Apple Launches iPhone 16e: A More Affordable Version with Apple Intelligence – TK

Apple Launches iPhone 16e: A More Affordable Version with Apple Intelligence

Apple officially announced the highly anticipated iPhone 16e on Wednesday (19), a more affordable version of the new iPhone 16 lineup. The launch marks a new push by the tech giant into the mid-range smartphone market, making it the brand’s cheapest device to offer support for Apple Intelligence—the advanced suite of artificial intelligence tools developed by Apple.

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The iPhone 16e emerges as a robust and modern alternative for consumers seeking advanced AI features without the need to invest in more expensive models. The standout feature of the device is precisely its support for Apple Intelligence, expanding access to the company’s intelligent tools, such as custom emoji creation, voice command-based image generation, automatic notification summaries, removal of unwanted objects in photos, and integration with ChatGPT directly through Siri.

The move towards a more affordable iPhone with AI capabilities comes in response to the growing competition from rivals like Google and Samsung, who have heavily invested in mid-range devices equipped with smart features. For instance, Google’s Pixel A series has been widely praised for offering advanced AI tools in more affordable models. Additionally, both Google and Samsung have been updating their Android lines with generative AI features, prompting Apple to expand its offerings.

The iPhone 16e also marks a significant innovation by being the first iPhone equipped with a 5G modem designed by Apple itself. According to the company, the new modem is the “most energy-efficient ever seen in an iPhone.” The adoption of this custom modem comes five years after Apple acquired the majority of Intel’s struggling modem division in 2019. This strengthens Apple’s ecosystem, reducing its reliance on external suppliers and gaining greater control over product development and launch timelines.

The iPhone 16e represents a notable upgrade over the iPhone SE lineup, which had become Apple’s main budget option since its debut in 2016. While the iPhone SE was more affordable, starting at $429, it featured outdated design elements inherited from the iPhone 8, such as the traditional home button with a fingerprint sensor and a display with thick borders.

In contrast, the iPhone 16e adopts a design aligned with Apple’s latest models, featuring a 6.1-inch edge-to-edge display, Face ID technology, and a more modern, sleek design. The decision to discontinue the iPhone SE following the announcement of the 16e marks the end of an era for iPhones with home buttons, leaving behind an iconic design in favor of a more updated aesthetic.

According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, the iPhone SE accounted for only 5% of iPhone sales in the U.S. in December 2024, indicating a decline in the model’s appeal among consumers. The iPhone 16e, therefore, emerges as a more attractive option for those seeking an affordable device without sacrificing recent innovations.

The iPhone 16e shares several features with the standard iPhone 16. Both have a 6.1-inch display, Face ID, and the new Action Button, which allows for customizing quick shortcuts. The 16e is also equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera, delivering high-quality photography.

However, to keep the price more affordable, the iPhone 16e has some differences compared to the premium model. It lacks a second camera dedicated to wide-angle shots and does not feature the Camera Control button, which offers instant access to the camera app on other models in the lineup.

In terms of performance, the iPhone 16e uses the same processor as the other models in the iPhone 16 series, ensuring full support for Apple Intelligence and providing a smooth user experience.

Until now, Apple Intelligence was only available on the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and Pro Max models from 2023, as well as certain iPads and Macs. The inclusion of this technology in a more affordable model signals Apple’s intention to democratize access to its AI tools.

Apple Intelligence encompasses a set of advanced features that leverage generative AI, such as image creation, automatic photo editing, smart summaries, and deep integration of ChatGPT with Siri. The meteoric success of ChatGPT since its launch in 2022 has spurred companies like Google, Microsoft, and Samsung to develop similar solutions, and Apple has finally entered this competitive space with full force over the past year.

Although Apple has been criticized for taking a slower approach to consumer-facing AI, the arrival of Apple Intelligence on a more affordable device like the iPhone 16e shows that the company now views AI as a central pillar of its strategy.

The iPhone 16e will be released globally with a competitive starting price, positioned between the old iPhone SE and the standard iPhone 16. Apple has yet to disclose exact prices in all markets, but the device is expected to hit shelves starting at $599.

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, had previewed the launch of the new model in a social media post on February 13, referring to the 16e as a “new member of the family” that would bring more options to consumers.

The release of the iPhone 16e represents a strategic move by Apple to solidify its position in a highly competitive market. By offering advanced AI features at a more affordable price, the company aims to attract a broader audience and boost iPhone sales after a fiscal year start below Wall Street’s expectations.

It remains to be seen whether the features offered by Apple Intelligence will be enough to drive device upgrades among consumers. However, by democratizing access to its most innovative tools, Apple is taking an important step towards a future where artificial intelligence plays a central role in the user experience.

Picture of Aarushi Sharma
Aarushi Sharma

an editor at TK since 2024.

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