Apple today unveiled the iPhone 16e, its newest entry-level smartphone, the new handset replaces the third-generation iPhone SE, which has been discontinued.
The iPhone 16e is powered by an A18 chip, providing compatibility with Apple Intelligence. The A18 chip boasts a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, but a 4-core GPU. The A18 chip powering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus has a 5-core GPU.
The new iPhone’s cellular connectivity is handled by Apple’s new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. (The other current iPhone models are equipped with a Qualcomm modem.) Apple says its new modem is so power efficient that the iPhone 16e boasts the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone model ever. Apple says the iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of battery life for video playback, a four hour increase over the battery life of the standard iPhone 16
The new handset supports Apple’s satellite connectivity features, including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Availability of the features varies by country.
The iPhone 16e has a single lens 48MP Fusion camera, with integrated 2x Telephoto. On the front, there is a 12-megapixel camera with autofocus.
The iPhone 16e’s display is a nice step up from the iPhone SE 3’s screen, with a 6.1 OLED display, compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch LCD display. The display is notched, providing space for Face ID. This means Apple no longer offers any iPhones with a Home/Touch ID button.
The new iPhone features an Action button with Visual Intelligence support. Apple says that Visual Intelligence can be activated on the iPhone 16e using the Action button or the Control Center.
“With a press, you can use visual intelligence, call your best friend, launch your favorite app, and more,” says the description of the feature.
The iPhone 16e also equipped a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, a Ceramic Shield front cover, IP68-rated water resistance, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.
The iPhone 16e, while offering wireless charging, lacks MagSafe, meaning MagSafe cases, chargers, battery packs, and wallets are not compatible with the handset.
In the U.S., the iPhone 16e does not have a physical SIM card slot, although the slot is still present in other countries.
iPhone 16e will be available in two matte finishes — black and white. Pre-orders begin 5 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28 in 59 countries and regions. In the U.S., pricing starts at $599. The device is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage capacities.
