Apple Unveils the iPhone 16E: Everything You Get for $599

 Apple Unveils the iPhone 16E: Everything You Get for $599

Apple Drops the iPhone 16E in February—Here’s What You Need to Know

A new iPhone in February? That’s right—Apple quietly launched the iPhone 16E on its website Wednesday, expanding the iPhone 16 lineup while also giving the 2022 iPhone SE a long-overdue refresh. With a new name, design, processor, and Apple Intelligence features, the iPhone 16E marks a significant upgrade.

Starting at $599 (£599, AU$999), the iPhone 16E is priced $170 higher than the last-gen iPhone SE ($429). It also sits between competitors like Google’s $499 Pixel 8A and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE, which starts at $650. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 16 begins at $799, making the 16E a more budget-friendly alternative within Apple’s lineup.

With AI-driven features becoming the latest battleground for phone makers, Apple is ensuring its artificial intelligence tools aren't just reserved for its premium devices. The iPhone 16E is powered by the same A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, enabling full Apple Intelligence capabilities. That makes it one of the only sub-$600 phones capable of running flagship-level AI features.

Still, the iPhone 16E presents an interesting value proposition. On paper, it’s an upgrade in nearly every way compared to the iPhone SE. But it also ditches what made the SE so appealing—its compact size and ultra-low price. That’s not to say the 16E isn’t worth its $599 price tag (especially with carrier discounts likely at launch), but it does raise the question: how long will this phone stay relevant?

The iPhone 16E is available for preorder starting Friday, Feb. 21, with sales beginning on Friday, Feb. 28.