Home Apple launches iPhone 16e, a low-cost option

Apple launches iPhone 16e, a low-cost option

TLDR

  • Apple announced the iPhone 16e as a budget-friendly option starting at $599.
  • It features a 48MP camera, A18 chip, and AI integration but lacks Dynamic Island and MagSafe.
  • Pre-orders begin on February 21, with color options limited to black and white.

Apple’s iPhone 16e has officially been announced this week, launching at a more affordable price than other devices in the iPhone 16 lineup.

On Tuesday, the technology giant debuted the latest addition to the device family – with this one including a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, Apple Intelligence, and an A18 chip.

The model has been built for the company’s AI integration that has been donned as an ‘intuitive personal intelligence system’ which includes access to ChatGPT within the Writing Tools feature and Siri.

It comes just a few months after the 16 and 16 Pro was released in September of 2024, with this one being $200 different in price as the model starts from $599.

What is Apple’s iPhone 16e and how is it different from the others?

Like the other two devices in the same range, the iPhone 16e features the A18 chip and the same camera that the former devices have – the 48MP 2-in-1 system.

It has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology and a battery life that claims to last up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE.

Where it differs, however, is the foregoing of some subtle features like the Dynamic Island and MagSafe connectivity. Some of the camera capabilities are missing too, including the Ultra Wide tool and camera control.

These small changes have resulted in the price tag providing a budget option of the latest Apple offering while not losing some of the staples.

“iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.

“We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”

The device will be available in just two simple colors – black and white – with the pre-orders beginning on Friday (February 21).

Featured Image: Via Apple iPhone 16e product page

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Sophie Atkinson
Freelance Journalist

Sophie Atkinson is a UK-based journalist and content writer, as well as a founder of a content agency which focuses on storytelling through social media marketing. She kicked off her career with a Print Futures Award which champions young talent working in print, paper and publishing. Heading straight into a regional newsroom, after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, Sophie started by working for Reach PLC. Now, with five years experience in journalism and many more in content marketing, Sophie works as a freelance writer and marketer. Her areas of specialty span a wide range, including technology, business,…