Apple has expanded its iPhone 16 family with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, a new model designed to offer powerful performance, advanced AI capabilities, and impressive battery life—all at a more accessible price. Announced today, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 chip and the new C1 cellular modem, offering fast and efficient performance. It also brings Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered personal assistant, to more users while maintaining a strong focus on privacy and security.
A Familiar Yet Durable Design
The iPhone 16e retains Apple’s signature 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, featuring OLED technology for rich colours and deep blacks. The device boasts IP68-rated water and dust resistance and uses Apple’s Ceramic Shield front cover, which the company claims is the toughest smartphone glass available. Available in matte black and white finishes, users can further customise their device with a selection of colourful cases.
Battery life is another highlight—Apple states that the iPhone 16e lasts up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than previous iPhone SE models. It supports both wireless charging and USB-C, making it easier to connect with a wide range of accessories.
Performance Powered by A18 and Apple’s First Cellular Modem
At the heart of the iPhone 16e is Apple’s latest A18 chip, delivering faster processing speeds and greater energy efficiency. Apple claims the 6-core CPU is up to 80% faster than the A13 Bionic chip found in older iPhone models. The 4-core GPU enhances graphics performance, enabling AAA gaming experiences and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for realistic lighting effects.
A significant addition is the Apple-designed C1 modem, which promises power-efficient 5G connectivity. With improvements in power management and an optimised internal design, the iPhone 16e benefits from extended battery life, even during intensive use.
Built for Apple Intelligence
With the iPhone 16e, Apple is bringing Apple Intelligence—its AI-powered personal assistant—to more users. The system enables features like:
- Clean Up Tool, which removes unwanted objects from images.
- Image Playground, allowing for AI-powered emoji creation (Genmoji).
- Writing Tools, enhancing text editing across apps.
- More conversational Siri, capable of context-aware follow-ups and seamless integration with ChatGPT.
Apple emphasises that privacy remains a priority, with on-device processing for many AI tasks. For requests requiring more computational power, Private Cloud Compute ensures that data is never stored or shared with Apple.
A Versatile 48MP Camera System
The iPhone 16e features a 48MP Fusion camera, capable of capturing high-resolution images with improved light and detail. It also includes an integrated 2x Telephoto zoom, effectively offering the versatility of two cameras in one.
On the video front, users can record in 4K Dolby Vision at 60fps, with Spatial Audio recording for an immersive sound experience. New wind noise reduction algorithms and Audio Mix tools allow users to adjust sound levels, making voices clearer and background noise more immersive.
Enhanced Safety and Connectivity Features
Apple continues to expand its satellite-based emergency services with the iPhone 16e. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi range, users can access:
- Emergency SOS via satellite to contact emergency responders.
- Roadside Assistance via satellite (in the U.S.) for vehicle-related emergencies.
- Messages via satellite to stay in touch with friends and family.
- Find My via satellite to share locations even when off-grid.
The device also includes Crash Detection, which can automatically call emergency services if a severe accident is detected.
iOS 18: More Personalisation and Privacy
Launching with iOS 18, the iPhone 16e introduces new customisation and privacy features:
- Users can apply dark or tinted themes to app icons and arrange them freely on the Home Screen.
- Control Centre has been redesigned for easier access to frequently used settings.
- Apps can now be locked or hidden, adding an extra layer of privacy.
- Messages gains RCS support, improving messaging between iPhones and non-Apple devices.
Apple’s Environmental Commitment
Apple states that the iPhone 16e is designed with sustainability in mind. The device includes over 30% recycled materials, such as 100% recycled cobalt and 95% recycled lithium in its battery, as well as 85% recycled aluminium in the enclosure. The entire packaging is fibre-based, supporting Apple’s goal of eliminating plastic in packaging by the end of the year.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16e will be available for pre-order from 22 February, with retail availability starting 28 February. It comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, starting at A$999 (inc. GST).
With some pretty generous Trade in Offers.
A More Affordable Entry into the iPhone 16 Line-up
With the iPhone 16e, Apple is offering a more affordable option within the iPhone 16 series, without compromising on performance, AI capabilities, or battery life. While it lacks some of the premium features of the flagship iPhone 16 Pro models, it delivers many of the core Apple experiences in a more accessible package.
