iPhone 16E, Apple's new "budget" iPhone arrives without the iconic home button
But it comes with USB-C and Face ID.
We've been anticipating the fourth generation of Apple's cheapest iPhone (the iPhone SE series) for months, but what we didn't expect was a new name and the death of its classic touch ID interface.
In true Apple fashion, the iPhone 16E is ditching Touch ID in favor of a Face ID-enabled notch. It also comes with a redesigned look – borrowing its design from the iPhone 14, and incorporating the necessary front-facing cameras for Face ID within a notch at the top of the screen.
Sporting a 6.1-inch OLED display, the 16E matches the standard iPhone 16 in size, signaling the end of smaller iPhones, at least for now (pending the rumored iPhone 17 Air). It boasts the powerful A18 chip and support for Apple Intelligence.
While the 16E includes the customizable Action Button, it lacks the new Camera Control feature found in the 16 series. It does, however, embrace the USB-C port, a requirement for EU sales.
Likely equipped with at least 8GB of RAM (the minimum for Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 series), the 16E also starts with 128GB of storage, eliminating the 64GB option. A single 48-megapixel rear camera is the primary compromise compared to other iPhones. But wireless charging and an IP water resistance rating are retained.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16E begin Friday, February 21, starting at $599, with shipping starting February 28.
It will be available in white or black color options.
