Apple’s latest reveal adds a surprise entry to the iPhone family – the iPhone 16e. Contrary to the anticipated iPhone SE 4 release, this new budget device brings AI features and the newest A18 chip for a more affordable price. From Apple’s release, here is what we have learned about the release date, price, specifications, and major features.
iPhone 16e Release Date
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025. What had been rumored as the iPhone SE 4 has instead been labeled as a member of the regular iPhone 16 family, changing Apple’s strategy for budget phones.
iPhone 16e Price and Variants
The iPhone 16e will come at the following prices, according to Apple’s announcement:
- iPhone 16e (128GB) – $599
- iPhone 16e (256GB) – $699
- iPhone 16e (512GB) – $899
The company has officially announced that the iPhone SE (2022) will be discontinued, and the 16e will replace it as the budget iPhone.
iPhone 16e Specifications and Features
Design and Build
Based on Apple’s demonstration, the iPhone 16e takes inspiration from the iPhone 14, with an aluminum body and the usual notch instead of the Dynamic Island found in newer releases. The phone has a single camera on its rear end, reminiscent of older SE releases.
Apple is releasing the phone in two colors:
- Black
- White
The phone comes with the Action Button that was launched with the iPhone 15 Pro series but lacks the Camera Control button that is present on other iPhone 16 variants.
Display
As per the specs provided by Apple:
- Screen Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2532 x 1170 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Face ID: Yes, replaces Touch ID
This launch does seem to sign off on Apple’s full abandonment of Touch ID in favor of Face ID in all iPhone varieties.
Processor, RAM & Performance
The A18 chip, Apple avers, gives a 30% boost to CPU performance versus its forerunner. Here are the tech specs:
- Chipset: A18 (3nm structure)
- RAM: 8GB (which Apple claims is needed by Apple Intelligence)
- GPU: 4-core (as compared to the iPhone 16 with its 5-core arrangement)
While the GPU is one less core than its counterpart, Apple asserts it still provides solid gaming and AI performance.
Apple Intelligence & AI Features
The iPhone 16e will offer their complete Apple Intelligence platform, as presented by Apple, which includes:
- Image Playground: AI photo editing features
- Writing Tools: Sophisticated text suggestions and AI drafts
- Clean Up Tool: Deletes objects from pictures.
- ChatGPT Integration: AI-powered assistant merging Apple’s AI and ChatGPT
This positions the iPhone 16e as the most affordable gateway to Apple’s AI ecosystem.
Camera Capabilities
The camera setup, as explained by Apple, features:
- Rear Camera: 48MP Fusion Camera (with 2x Telephoto zoom)
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth Camera
- Video Recording: 4K @ 60fps, Spatial Audio Recording
The 48MP primary sensor is borrowed from the iPhone 16, albeit without the ultra-wide-angle lens. Apple claims the 2x telephoto zoom is a result of sensor cropping. The 12MP front camera has Night Mode and Portrait Mode features.
Battery & Charging
Apple’s specs announced are:
- Battery Life: 26 hours of video playback rated
- Charging: 30W fast charging
- Port: USB-C (second-generation iPhone with USB-C)
Though Apple has not made the battery capacity official, it is reportedly a 3,200mAh battery, according to industry reports. The company states 30W charging to charge to 50% in less than 30 minutes.
Connectivity & Software
Major features announced are:
- Operating System: iOS 18
- 5G Connectivity: New Apple C1 modem
- Other Features: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
The Apple C1 modem is Apple’s initial move away from Qualcomm modems, an indication of things to come in terms of cellular performance.
iPhone 16e: A Summary of Specs in Brief
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 2532 x 1170 |
| Processor | A18 (3nm) |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Fusion (2x Telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Battery Life | ~26 hours of video playback |
| Charging | 30W fast charging, USB-C |
| OS | iOS 18 |
| Price | Starts at $599 |
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the iPhone 16e?
Based on the specifications announced, the iPhone 16e is a promising one to watch as Apple’s latest entry-level option. The addition of the A18 chip, 48MP camera, and full Apple Intelligence support reads like a powerful device at a more affordable price. As always, actual performance is up in the air, but the specs make for an interesting option for those who want AI without the cost of a flagship.
But this phone is good for you only if you want an iPhone in your budget. Otherwise, there are really good Android devices available in the same price range that are way better than this iPhone 16e. So consider it only if you want an iPhone on a budget, only if you are an Apple fan.
Also read: Powerbeats Pro 2 by Apple the ultimate fitness TWS
FAQs
1 . How much will the iPhone 16e cost?
Based on Apple’s statement, the iPhone 16e begins at $599 with 128GB and goes to $699 for 256GB and $899 for 512GB.
2. Is Apple Intelligence supported on the iPhone 16e?
Yes, Apple has announced complete Apple Intelligence support, such as AI photo edits and ChatGPT integration.
3. Does the iPhone 16e feature a dual camera setup?
No, it lists a single 48MP Fusion camera with 2x telephoto zoom support via sensor cropping.
4. Is the iPhone 16e superior to the iPhone SE?
On paper, the iPhone 16e has better features compared to the SE, such as a superior screen, camera, and AI support, albeit at a more premium price.
5. Does the iPhone 16e have a Camera Control button?
No, Apple has authenticated that this aspect is reserved only for iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
[Note: All data in this article is derived from Apple’s official release and specs. Real-world performance and features will have to be confirmed through hands-on testing.]