Apple introduces iPhone 16e as its most affordable smartphone

Apple today unveiled the iPhone 16e, its latest entry-level smartphone. The device succeeds the third-generation iPhone SE, which has now been discontinued.

The iPhone 16e has a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, up from the 4.7-inch LCD of the iPhone SE. The display features a notch for Face ID, which means Apple will no longer sell iPhones with a Touch ID fingerprint button, signalling the end of an era.

The iPhone 16e is powered by an A18 chip, which supports Apple Intelligence features like notification summaries and Genmoji for creating personalised emoji. The A18 chip of the iPhone 16e includes a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, but it also contains a binned 4-core GPU. The A18 processor of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus has a 5-core GPU.

The device also includes an Apple-designed 5G modem called the C1, whereas other iPhones use a Qualcomm modem. Apple claims that its own modem is so power efficient that the iPhone 16e has the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone model ever. For example, Apple claims that the iPhone 16e may provide up to 26 hours of battery life for movie playing, up from 22 hours on the normal iPhone 16.

Apple addressing the C1 modem:

Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.

The iPhone 16e features a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera with a 2x "optical-quality" Telephoto capability, according to Apple. On the front, there is a 12-megapixel autofocus camera.

Other notable features include an Action button with Visual Intelligence support, a USB-C port rather than a Lightning connection, a Ceramic Shield front cover, IP68-rated water resistance, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. The gadget lacks the Camera Control button, which was introduced with the rest of the iPhone 16 series last year. Additionally, the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe.

In the United States, the iPhone 16e lacks a real SIM card port, yet it is still available in other countries.

The iPhone 16e supports Apple's satellite features. Outside of cellular and Wi-Fi service, the iPhone 16e provides Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite. The availability of these functionalities varies by nation.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e start on Friday, February 21 and sales begin next Friday, February 28 in 59 countries and regions. Available in white or black with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB storage.