The iPhone 16e is the fourth-generation of a model sold historically at dramatically lower prices.
Published On 19 Feb 2025
Apple has released a sleeker and more expensive version of its lowest-priced iPhone in an attempt to widen the audience for a bundle of artificial intelligence technology that the company has been hoping will revive demand for its most profitable product lineup.
The iPhone 16e unveiled Wednesday is the fourth generation of a model that’s sold at a dramatically lower price than the iPhone’s standard and premium models. The previous bargain-bin models were called the iPhone SE, with the last version coming out in 2022.
Like the higher-priced iPhone 16 lineup unveiled last September, the iPhone 16e includes the souped-up computer chip needed to process an array of AI features that automatically summarise text and audio and create on-the-fly emojis while smartening up the device’s virtual assistant, Siri. It will also have a more powerful battery and camera.
All those upgrades will translate into a higher starting price for an iPhone 16e at $600, a 40 percent increase from $430 for the last iPhone SE. But the iPhone 16e will be more affordable than the cheapest standard iPhone 16 at $800. The new phone will be available in stores on February 28, but can be pre-ordered beginning Friday.
Maximise reach vs profits
Apple is also trying to balance its desire to offer a more affordabl