iPhone 16e Announced: Apple’s Latest Addition to the iPhone 16 Lineup
Apple has expanded its iPhone 16 lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, aiming to offer advanced features at a more accessible price point. Announced on February 19, 2025, the iPhone 16e is available for pre-order starting February 21, with general availability beginning February 28. Below is a comprehensive look at the device’s design, performance, camera capabilities, software integration, and pricing.
[Wallpaper: Download the official wallpaper alongside some custom designs here]
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that stretches nearly edge-to-edge, supporting a range of multimedia tasks. It is available in two matte finishes—black and white—providing users with aesthetic variety. Durability is addressed through several key features:
• IP68 rating for water and dust resistance
• Ceramic Shield front cover for improved protection
• Robust back glass designed to withstand daily wear
Performance and Battery Life
At the core of the iPhone 16e is Apple’s A18 chip, delivering enhanced processing power and energy efficiency. This chip works in tandem with Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the C1, designed to reduce power consumption and reliance on third-party components. Users can expect up to 26 hours of video playback, marking a notable improvement over previous devices, such as the iPhone SE and iPhone 14.
Camera System
The iPhone 16e introduces a 48-megapixel Fusion camera system enabling high-resolution images and 2X optical-quality Telephoto shots. It supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture detailed footage. However, one distinction is that the iPhone 16e only includes standard optical image stabilization, lacking the sensor-shift OIS found in other iPhone 16 models.
Apple Intelligence Integration
The A18 chip also powers Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16e, delivering AI-driven features such as:
Text summarization for quick information gathering
Photo editing assisted by machine learning
Personalized emoji creation tailored to user preferences
Apple indicates that these features prioritize user privacy while enhancing productivity and overall experience.
Connectivity
The iPhone 16e supports 5G connectivity with improved efficiency, thanks to the C1 modem. It also features Wi-Fi 6 unlike the rest of the iPhone 16 Series which rocks Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 enhances compatibility with wireless accessories, however it lacks an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip which enables precise location tracking and improved interaction with other Apple devices on higher end iPhones.
Main Features
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi [1200 nits peak brightness (HDR)]
A18 Chip unlocking Apple Intelligence
Action Button
Visual Intelligence via the Action Button
Face ID (Apple has discontinued all iPhone with a Home Button)
USB-C 2 Port
48MP Fusion Camera with ƒ/1.6 aperture and 2X Optical Quality Telephoto Capabilities
Available in Black and White color
Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps
Photographic Styles (previous Gen)
Emergency SOS via Satellite
Messages via Satellite
5G Connectivity
Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W
IP68 dust and water resistance
Every feature is available on Apple’s website.
Notable Omissions
In making the iPhone 16e more cost-effective, Apple has omitted or limited certain features:
No MagSafe or Qi2 charging (supports wireless charging up to 7.5W)
No Ultra Wide Band chip
Standard OIS in place of sensor-shift OIS
No mmWave antenna (affecting some U.S. users)
No Cinematic nor Action mode on front and rear cameras
Wi-Fi 6 instead of the Wi-Fi 7 found in other iPhone 16 models
4-Core GPU unlike the iPhone 16 which uses a 5-Core GPU on the same A18 Chip
Spatial Photos and Videos
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the 128GB model, with 256GB and 512GB options at higher price points. Pre-orders opened on February 21, and the device officially launches on February 28. Concurrently, Apple is discontinuing the iPhone SE and iPhone 14, effectively raising the entry-level price for a new iPhone from $429 to $599.
By introducing the iPhone 16e, Apple seeks to provide an option that balances modern iPhone features with a lower starting price compared to other iPhone 16 models. With a powerful A18 chip, extended battery life, and a versatile camera system, the iPhone 16e caters to consumers who want a blend of performance and value while staying within the broader iPhone 16 ecosystem.
Image Credit: Apple Inc
