Apple has added a new model to the iPhone 16 series with the new iPhone 16e. The budget iPhone was previously rumored to launch as the iPhone SE 4. The iPhone 16e packs the A18 chipset, supports Apple Intelligence, and brings an iPhone 14-like design. Here’s everything you need to know about the new iPhone 16e, including its release date, specs and price.
iPhone 16e Release Date
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025. Previously, it was rumored that Apple would announce the new iPhone SE 4. However, Apple surprised everyone by announcing the new iPhone 16e.
iPhone 16e Price
The iPhone 16e has been launched for $599 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The new iPhone 16e with 256GB storage costs $699. The pricing of the iPhone 16e makes it sit just below the iPhone 16 which is priced at $799. Also, Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE 3 or the iPhone SE (2022), making the new iPhone 16e the most affordable iPhone you can buy right now.
- iPhone 16e (128GB): $599
- iPhone 16e (256GB): $699
- iPhone 16e (512GB): $899
iPhone 16e Specifications
iPhone 16e brings an iPhone 14-like design with a notch but a single rear camera. Other than that, the iPhone 16e packs the A18 chipset, which we have seen in the latest iPhone 16 series. The new iPhone 16e also supports Apple Intelligence features.
However, in the camera department, the iPhone 16e packs a single 48MP Fusion camera which is also present on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series vanilla models. There is of course a USB-C charging port, a shift that Apple began with the iPhone 15 to comply with the Digital Markets Act. While Apple does not disclose the battery capacity, Apple says the new iPhone 16e delivers 26 hours of video playback.
Let’s have a look at the iPhone 16e specs in detail.
iPhone 16e Design
The iPhone 16e brings a familiar design and looks similar to the iPhone 14 at first glance, except for the single rear camera module, which carries inspiration from the previous-generation iPhone SE. While there were rumors that Apple might provide Dynamic Island on the new iPhone 16e, there’s a notch instead, which was last seen in the base models of the iPhone 14 series.
The frame of the iPhone 16e is built of aluminum, the material used in the base models of the iPhone 16 series. On the side, there is the programmable Action Button, but the new iPhone 16e does not have the Camera Control button, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 16 series.
The iPhone 16e comes in two different color options – Black and White.
iPhone 16e Display
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, 60Hz refresh rate, and 2532 x 1170 resolution. There’s a Face ID on the new iPhone 16e, marking the end of the Touch ID from iPhones now that Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE (2022).
Design-wise, the iPhone 16e looks similar to the iPhone 14. It has rounded edges and a notch in the front housing the TrueDepth camera system with Face ID.
iPhone 16e Processor, RAM and Performance
The iPhone 16e runs on the new A18 chipset based on the 3nm architecture, which we have already seen in the latest iPhone 16 series. However, there is a difference between the A18 chipset used in the iPhone 16, and 16 Plus models and the one that’s packed in the budget iPhone 16e. The A18 chipset in the iPhone 16e has a 4-core GPU as compared to the 5-core GPU in the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 base models.
At the iPhone 16 launch event, Apple briefed that the A18 chipset delivers 30% more CPU performance. On the GPU front, the A18 has a 5-core GPU supporting Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing, making it capable enough to run AAA games.
The iPhone 16e comes with 8GB RAM, which is the minimum amount of RAM required to run Apple Intelligence features. This was the reason why iPhone 15 and 15 Plus missed out on AI features as both the devices had 6GB RAM.
The A18 chipset in the new iPhone 16e is also expected to be 30% more power efficient than the previous generation A16 Bionic chipset, so you can expect a huge bump in the battery life if you are switching from an older model.
While we have not yet reviewed the performance of the iPhone 16e, we can assume it to be on par with the iPhone 16 despite lacking a GPU core. You can check out our in-depth coverage of the A18 chipset to delve into the nitty-gritty of the performance.
While we are talking about the insides of the iPhone 16e, there’s a hidden but significant change – Apple’s in-house 5G modem. The iPhone 16e comes with Apple C1, Apple’s first indigenously developed 5G modem, marking an important milestone for the company. Apple has been using Qualcomm’s 5G modems in its iPhones for a long time and the new iPhone 16e is the first iPhone to get an in-house developed modem. While the performance of the modem is something that we’ll test once the device is launched, it is certainly a milestone for the Cupertino giant.
iPhone 16e Camera
iPhone 16e comes with a single rear camera of 48MP Fusion integrated with 2x Telephoto. Earlier, there were rumors that Apple could pack the 12MP rear camera as we have seen in the iPhone 14 base models. However, Apple has surprised everyone by adding the 48MP camera to the iPhone 16e. This is the same sensor used in the iPhone 16 camera module minus the 12MP ultra-wide sensor. Apple is calling it a 2-in-1 camera system as it also brings integrated 2x telephoto for zoom capabilities. The iPhone 16e supports Night Mode and Portrait mode.
The iPhone 16e is capable of recording 4K 60fps videos and it can also record videos in Spatial Audio that can be enjoyed with AirPods Pro on Vision Pro. It also brings Audio Mix functionality, which was introduced last year in 2024.
iPhone 16e Buttons
Surprisingly, Apple has packed the Action Button into the new iPhone 16e, making it the cheapest iPhone with the programmable button. If you are planning to buy the latest budget iPhone, here is how you can use the Action Button on iPhone to its maximum potential.
While the Action Button is a welcome addition to the iPhone 16e, it also means that there is no iconic ringer switch now on any iPhone.
If you are wondering does the iPhone 16e has a Camera button, sadly, the answer is no. The iPhone 16e does not have the Camera Control button. It is reserved only for the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max as of now.
iPhone 16e Apple Intelligence Features
To the delight of many, the new iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence features like Clean Up tool, Image Playground, Writing Tools, type to Siri, and ChatGPT integration. It comes with 8GB RAM, which is the pre-requisite for AI features. It is a welcome step from Apple to offer AI features in its budget iPhone. Also, the iPhone 16e becomes the cheapest iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence features. On the downside, the launch of the iPhone 16e with Apple Intelligence support has killed the iPhone 15 entirely. If you are planning to upgrade from an older iPhone to experience Apple’s AI features without spending too much, the new iPhone 16e is a good choice.
While the iPhone 16e does not come with the Camera Control button, you will still be able to use the Visual Intelligence feature using the Action Button.
iPhone 16e Battery
Apple is always coy with battery specifications and does not divulge the exact battery capacity for any of its products, we can expect the iPhone 16e to pack around 3,200mAH battery, similar to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. With a bigger size and efficient A18 chipset on the board, the iPhone 16e promises 26 hours of video playback on full charge.
Now that we have gone through every specs in detail, here is what the iPhone 16e specs look like if we sum up everything.
Specs iPhone 16e Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm Processor A18 RAM/Storage 8GB/128Gb Display 6.1-inch OLED, 2532 x 1170 resolution Rear Camera 48MP Fusion Front Camera 12MP eSIM Yes Connectivity 5G bands, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC Port USB Type-C Battery NA Charging 30W fast charging IP Rating IP68 Software iOS 18 Price Starts at $599 for 128GB model
So, this is all about the new iPhone 16e that Apple has launched in 2025. Going by the specs and pricing, the iPhone 16e is shaping up to be a good budget iPhone, especially for those who want to have a taste of Apple’s new AI features.
Are you planning to buy the new iPhone 16e? Tell us your reasons in the comments.
