While most Apple iPhone users typically opt for the pricier models, Apple has had success in the sub-$1000 price range with the popular iPhone SE priced below $800 for a considerable time. Recently, Apple introduced a new iPhone model priced at $999.
CEO Tim Cook hinted at the new release with a message on X, teasing the arrival of a new member to the “family.” This new addition is the iPhone 16e, part of the iPhone 16 series.
Due to significant technological advancements over the years, Apple could not simply update the SE model. Changes such as the elimination of the home button, a minimum screen size of 6.1 inches, and the integration of Apple Intelligence in response to the growing emphasis on AI made it necessary for a new approach.
Unexpectedly, this cheaper iPhone does have the “action button” on the side for programming things like mute or other actions for a single click, but does not have the “Camera Control” button of the rest of the iPhone 16 range.
The biggest selling feature of the new iPhone 16e will be battery life. This device has the best battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone to date, with a 26-hour video playback runtime.
And as noted, this device also supports Apple Intelligence, allowing you to get advanced writing tools, message summaries, email summaries and image generation on your device.
The $999 price point is impressive given in the US it was priced equivalent to a $1049 phone in Australia, but it’s still a big leap for previous owners of the iPhone SE, which it has to be seen this device is replacing, albeit in a different name and larger form.
iPhone 16e goes on sale February 28, and pre-orders start tomorrow.
