The iPhone SE is no more. Apple has changed the naming convention for its entry level iPhone, introducing the iPhone 16e. While the iPhone 16e is pitched as an entry level phone for $999, it brings a similar A18 chip as the iPhone 16 as well as satellite features including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite.
And, for the first time, Apple has included the C1 chip. This is the company’s first foray into producing a cellular modem. Apple acquired the assets to start its development from Intel back in 2019 for USD$1B.
iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch screen and will be available in black and white matte finishes that can be accessorized with cases Apple has added to its range. Storage capacities are 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Apple’s Silicone Case will come in five colours for $65 winter in blue, fuchsia, lake green, black, and white. But it won’t take long for the third-party market to swoop in with more options at a lower price.
Pre-orders begin Saturday, 22 February, with availability beginning Friday, 28 February.
As you’d expect, Apple is making a big deal about the new device’s performance, saying it’s “up to 80 per cent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11”. And there will be a significant boost for owners of the current iPhone SE. This is a similar approach to performance chest-thumping Apple takes with many of its new devices by offering comparisons to products that are no longer in production. A look at the release of recent M3 and M4 powered Macs tells a similar story with those devices compared to similar products running the M1 processor.
While performance is no doubt vastly improved over a five-year-old device, it suggests that the annual performance improvements are far more incremental.
The big improvements in the iPhone 16e over its predecessors aren’t really coming from the processor (although any performance boost is welcome). The rear camera system 48MP Fusion camera has an integrated 2x Telephoto making it “the equivalent of two cameras in one” according to Apple. The front TrueDepth camera’s autofocus enables you to take better selfies with improved colour rendering.
iPhone 16e shoots video 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps with the ability to stop and start recording easily. Sound is recorded in Spatial Audio and users can adjust their sound after capture to focus on the voice of the person on camera. Apple says ML algorithms automatically reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality with the ability to position vocal tracks in the front and environmental noises in surround sound.
A massive boost for those who like to get away from the city is the addition of satellite comms. Apple is clearly looking to leverage its investment in satellite communications, adding this powerful feature to the entry level iPhone 16e. This enables services such as Find My and contact to emergency services to be available even you’re away from cellular comms or Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, Australians don’t get the full gamut f satellite services as US users can also access roadside assistance services if their car breaks down in a remote area.
The iPhone 16e is the penultimate brick in the Apple Intelligence wall. With the entire, current iPhone range supporting Apple Intelligence, the last device Apple needs to update is the iPad.
There is some bad news though. The previous iPhone SE cost $280 less than the iPhone 16e. And Apple has consolidated its iPhone range, dropping the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 from availability so the iPhone 16e won’t have competition from other iPhones at a similar price.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.