Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, its latest entry-level model, replacing the previous SE. Priced at $599, the device comes with a base storage of 128GB. Pre-orders open on Friday, February 21, with in-store availability starting Friday, February 28.
As the spiritual successor to the third-generation SE, the iPhone 16e features an OLED display and incorporates Face ID within the camera notch. Powered by the A18 chip, the device also supports a range of Apple’s AI-driven software tools.
For example, users can use Clean Up in Photos to remove distracting elements from a photo. In addition, the iPhone 16e offers generative imaging with Image Playground and Genmoji, summarization tools, and more. Moreover, Siri is getting more improvements beyond support for the OpenAI chatbot ChatGPT, including context awareness that should help it understand what’s happening on a user’s device and offer more relevant results.
The programmable Action Button is another new addition to the iPhone 16e. It can launch your preferred app or shortcut, quickly take a selfie, or activate accessibility features. The button can also be tapped to activate Siri when your iPhone is in silent or mute mode. You can tap it to turn on your flashlight or open the camera.
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Unlike the older iPhone models, the new iPhone 16e has a single rear camera instead of dual cameras. However, it offers a 48-megapixel camera with an optical zoom up to 2x and a wide-angle lens. Apple claims the camera is capable of recording 4K videos.
Other key upgrades include an improved FaceID system that can unlock the phone even if you’re wearing glasses and a beard or mustache. It has a more powerful battery and a new cellular modem with support for LTE Advanced. It’s also splash, water, and dust-resistant.
Apple is making the new iPhone 16e available in 59 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the UK, Turkey, the UAE, and the U.S. The device will be sold in white or black and will have storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
The new iPhone 16e starts at $599 and is available for pre-order on Friday, February 21. It will be available in stores on Friday, February 28, with a limited one-year warranty. For more information, check out Apple’s official website. You can also check out our hands-on review of the iPhone 16e here. This is the first update to Apple’s low-cost iPhone line since 2022, and it should make it easier for price-sensitive customers to get an iPhone. It should also allow the company to reach more people in developing markets where it’s less profitable.
