Apple has just introduced the iPhone 16e, and with it, the company has finally ditched Touch ID in favor of Face ID.
This new model comes with a notch-based design, the powerful A18 chip, and support for Apple Intelligence.
The iPhone 16e is basically an upgraded iPhone SE but built on the frame of the iPhone 14 from 2022. Instead of Apple’s fancy Dynamic Island, this phone sticks to the more traditional notch at the top, which houses the Face ID sensors and front-facing camera.
With a 6.1-inch OLED display, the 16e is now the same size as the standard iPhone 16, meaning Apple no longer offers a smaller model—at least not until the rumored iPhone 17 Air arrives.
Design and Features
The iPhone 16e comes in two simple colors: black and white. It also features the Action Button, which can be customized for different shortcuts, though it doesn’t include the Camera Control button found in the main iPhone 16 lineup.
One of the biggest changes is the switch to USB-C, replacing Apple’s old Lightning port. This move was expected since new EU regulations require all smartphones to adopt USB-C for charging.
Performance and AI Features
Under the hood, the A18 chip makes the 16e as powerful as the regular iPhone 16. This is a big deal because it means the 16e can run Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered features like smart notifications and other advanced tools. Even the iPhone 15 non-Pro models can’t do that.
Apple previously stated that 8GB of RAM is the minimum required for Apple Intelligence support in the iPhone 16 lineup, so the 16e likely has at least that much memory. It also drops the outdated 64GB storage option—now, the base model starts at 128GB.
Camera and Other Features
The biggest downside? The 16e only has a single 48MP rear camera, unlike other iPhones that feature multiple lenses. But wireless charging and water resistance are still included, so you’re not losing out in other key areas.
This is also the first iPhone to feature an Apple-made modem, instead of relying on Qualcomm’s hardware. Apple has been working on its own modems for years, and the 16e is the first step in that transition. The real question now is how well it performs and whether Apple will use its own modems in the iPhone 17 lineup later this year.
Price and Release Date
The iPhone 16e starts at $599, a big jump from the $429 price tag of the iPhone SE (2022). However, you’re getting more storage, a modern design, and better performance. Preorders open this Friday, and the phone ships on February 28th.
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