Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a revamped low-end smartphone priced at $599. This latest addition to Apple’s line-up is set to hit stores on February 28, with pre-orders beginning on February 21. The pricing, when converted directly, equates to just over R11,000 in South Africa, before factoring in import duties and VAT.
Replacing the iPhone SE, which was last updated nearly three years ago, the iPhone 16e brings a significant design overhaul. Apple has eliminated the outdated home button, opting instead for a larger display with Face ID functionality. The device also boasts a 48-megapixel rear camera, the A18 chip, shared with the iPhone 16, and a USB-C charging port, aligning with the latest industry standards. Furthermore, it supports Apple’s AI-driven software suite, Apple Intelligence.
Since the introduction of the SE in 2016, this marks the most substantial transformation in Apple’s budget-friendly smartphone range. Alongside this release, Apple has discontinued both the iPhone SE and the iPhone 14, streamlining its product line-up. The company is also gearing up for further iPhone design refinements later this year, including a sleeker variant.
Apple’s smartphone segment could use a refresh, as sales dipped by approximately 1% during the holiday quarter. The iPhone 16 failed to drive expected consumer interest, while Apple Intelligence has struggled to match rival AI offerings. These factors have contributed to Apple’s weakening presence in key markets, particularly China, where the company saw an 11% sales decline last quarter. Local competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi continue to pose stiff competition.
Apple aims to bridge the gap between its entry-level and premium smartphones with the iPhone 16e. However, while it integrates several flagship features, the model still lacks some high-end capabilities. Notably, it does not include the Dynamic Island interface and features only a single rear camera.
One of the device’s most significant innovations is the introduction of Apple’s first in-house cellular modem chip, the C1, which replaces Qualcomm’s component. This marks the beginning of Apple’s transition away from Qualcomm, with plans to integrate its custom modem into the upcoming slimmer iPhone in September and the Pro models by 2026.
The iPhone 16e will be available in three storage configurations, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, and will come in classic white and black colour options. The shift to a USB-C charging port also ensures compliance with European Union regulations, which require standardized charging across devices.
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