Apple has officially announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, a new addition to its lineup that offers advanced features at a more accessible price point.
Priced at $599, the iPhone 16e will be available for pre-order starting Friday, February 21, with general availability beginning later this month.
The iPhone 16e features a sleek design without a home button or fingerprint sensor, instead relying on Face ID for authentication.
It has a notch at the top of the display for Face ID sensors and is powered by the A18 chip, the same processor found in the main iPhone 16 models.
This ensures smooth performance for apps and games. The device comes in two color options: black and white.
It also features Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, the C1, replacing the Qualcomm modems used in previous models.
The phone has a single rear camera, unlike the more advanced iPhones that come with up to three lenses.
Apple is launching the iPhone 16e as part of its strategy to boost sales amid mixed performance in recent quarters.
In the December quarter, iPhone sales declined 1% year-over-year, though the company still generated over $69 billion in revenue from its phones.
Low-end iPhones play a key role in bringing new users into Apple’s ecosystem. The iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence, making it the most affordable iPhone with features like image generation and notification summaries.
The launch of the iPhone 16e also signals a shift in Apple’s approach to product announcements, which traditionally attract global media attention.
Last week, ahead of the iPhone 16e launch, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased the announcement on social media, posting, “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.”
