As a member of the iPhone series, Apple Inc. produced and sold the iPhone 16e smartphone. Along with the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and the Pro variants, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, it is a member of the 18th generation iPhone lineup.[2] It was released on February 19, 2025, as an economical variant with a starting price of US$599, $170 more than its predecessor, the third-generation iPhone SE.
With an edge-to-edge display, Face ID, and a USB-C port rather than a Lightning one, the iPhone 16e is the entry-level model in the iPhone 16 series. Its front design and dimensions are similar to those of the 2021 iPhone 13, 2022 iPhone 14, and 2021 iPhone 13 Pro. Features like Camera Control, an ultra-wide camera, second-generation ultra-wideband, and support for Qi2 and MagSafe charging are absent from the iPhone 16e in comparison to the regular iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. It is positioned similarly to the entry-level iPhone 5c and later iPhone SE models, which debuted alongside the iPhone 5s with fewer features, and it keeps the notch from the iPhone 14 rather than the Dynamic Island.
It has a single 48MP Fusion camera with optical zoom options (1x and 2x), a custom Apple C1 cellular modem, support for Apple Intelligence, and an action button in place of the mute switch. It is powered by the A18 SoC (which has four GPU cores instead of five like the standard iPhone 16).
All iPhone models made the switch from Lightning to USB-C after the release of the iPhone 16e, with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd generation) being discontinued.
History
There were initial rumors that the iPhone SE 4 and then the iPhone 16e would be the names of the third-generation iPhone SE’s successor.
The “iPhone 16e” is the entry-level model of the iPhone 16 series and the replacement for the third generation iPhone SE, which Apple announced on February 19, 2025.
On February 21, 2025, Apple began accepting pre-orders; on February 28, 2025, general availability would begin.
Design
The iPhone 16e has a matte-finished back glass, a glass front, and an aluminum frame. Additionally, its physical dimensions and sizes are identical to those of the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 14.
There are two color options for the iPhone 16e: black and white.
Specifications
Hardware
The Apple A18 system on a chip (SoC) with a 4-core GPU is incorporated into the iPhone 16e. There are three different internal storage options available: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. Its 8 GB of RAM is more than the 4 GB found in the third-generation iPhone SE. The IP68 rating for the iPhone 16e indicates that it is resistant to water and dust.
The ultra-wideband capabilities made possible by the U2 chip, which is present in the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro, are only available in the entry-level iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 16e was designed with a USB-C port instead of the more antiquated and proprietary Lightning port in order to adhere to European Union regulations.
The action button on the iPhone 16e takes the place of the mute switch, just like on the iPhone 15 Pro and all iPhone 16 series models. The Camera Control button is absent from the iPhone 16e in contrast to the regular iPhone 16 and 16 Pro.
Display
Instead of using an LCD screen, the iPhone 16e has an OLED display called the Super Retina XDR. With a diagonal size of up to 6.1 in (150 mm), the display has a resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels. 460 PPI is the pixel density. It is capable of playing Dolby Vision and HDR10 content.
Instead of Dynamic Island, which was first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, the iPhone 16e keeps the notch, which is a narrower notch design found on the iPhone 13, 13, Pro, and 14 and was first introduced with the iPhone X in 2017. This is in contrast to the standard and premium models of the iPhone 16 series.
Camera
Similar to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e features a 48 MP Fusion camera on the back with a single lens. It can record 4K video at 24, 25, 30, or 60 frames per second, 1080p HD video at 25, 30, or 60 frames per second, or 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. The camera features a dual-LED True Tone flash, autofocus, optical image stabilization, and an aperture of ̒/1.6. Now, the front camera is a TrueDepth camera with 12 MP, f/1.9 aperture, autofocus, and the ability to record slow-motion video at 120 fps and 4K video at 25, 30, or 60 fps.
The A18 with 4-core GPU, the entry-level replacement for the A15 Bionic with 4-core GPU, enables a number of camera features in the iPhone 16e. The rear camera supports Smart HDR 5, spatial audio recording, wind noise reduction, audio zoom, and audio mix, just like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting are supported by the iPhone 16e’s front and rear cameras. Portrait mode features depth control and an advanced bokeh effect, which blurs the out-of-focus background surrounding the portrait, just like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. While it lacks some features like Cinematic mode, the iPhone 16e supports Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Photographic Styles, and Night Mode.
Battery and Charging
With the iPhone 16e, you can watch videos for up to 26 hours and listen to music for up to 90 hours.
The iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe connectivity, in contrast to other models in the family. Nonetheless, the iPhone continues to support conventional wireless charging through the Qi standard.
Software
On February 28, 2025, the iPhone 16e was first released with iOS 18.3, though a day-one update to iOS 18.3.1 was also available.
Apple Intelligence is also supported by the iPhone 16e.
iPhone 16e
| Developer | Apple |
| Type | Smartphone |
| Series | iPhone |
| First released | February 28, 2025; 2 days’ time |
| Predecessor | iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
| Related | iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max |
| Compatible networks | 2G GSM/EDGE, 3G UMTS/HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G NR |
| Colors | White, Black |
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 167 g (5.9 oz) |
| Operating system | Original: iOS 18.3 Current: iOS 18.3.1, released February 10, 2025 |
| System-on-chip | Apple A18 |
| Modem | Apple C1 |
| Memory | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128, 256 or 512 GB NVMe |
| SIM | Dual eSIM (USA) Dual nanoSIM (mainland China) Dual eSIM & nanoSIM (Hong Kong) |
| Charging | Qi wireless USB-C |
| Rear camera | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26 mm (wide) |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23 mm (wide) |
| Display | 6.1 in (150 mm) 2532 × 1170 resolution |
| Sound | Dolby Atmos-tuned Spatial Audio |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) tri-band Bluetooth 5.3 (A2DP, LE) NFC (reader mode, Express Cards) USB-C: USB 2.0 480 Mbit/s GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, NavIC |
| Water resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6 m for 30 mins) |
| Other | Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite, Action Button |
| Website | www.apple.com/iphone-16e |
Advanced AI Features
A standout aspect of the iPhone 16e is its integration of advanced AI capabilities. Users can create personalized emojis, adding a unique touch to their messaging experience. The enhanced photo editing tools leverage AI to simplify complex edits, allowing for professional-quality adjustments with minimal effort. These features aim to make the user experience more intuitive and personalized.
Market Position and Pricing
While the iPhone 16e is marketed as a budget-friendly option, its $599 price point has sparked discussions. This marks a departure from Apple’s previous offerings in the sub-$500 category, such as the discontinued iPhone SE. The shift reflects a broader industry trend towards “premiumization,” where consumers show a preference for higher-end devices. However, this strategy may pose challenges for budget-conscious consumers and those in emerging markets.
Availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e commenced on February 21, with general availability starting February 28. The device is available in multiple color options and storage capacities, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
To make the most of your iPhone 16e, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its features and functionalities. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
How to use
1. Unboxing and Setup
- In the Box: Your iPhone 16e package includes the device itself, a USB-C Charge Cable (1 meter), and documentation. apple.com
- Initial Setup: Power on your iPhone by pressing the side button. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Face ID, create a passcode, and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Navigating the Interface
- Home Screen: Without a Home button, navigate using gestures. Swipe up from the bottom to return to the Home screen.
- Control Center: Access it by swiping down from the top-right corner to adjust settings like brightness and volume.
3. Using Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple Intelligence, enhancing productivity and creativity:
- Writing Tools: These can proofread text, suggest rewrites, and summarize content. They’re accessible in various apps, including third-party ones.
- Genmoji Creation: Generate personalized emojis directly from the keyboard by describing what you want.
- Image Playground: Create unique images in different styles based on descriptions or photos.
- Clean Up: Remove unwanted background objects from photos with a tap. apple.com
4. Charging and Connectivity
- USB-C Port: The iPhone 16e features a USB-C charging port, replacing the traditional Lightning port. Use the included USB-C cable for charging and data transfer.
5. Accessing User Manuals and Support
- Official Manuals: While specific manuals for the iPhone 16e may not be available yet, you can refer to the iPhone 16 manuals for guidance, as many features are similar. support.apple.com
- Online Support: Visit Apple’s official support page for the latest information, tutorials, and troubleshooting tips.
6. Staying Updated
Regularly check for software updates by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Keeping your device updated ensures you have the latest features and security enhancements.
By exploring these features and resources, you’ll be well-equipped to maximize your iPhone 16e experience.
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