Apple has revealed the iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly iPhone packed with AI features, the A18 chip, and a new C1 modem—all starting at $599.
Today, Apple unveiled the latest addition to the iPhone 16 family—the iPhone 16e. The newest entry into the Apple ecosystem answers the question: What if iPhone 16 with AI, but cheaper? The new iPhone comes equipped with the “industry-leading efficiency” A18 chip. The 16e is also the first Apple device to run the new C1 modem—the first cellular modem designed by Apple. The 16e may be Apple’s answer to the iPhone SE line, which hasn’t seen a new entry since March 2022 with the third generation.
Apple’s vice-president of worldwide iPhone product marketing, Kaiann Drance, said: “iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence.”
She continued: “We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people,” celebrating the new low price of the latest iPhone technology.
iPhone 16e Key Features & Specs
- Featuring the latest Apple operating system, the iOS 18. This is the latest OS for Apple cellular, and utilizes most of the features present on iPhone 16. As a bonus, Apple die-hards will notice when messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging when compared to SMS and MMS.
- The iPhone 16e is capable of taking videos in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, giving users 60 fps clarity. Spatial Audio is also used in video recording, letting users enable the spatial functions on headsets that support it or even user AirPods. Previously announced features like AudioMix will also be usable straight out of the box.
- A powerful 2-in-1 camera system featuring a 48MP Fusion camera capable of taking precise photos in Night mode and Portrait mode.
- Brought over from the other iPhone 16 devices, the iPhone 16e deploys the action button. The action button gives users another specific outside function and once customized in device settings, the Action button can be used to quickly open applications like camera or flashlight, use voice recording, take notes, and much more.
- iPhone 16e features Apple Intelligence. Siri functionality is improved with AI functionality, as well as the user’s productivity at a whim. Apple seamlessly integrates ChatGPT in its writing tools, including Siri voice assistant functionality all without creating an extra account.
The newly revealed iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $599 (U.S.). The new smartphone will launch pre-orders on February 21, wherever consumers can find Apple products, for the full release landing on February 28. Fans can head to the Apple website for more information in the meantime.
