Apple Launches iPhone 16e, A Cheaper Version Of The iPhone 16

Apple has announced a new budget-friendly version of the iPhone 16, called the iPhone 16e, signaling a renewed push into the affordable smartphone market, Lisa Eadicicco reported for CNN.

The launch of the iPhone 16e also marks a shift away from the iPhone SE, Apple's budget-friendly line introduced in 2016 and last updated in 2022. I Photo: Apple

The iPhone 16e is the first iPhone to feature a cellular modem designed by Apple and is also the cheapest iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. Priced at $599, it will launch on February 28.

The addition of Apple Intelligence to a more affordable iPhone could be crucial in expanding access to the company's AI tools.

Apple has faced growing competition from Google and Samsung in both the budget smartphone sector and the AI space. Google's Pixel A-series has been well received, and both Google and Samsung have focused on updating Android devices with AI features over the past year.

The launch of the iPhone 16e also marks a shift away from the iPhone SE, Apple's budget-friendly line introduced in 2016 and last updated in 2022. The iPhone SE accounted for only 5% of U.S. iPhone sales as of December 2024.