Last week, Apple officially unveiled its new budget smartphone, the iPhone 16e, and starting today, the device is available for purchase at Apple Stores, Apple’s online store, and other authorized retailers nationwide. The iPhone 16e serves as a replacement for the iPhone SE third generation that was released back in 2022, bringing significant upgrades while maintaining a competitive price point.
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, offering a full edge-to-edge viewing experience. The device retains the familiar “notch” design seen on the iPhone 14, rather than adopting the Dynamic Island feature found in Pro models since 2022. Apple has kept color options simple and classic with just black and white variants available.
For the first time in this product category, the iPhone 16e incorporates Face ID, marking the complete transition away from Touch ID across Apple’s iPhone lineup. In fact, with the discontinuation of the iPhone SE, Apple is no longer selling any iPhone models with Touch ID.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by the advanced A18 chip, featuring a six-core CPU that delivers performance “up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on the iPhone 11.” The device also comes equipped with Apple Intelligence, bringing the latest AI capabilities to this more affordable iPhone option. Additional features include Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Crash Detection, and Find My via satellite, ensuring users have access to critical safety functions.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the impressive 48MP 2-in-1 camera setup. The iPhone 16e’s camera can record 4K video with Dolby Vision at up to 60 fps. It also supports video recording with Spatial Audio for enhanced listening experiences on compatible Apple devices like AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, and other surround sound systems.
What makes this iPhone particularly notable is the inclusion of the new Apple C1 – Apple’s first ever cellular modem designed in-house. This proprietary modem enables more reliable 5G connections while improving power efficiency, representing a significant step in Apple’s vertical integration strategy.
Apple promises “extraordinary battery life” with the iPhone 16e, claiming it lasts “six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of the iPhone SE.” Following the industry trend and Apple’s recent standard, the iPhone 16e charges via USB-C rather than Lightning.
The iPhone 16e starts at just $599 and is available starting today. Consumers can purchase the new device immediately from Apple Stores, Apple’s online store, and other authorized retailers.
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 16e now that it’s officially available? Comment below or let us know on X at @appleosophy.
