Apple launched a new iPhone today. The brand’s new budget-friendly smartphone replaces a slew of older Apple phones, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone SE (3rd Gen).
The iPhone 16e sports a higher starting price ($599) than the iPhone SE, Apple’s previous lower-end and most cost-conscious phone offering. But that uptick in price arrives with a number of worthwhile features and improved performance.
If you’re deciding between the iPhone 16 versus iPhone 16e or another top smartphone, keep reading as we unpack what’s new in the latest addition to Apple’s iPhone lineup—and where and when you can order it.
A Faster Processor, Latest iOS And Better Battery
The Apple iPhone 16e is the newest iPhone available—and replaces the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and the iPhone 14. The new device features the Apple A18 bionic chip for a speedy processor, promising up to 40% faster than the iPhone SE. This new chip brings the device in line with the rest of the Apple family, which uses some version of the A18 bionic chipset. For context, the Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus use the A18 Bionic, while the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max feature the A18 Bionic Pro.
The all-new C1 modem chip provides 5G service, so you can keep your internet and mobile data connections speedy and reliable, making it the first in-house iPhone modem Apple has produced. Other iPhone models previously used a Qualcomm modem, meaning this is a substantial shake-up to the iPhone build. Apple also claims it’s the most powerful and efficient modem in an iPhone to date.
In addition to upgraded processors and modem chips, Apple also redesigned the interior build of this new iPhone, so that it can sport a larger, more powerful battery. The new iPhone 16e has a massive 26-hour video playback battery life—up to 11 hours more compared to the iPhone SE, according to Apple. This battery also means that it (theoretically) outperforms the iPhone 16, which sports a 22-hour video playback. Still, it doesn’t beat out the iPhone 16 Plus—that device gets up to 27 hours. The iPhone 16e also supports wireless charging. On the exterior, the 6.1-inch device sports a Ceramic Shield and aluminum case that’s water and dust-resistant for an IP68 rating.
The new iPhone 16e also features the latest iOS 18 software to help you share photos and files, share your contact information with AirDrop and help you personalize your device with Apple Intelligence. Yes, you read that correctly: The new budget-friendly iPhone includes the latest AI software to work with Genmoji or Image Playground, or you can you use it to help you write emails and text messages. Siri also works with ChatGPT to help streamline questions—and it stays private with Apple’s privacy protections.
On the exterior, the iPhone 16e includes the Action Button, so you can program it to open the camera, turn on the flashlight or access Apple’s Visual Intelligence to help you identify objects, add events to your calendar and more.
A Big Camera Update
One huge change to this phone: the Fusion camera. Apple manages to pack a 48MP Fusion camera. Compared to older iPhone models, it has up to four times the resolution of older images, and the Portrait Mode helps you capture gorgeous images of friends and family. It records in 4K video and sports a 12MP front lens for taking great selfies, too. That selfie camera also helps you authenticate your purchases with Apple Pay thanks to the built-in Face ID technology. This is also a first for Apple’s budget-friendly lineup, as the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) only offered Touch ID.
It’s important to know some minor quirks to the iPhone 16e, notably, that it doesn’t offer Dynamic Island for those that absolutely need that feature. It also doesn’t have the Camera Control button. That’s not the end of the world: You can program that Action Button to open the camera if you want to take pictures quickly.
You can preorder the Apple iPhone 16e on Apple’s website in black and matte white, starting Friday, Feb. 21. Its price starts at $599 for 128GB. Shipping begins Feb. 28.
Is There An Apple Event Today?
Yes–and no. Apple announced the new Apple iPhone 16E in a prerecorded video today, February 19 but there was no live event. Tim Cook teased the launch earlier this month. Many speculated that a new iPhone SE would launch today.
The Apple iPhone 16 Vs. iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e features the same Apple A18 Bionic chipset as the Apple iPhone 16, bringing it in line with its sibling. It also sports a similar 48MP Fusion camera and 12MP front lens. Battery life is also improved on the 16e, which can last up to 24 hours in video playback compared to the iPhone 16’s 22 hours.
That said, there are some differences. It won’t get as bright as the iPhone 16, as it can only hit 1,200 nits max brightness compared to the 16’s 2,000 nits. It also doesn’t offer Camera Control or Dynamic Island—two things that the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup has.
The iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16e starts at $599.
Which iPhones Are Outdated?
In addition to releasing the iPhone 16e today, Apple discontinued sales for the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone SE (3rd Gen). You can see them on the company’s website, but you can’t buy them directly from Apple. The good news: You can preorder the iPhone 16e starting on Friday to replace these devices if you want a (slightly more) budget-friendly device, with shipping beginning Feb. 28.
This story was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
Look back on the week that was with hand-picked articles from Australia and around the world. Sign up to the Forbes Australia newsletter here or become a member here.
