The new iPhone 16e comes with some interesting features but also leaves out a few expected ones. One highlight is the Visual Intelligence feature, which you can now use on the iPhone 16e even without a special camera button. Instead, you can activate it through the Action button or in the Control Center. This means you can quickly snap photos or use other visual tools without needing a dedicated button.
Apple has made it clear on their site that you can use the Action button for lots of things, like calling friends or opening apps. However, if you were hoping for MagSafe, you’ll be disappointed; the iPhone 16e doesn’t support it. This means no MagSafe chargers, cases, or wallets for this model. But don’t worry, you can still charge your phone wirelessly with standard Qi charging, just not as fast as with MagSafe.
Price-wise, the iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the 128GB model, making it the cheapest iPhone you can buy right now. This is a bit more than what the old iPhone SE cost, but you get a more modern look, a powerful A18 chip, Face ID, and more storage to start with. Here’s how the pricing lines up:
- iPhone 16e – $599
- iPhone 15 – $699
- iPhone 15 Plus – $799
- iPhone 16 – $799
- iPhone 16 Plus – $899
- iPhone 16 Pro – $999
- iPhone 16 Pro Max – $1,199
You can pre-order the iPhone 16e starting Friday, and it will officially be available from February 28. Apple also shared a detailed 12-minute video on YouTube to introduce the iPhone 16e, giving everyone a good look at what to expect.
The iPhone 16e features include a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a notch for Face ID, the new A18 chip, a single 48-megapixel camera, a USB-C port, and an Action button. It also comes with Apple’s new C1 modem for better 5G performance. So, while the iPhone 16e might not have everything you’d expect from an iPhone, it offers a balance of cost and modern features for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.