Image: Apple
Apple on Wednesday announced a cheaper new version of the iPhone 16 called the iPhone 16e that features the company’s latest A18 chip and Apple Intelligence.
Why it matters: The strategically priced iPhone 16e could capture a broader market, and having Apple Intelligence on a more affordable iPhone brings AI tools to consumers who are not willing to pay a higher price.
Driving the news: Apple’s iPhone 16e is available to preorder this Friday starting at $599 — a price hike from the iPhone SE, which launched at $429 a few years ago.
- The iPhone 16e will be available in black and white matte finishes.
Zoom in: It features a single 48-megapixel rear camera with an integrated 2x Telephoto lens, a feature typically reserved for higher-end models.
- The Action button—previously limited to more expensive models—allows users to set shortcuts like launching the camera or using Shazam.
- iPhone 16e also features ChatGPT integration within Siri and Writing Tools. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration.
- The device comes with Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, the C1, signaling Apple’s break from Qualcomm and a move toward greater hardware independence.
What they’re saying: Apple claims that iPhone 16e has the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone model so far. It supports up to 90 hours of audio playback and 26 hours of video playback.
