Apple, officially introduced the iPhone 16e, a new addition to its iPhone 16 lineup designed to offer high-end features at a more accessible price point.
Priced at $599, the iPhone 16e delivers a sleek design and advanced technology, catering to a broader range of users.
The announcement was made in a release on February 19, titled “Apple Debuts iPhone 16e: A Powerful New Member of the iPhone 16 Family,” which was shared on Apple’s news website and retrieved by PUNCH Online on Thursday.
According to Bloomberg, the release of this affordable model comes as Apple aims to reinvigorate growth following a less-than-ideal holiday season.
The iPhone 16e will go on sale on February 28, priced $170 higher than the $429 iPhone SE it replaces.
Preorders for the device will begin on February 21.
The iPhone 16e adopts the sleek design of the 2022 iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
This edge-to-edge screen enhances user experience for streaming and gaming.
The iPhone 16e also moves away from the Touch ID home button, now featuring a Face ID-enabled notch, reflecting Apple’s shift towards facial recognition technology.
Available in black and white matte finishes, it combines both style and functionality.
Powered by Apple’s A18 chip, the iPhone 16e promises fast and efficient performance across various applications.
The device boasts impressive battery life, supporting up to 26 hours of video playback—the best battery performance for a 6.1-inch iPhone to date.
The iPhone 16e is equipped with a 48-megapixel rear camera, offering high-resolution photos and videos.
The 2-in-1 camera system includes a 2x telephoto lens, allowing users to capture detailed images from a distance.
The front features a TrueDepth camera system for secure Face ID authentication and high-quality selfies.
A key highlight of the iPhone 16e is its compatibility with Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to enhance productivity and creativity.
These include Writing Tools for text proofreading and summarization, Genmoji for creating personalized emojis, and Image Playground for generating unique images based on user descriptions.
The iPhone 16e introduces USB-C connectivity, replacing the traditional Lightning port, and includes a customizable Action Button for quick access to preferred functions.
However, it lacks support for MagSafe accessories and fast wireless charging, offering Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W instead.
Notably, it also features Apple’s first in-house developed modem, the C1, marking a significant move toward reducing reliance on third-party components.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e will begin on February 21, with general availability starting on February 28.
The device will be available in 59 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
With the iPhone 16e, Apple offers a blend of performance, design, and affordability, catering to both new and existing users seeking a modern smartphone experience without the premium price tag.
Earlier in September, Apple had unveiled its flagship iPhone 16 lineup at its headquarters in Cupertino, California.
The iPhone 16 event is one of the company’s major annual showcases, where updates to AirPods and the Apple Watch range are also revealed.