The cheapest iPhone 16 has AI. My pricier iPhone 15 Plus doesn’t.
Apple has expanded its iPhone 16 lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, a more affordable option that still boasts powerful capabilities. The iPhone 16e features the latest A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, and improved battery life. With a starting price designed to appeal to a wider audience, the device will be available for pre-order in the United States on February 21 and in stores on February 28.
.png)
“We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.
Design and Battery Life
The iPhone 16e retains Apple’s signature sleek design, available in two matte finishes — black and white. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing an immersive edge-to-edge viewing experience suitable for watching HDR videos, gaming, and reading. The phone is built with durability in mind, featuring IP68-rated resistance to water, dust, and splashes, as well as Apple’s Ceramic Shield front cover, which the company claims is tougher than any other smartphone glass.
One of the standout features is its battery life, which Apple says is the best ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone. According to the company, the iPhone 16e lasts up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than any generation of the iPhone SE. It supports both wireless charging and USB-C connectivity, marking a continued shift away from the Lightning port.
Performance and Connectivity
At the core of the iPhone 16e is the A18 chip, delivering faster and more efficient performance. Apple claims the A18 chip’s 6-core CPU is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 11, while the 4-core GPU supports advanced graphics, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting in games.
For connectivity, the iPhone 16e debuts Apple’s first in-house modem, the Apple C1. This modem promises improved 5G performance and power efficiency. Combined with iOS 18’s power management features, the C1 modem helps deliver the device’s extended battery life.
Apple Intelligence Integration
The iPhone 16e is designed to take full advantage of Apple Intelligence, the company’s proprietary AI system. This integration introduces a range of new features, including the Clean Up tool, which allows users to remove unwanted objects from images, and natural language search within the Photos app.
Other innovations include Image Playground, which offers creative image generation tools, and Genmoji, which allows users to create personalized emojis. Siri has also received a significant upgrade, becoming more conversational and capable of following multi-step commands. Notably, Apple has integrated ChatGPT access into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to tap into OpenAI’s language model without leaving the app. Apple emphasizes that privacy is prioritized, with user data remaining on the device or handled through its Private Cloud Compute system without being stored.
Enhanced User Experience with the Action Button
The iPhone 16e features the Action button, introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. This customizable button allows users to quickly access functions like the camera, flashlight, and voice memos. It also integrates with third-party apps, enabling unique in-app shortcuts.
Additionally, the Action button supports visual intelligence, a feature that can identify objects, translate languages, and extract useful information from images. Apple has expanded its capabilities by allowing users to search for products online or utilize ChatGPT for more complex queries.
A Powerful Camera System
Apple is touting the iPhone 16e’s 48MP 2-in-1 camera system as a major selling point. This system leverages computational photography to deliver high-resolution images with enhanced detail and color balance. The integrated 2x Telephoto lens allows users to zoom in with optical quality, providing versatility in capturing both wide and close-up shots.
Night mode and Portrait mode are also included, continuing Apple’s focus on improving low-light and depth-of-field photography.
Staying Connected Beyond Cellular Coverage
The iPhone 16e offers several satellite-based features, including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and Messages. These tools allow users to maintain essential communication even outside of traditional cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Apple’s expansion into satellite connectivity reflects its broader strategy to make iPhones indispensable in emergency situations and remote areas.
With its blend of cutting-edge technology and a lower price point, the iPhone 16e aims to broaden Apple’s reach while maintaining the premium features that have become synonymous with the brand.
Rest in peace, Home Button. Rest in peace, iPhone SE.
Watch the launch here: