Apple Launches iPhone 16e, with AI features and Apple’s first in-house modem

After teasing us last week, Apple has finally pulled back the curtain unveiling the iPhone 16e. Seen as a iPhone SE refresh, the iPhone 16e is a more affordable addition to the iPhone 16 family. The fourth generation device arrives three years after the last major update to the budget smartphone. The SE branding has been dropped to keep in line with the company’s flagships. Packed with features like the lightning-fast A18 chip, a breakthrough 48MP Fusion camera, and Apple Intelligence for smarter interactions, it promises to bring a premium experience at a surprisingly accessible price.

The iPhone 16e is designed for speed and longevity. Powered by Apple’s new A18 chip and its own C1 cellular modem (yes, that’s Apple-designed, folks), the 16e guarantees ultra-smooth performance and amazing battery life, making it a perfect companion for both everyday tasks and the occasional impromptu video marathon.

For the shutterbugs among us, the 48MP camera doesn’t disappoint. Featuring a 2-in-1 system with a 2x Telephoto, you can zoom in without losing any of that crisp, optical quality. Add in the new satellite communication features, and you’re covered whether you’re in the middle of a remote hiking trip or just stuck in traffic.

In typical Apple fashion, the 16e is stylish and tough. It features the Ceramic Shield and boasts an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display offers vibrant colors, making it a joy for streaming and gaming.

“We’re excited to offer the iPhone 16e as an affordable way to experience the power of the iPhone 16 lineup,” says Kaiann Drance, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “It delivers incredible performance, battery life, and Apple Intelligence— all at a price that puts iPhone in more hands than ever.”

And it’s not just about power and design; the 16e is loaded with Apple Intelligence, the company’s personal assistant system that makes your iPhone smarter, more intuitive, and somehow even more fun. This makes the 16e part of an exclusive group, along with the rest of the iPhone 16 line and iPhone 15 Pro that are capable of running Apple Intelligence. Whether you’re using the Image Playground to create the perfect emoji, or tapping into ChatGPT for some on-the-go problem solving, it’s all about making your phone experience smoother and smarter.

The phone also features the new Action button allows you to customize shortcuts for everything from launching the camera to activating your flashlight. It’s also got a nifty visual intelligence tool that helps you identify objects, translate text, and even figure out where to buy stuff. Oh, and don’t forget the new crash detection features, because safety is always in style.

The iPhone 16e comes in two sleek matte finishes, black and white, and will be available for pre-order on February 21, with shipping beginning on February 28. Starting at $599, it’s available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models.

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