Apple has finally unveiled the long-awaited refresh of its budget-friendly iPhone SE, but this time, it’s different. The iPhone 16e, starting at $599, ditches the SE branding entirely, signaling a shift in Apple’s approach to affordable smartphones. Available for pre-order on February 21 and shipping February 28, the 16e is not just another budget phone—it’s Apple’s most accessible gateway into the AI era.
The biggest upgrade is Apple Intelligence, the company’s answer to ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The 16e now joins the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro as one of the few devices capable of running Apple’s AI tools. These on-device AI models enable text summarization, email drafting, and image generation without relying on the cloud. Siri also integrates ChatGPT for free, meaning users can access OpenAI’s chatbot without an account.
The A18 processor, the same one found in Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 models, powers the 16e, making it significantly faster than its predecessors. This chip includes a six-core CPU, a 16-core neural engine for AI processing, and a four-core GPU—though it’s slightly less powerful than the five-core GPU in the standard iPhone 16.
Apple has also introduced a major shift in connectivity with the Apple C1 modem, marking the first time the company is using its own in-house modem instead of relying on Qualcomm. This move is part of Apple’s long-term strategy to reduce its dependence on third-party chipmakers.
In terms of design, Apple has fully embraced modern aesthetics, ditching the Touch ID home button in favor of Face ID. The 6.1-inch OLED display is a major size increase from the last SE’s 4.8-inch screen, bringing it in line with Apple’s mainstream iPhones. The phone also features an iPhone X-style notch, a decision that may divide users who preferred the more compact SE design.
The Lightning port is gone, replaced by USB-C, aligning the 16e with Apple’s latest devices. Apple claims the battery life is the best ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, offering up to 12 more hours of usage compared to previous SE models.
On the camera front, the 48-megapixel rear camera features 2x zoom and allows for 24-megapixel shots, giving users a mix of high-resolution and zoom capabilities. The front-facing TrueDepth camera enables face unlock and high-quality selfies.
Apple is launching the iPhone 16e at a time when its market share in China has slipped 11%, due to growing competition from Huawei and other domestic brands. Apple Intelligence is still unavailable in mainland China, forcing the company into discussions with Alibaba and Tencent to create a localized AI version.
The iPhone SE has historically performed well in China and India, the world’s largest smartphone markets, but Apple is taking a risk with the $599 price tag, which is $100 more than the last SE. The company is betting that AI features, a premium design, and improved battery life will justify the cost. But in a competitive market where mid-range Android phones are getting better every year, the question remains: Is Apple’s idea of “budget” still affordable for the masses?
