most important factors when buying a new phone, more than half said price was the most important. That means most people consider price more important than camera features, AI, battery life, and other common sales drivers.

In addition to pointing out why the new iPhone SE plays an important role in Apple's product ecosystem, the survey also reveals why the device line is not updated regularly.

While new iPhones are released every fall, Apple only updates its low-cost models every 2-3 years. The most recent iPhone SE was released in early 2022, making this an especially long upgrade cycle.

But if iPhone SE buyers value price above all else, then frequent updates to add new features really aren't necessary.

Instead, Apple can keep new iPhone prices low while still making more profits over time thanks to increasingly cheaper component prices.

Apple is expected to introduce a new iPhone called iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E today (February 19, US time).

A series of rumors have appeared recently describing this device as having a design similar to the iPhone 14 but with many notable configuration upgrades, including the Apple A18 chip, 8 GB RAM, capable of running Apple Intelligence.