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Apple rolls out $599 iPhone 16e with A18 chip, AI features
The iPhone 16e has a 48-megapixel camera, the A18 chip, a USB-C charging port, and will run Apple's AI software, Apple Intelligence
Apple Inc. has rolled out the iPhone 16e, a new low-end smartphone model, moving away from its previous lower-end SE series that was last updated nearly three years ago.
The rebranded device will hit the market on 28 February and is priced at $599, or $170 more than the $429 iPhone SE that it replaces.
Apple has improved on the device by scrapping the home button and adding a larger, 6.1-inch screen with Face ID. Preorders for the iPhone 16e begin on 21 February.
The 16e model, which has a 48-megapixel camera, iPhone 16’s A18 chip, and a USB-C charging port, will run Apple’s AI software, Apple Intelligence.
It also includes an in-house cellular modem chip that replaces a key part from Qualcomm Inc. in a long-awaited shift.
The iPhone 16e is the first of several design changes that are due for this year, with the Cupertino, California-based firm also planning a new skinnier model.
The iPhone maker plans to bring the same modem to the skinnier iPhone, which is planned to debut this fall, while a second-generation component will be embedded in Pro models next year, Bloomberg News reported. The new modem lacks the mmWave technology for faster 5G speeds in large cities but improves battery life.
Key features found on pricier versions of the iPhone but missing in the 16e include the Dynamic Island interface, and MagSafe magnetic wireless charging.
The 16e also has only one back camera, no camera control button, and doesn’t have the faster-refreshing ProMotion display found in iPhone 16 Pro models.
The latest model also offers up to 26 hours of video playback, more than the 15 hours on the iPhone SE 3rd Gen.
Available in 128, 256, and 512 gigabytes and in white and black, the 256GB version costs $699, and the top 512GB model is priced at $899, close to the iPhone 16 Pro’s entry price.
Apple is planning a software update in April that will bring Apple Intelligence to more countries and add support for additional languages, Bloomberg News reported, adding that it is also racing to bring Apple Intelligence to China.
Apple is also planning to roll out new iPads and Macs in the coming months, including a MacBook Air with an M4 chip, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said, adding that in addition to the iPhone overhaul later in the year, the company is expected to launch a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 with off-the-grid satellite capabilities.
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