Apple Unveils AI-Powered iPhone 16e, Launching February 28

As expected, Apple has officially unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 16e, a major update to its budget-friendly lineup. Dropping the SE branding, the new iPhone 16e now aligns more closely with Apple's flagship devices. With a starting price of $599, the device is available for preorder starting today, February 21, and will begin shipping in just one week on February 28.

AI-Powered Features and Performance

A key highlight of the iPhone 16e is Apple Intelligence, the company's in-house AI system designed to rival ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Thanks to small models capable of running directly on-device, users can generate text summaries, write letters, and create images without needing an internet connection.

The 16e joins an exclusive group of iPhones—including the iPhone 16 lineup and iPhone 15 Pro—equipped to run Apple Intelligence. This is made possible by the A18 processor, the same advanced chip powering Apple’s flagship iPhones. Additionally, users can access ChatGPT via Siri for free, without requiring an OpenAI account.

Apple’s First In-House Modem & Updated Design

Another breakthrough is the introduction of Apple's first-ever in-house modem, the Apple C1. This marks a shift away from reliance on third-party chipmakers like Qualcomm and Intel, reinforcing Apple’s strategy of controlling its hardware ecosystem.

Design-wise, the iPhone 16e embraces a more modern look by replacing the Touch ID home button with Face ID. It also sees the return of the iPhone X-style camera notch and adopts USB-C, following Apple's broader transition to this universal charging standard.

Bigger Display, Longer Battery Life

Featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, the iPhone 16e offers a significant upgrade over the 4.8-inch screen of its predecessor. Apple claims it delivers "the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone," lasting up to 12 hours longer than previous SE models. This improvement is largely due to the A18 chip, which includes a 16-core neural engine for AI processing and a four-core GPU.

Camera Upgrades and Market Impact

Apple has also improved the camera system. The iPhone 16e sports a single 48-megapixel rear camera with 2x zoom, functioning as a "two-in-one" camera that can also capture 24-megapixel images. On the front, the TrueDepth camera supports Face ID and high-quality selfies.

The launch comes at a critical time for Apple, as the company faces an 11% market share decline in China. Competing with domestic giants like Huawei, Apple has been working on a localized version of Apple Intelligence by collaborating with major Chinese tech firms, including Alibaba.

The iPhone 16e is now available for preorder as of today, February 21. Apple fans eager to experience the latest AI-powered features can secure their device now, with shipments set to begin exactly one week later on February 28.