Apple unveils iPhone 16e, pre-order starts February 21

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16e, expanding its iPhone 16 lineup with a more affordable yet feature-rich option.
Priced at $599, the iPhone 16e offers a blend of modern design and advanced technology, making it an attractive choice for a broader audience.
This is according to February 19 release on the Apple news website retrieved by PUNCH Online on Thursday.
It was titled, “Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family.”
According to Bloomberg, Apple Inc. introduced the new low-end smartphone aiming to revive growth after a sluggish holiday season.
The rebranded device goes on sale February 28 and will cost $170 more than the $429 iPhone SE that it replaces. Preorders for the phone begin February 21.
Here are some of its notable features:
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e adopts the sleek aesthetics of the 2022 iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
This edge-to-edge screen provides vibrant colours and sharp visuals, enhancing the user experience for activities like streaming and gaming.
Notably, the device transitions from the traditional Touch ID home button to a Face ID-enabled notch, aligning with Apple’s move towards facial recognition technology.
The device is available in two elegant matte finishes: black and white.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip, ensuring fast and efficient performance across various applications.
This advancement contributes to the device’s impressive battery life, offering up to 26 hours of video playback—marking it as the best battery performance in a 6.1-inch iPhone to date.
Camera System
Equipped with a single 48-megapixel rear camera, the iPhone 16e delivers high-resolution photos and videos.
The 2-in-1 camera system includes a 2x telephoto lens, allowing users to capture detailed images from a distance.
On the front, the TrueDepth camera system facilitates secure Face ID authentication and quality selfies.
Apple Intelligence Integration
A significant highlight of the iPhone 16e is its compatibility with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI tools designed to enhance productivity and creativity.
Features include Writing Tools for text proofreading and summarization, Genmoji for creating personalized emojis, and Image Playground for generating unique images based on user descriptions.
These tools aim to provide users with intuitive assistance in daily tasks and creative endeavours.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The iPhone 16e introduces USB-C connectivity, replacing the previous Lightning port, and includes the customizable Action Button, allowing users to assign quick access to preferred functions.
However, it does not support MagSafe accessories or fast wireless charging, offering Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W instead.
The device also features Apple’s first in-house developed modem, the C1, marking a step towards reduced reliance on third-party components.
Availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e begin on February 21, with general availability starting February 28.
The device will be accessible in 59 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
With the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple aims to provide a balanced combination of performance, design, and affordability, appealing to both existing and new users seeking a modern smartphone experience without the premium price tag.
Meanwhile, Apple launched its iPhone 16 on September 9 at its headquarters in Cupertino, California.
This is one of the company’s biggest annual showcases, where it will unveil the iPhone 16 lineup alongside significant updates to its popular AirPods and Apple Watch ranges.