Apple has officially unveiled the much-anticipated refresh of its iPhone SE series on Tuesday, introducing the fourth-generation model after a three-year hiatus since the last significant update to this budget-friendly smartphone line. In a notable shift, Apple has dropped the SE branding, opting instead for the new name, iPhone 16e, to align the device more closely with its flagship offerings. The iPhone 16e is priced starting at $599 and is set to begin shipping on February 28.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 16e is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, the company’s innovative response to competing technologies such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. This new feature incorporates compact models that can operate directly on the device, enabling users to generate text summaries, compose letters, and even create images without needing an internet connection.
The iPhone 16e joins an elite group of devices, including the entire iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro, that are equipped to utilize Apple Intelligence. This capability is made possible by the inclusion of the A18 processor, the same advanced chip that powers the rest of the flagship iPhone 16 series. Notably, users can access ChatGPT through Siri at no additional cost, eliminating the need for an OpenAI account.
Additionally, the iPhone 16e marks a significant technological advancement as it is the first model to feature Apple’s proprietary modem, the Apple C1. This development is part of Apple’s broader strategy to reduce its reliance on external chip manufacturers like Qualcomm and Intel, favoring in-house silicon designed specifically for its devices.
In terms of design, the iPhone 16e embraces a modern aesthetic by removing the Touch ID home button in favor of Face ID, reminiscent of the iPhone X’s design elements, including the return of the camera notch. Furthermore, Apple has transitioned from the traditional Lightning port to a USB-C connector, standardizing this interface across its range of hardware products.
The device boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display and is touted as having “the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone,” according to Apple. This is a notable increase from the previous generation’s 4.8-inch screen, which may disappoint fans of smaller phones. Apple claims that the iPhone 16e offers up to 12 hours more battery life on a single charge compared to earlier SE models, a significant improvement attributed to the efficiency of the six-core A18 chip. This chip also features a 16-core neural engine for enhanced AI processing and a four-core GPU, which is a reduction from the five-core graphics processor found in the iPhone 16 and the six-core GPU in the iPhone 16 Pro.
Photography capabilities have also been upgraded, with a single rear-facing 48-megapixel camera that includes 2x zoom functionality. Apple markets this as a “two-in-one” camera, allowing users to capture images at both 48-megapixels and 24-megapixels. The front-facing TrueDepth camera facilitates face unlock features, enhancing user security and convenience.
The launch of the iPhone 16e comes at a critical juncture for Apple, particularly as the company has experienced an 11% decline in market share in China, one of its most vital markets. This downturn can be attributed to the growing competition from domestic brands like Huawei, as well as the absence of Apple Intelligence in mainland China. In response, Apple has reportedly engaged in discussions with Tencent and ByteDance to develop a localized version of its generative AI technology for the Chinese market. Recently, it has also been revealed that Apple has partnered with Alibaba to serve as its local generative AI collaborator.
The original iPhone SE, which debuted in 2016, has been a strong performer for Apple in both China and India, the top two smartphone markets globally. Unlike the predictable annual release schedule of flagship iPhones, the SE series has seen irregular launches, with previous models released in 2020, 2022, and now 2025. At $599, the 2025 iPhone 16e is priced somewhat comparably to Google’s $499 Pixel 8a and Samsung’s $400 Galaxy A35 for those wanting flagship-esque features in a more affordable handset.
Although the iPhone 16e’s starting price of $599 represents a $100 increase over its predecessor, the advanced features and technology of this new budget handset are expected to help Apple regain its foothold in these competitive markets. Preorders for the iPhone 16e will commence on Friday, February 21, with the device scheduled to ship exactly one week later.
