Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly version of its flagship iPhone, designed to offer advanced features at a lower price.
The iPhone 16e is the successor to the iPhone SE and shares the same design as the iPhone 16 series. It features a 6.1-inch screen, like the iPhone 16, but with a notch instead of Dynamic Island. The most notable change is the removal of the home button, replaced by Face ID for security.
The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 processor, also used in the iPhone 16, and offers 12 extra hours of battery life compared to the iPhone SE. It also includes the new C1 chip, which boosts 5G speed and power efficiency.
The iPhone 16e will be available in black and white. Pre-orders start on February 21, with a general release on February 28. It comes in three storage options:
- 128GB for $599 / €699 / £599
- 256GB for $699 / €829 / £699
- 512GB for $899 / €1,079 / £899
Other key features include a 48MP camera sensor and an Action Button that can be customized for functions like Apple Intelligence. Apple’s generative AI platform, Apple Intelligence, is now available on the iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 series. Support for 10 more languages will be added by April.
The iPhone SE series has been popular for offering affordable access to the Apple ecosystem, especially in Japan and the prepaid market in the US. The iPhone 16e is expected to broaden Apple’s user base while promoting sales of accessories like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
This launch marks the end of the home button era, with the iPhone 16e joining the iPhone 6s as one of the last devices without the 3.5mm headphone jack.
With the rise of generative AI, Apple faces competition from Samsung, which launched its own AI platform last year. However, the iPhone remains popular, with the iPhone 15 being the top-selling smartphone in 2024.
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