If you’re wanting to get into the Apple iPhone ecosystem but don’t have the money to drop on a newer model with ample storage and don’t want to step down to an older model, there’s finally a new affordable option in the line: Apple has launched the rumored iPhone 16e, the value model in the iPhone 16 line.
Despite being the most affordable option in the line, the iPhone 16e still includes some pretty advanced features, including the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, longer battery life, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system. The inclusion of Apple Intelligence is a pretty big deal, considering the oldest model you can get to access it is the iPhone 15 Pro, which is easily $1,000 and tough to find nowadays.
Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, the iPhone 16e has a Ceramic Shield front cover and is IP68 rated against water and dust. It has Face ID so you can use your visage to unlock the device to make purchases, sign in to websites and apps, and more. It charges via USB-C like others in the iPhone 16 (and 15) line and supports wireless charging as well.
Powered by Apple’s A18 chip and with a 16-core Neural Engine optimized for large generative models and machine learning, it is ready for AI with built-in Apple Intelligence. It also contains the C1, the first modem designed by Apple for delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity.
You can access all the same Apple Intelligence features you can in other new iPhones, including Clean Up for photos, Image Playground, Genmoji, Writing Tools, a more intelligent and conversational Siri, access to integrated ChatGPT, and more. This phone also has the side Action Button for customizing and accessing frequently used functions with a single press, like the camera, flashlight, switching between ring and silent mode, and more. The Action Button also affords access to the new visual intelligence experience for summarizing and copying text, translating text, detecting phone numbers and e-mail addresses, identifying animals and plants, and more.
The 2-in-1 camera system includes a 48MP Fusion camera with an integrated 2x telephoto lens. The front-facing TrueDepth camera has autofocus that enables sharper close-ups and group selfies. The latest generation of HDR captures subjects and the background with true-to-life renderings of skin tones, while ensuring photos have bright highlights, rich mid-tones, and deep shadows, says Apple. The phone can also record video in 4K with Dolby Vision at up to 60 fps, and in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with compatible devices, like Apple AirPods or Apple Vision Pro. There are plenty other useful video editing and adjusting features that leverage AI.
For safety, the iPhone 16e includes Apple’s satellite features for texting while outside of a cellular or even Wi-Fi coverage area. Use the Find My app to share your location via satellite, while Crash Detection can detect a severe car crash and dial emergency services on your behalf.
Naturally, it runs iOS 18, which includes features like customizable controls at the bottom of the lock screen, a redesigned Control Centre, Tapbacks, Genmoji, message scheduling, and RCS support.
Now the drumroll moment: how much will this phone cost? The Apple iPhone 16e isn’t exactly a budget phone: it still starts at $899 in Canada, but you can trade in an iPhone 11 or up for up to $165 off, or get $220 in credit if you trade in an iPhone 12. The iPhone 16e comes in black or white and in 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options.