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iPhone 16e

Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE with a larger screen, better cameras, Apple Intelligence… and a higher price.

The iPhone 16e replaces the budget iPhone SE 3, but follows a new design philosophy. Apple’s cheaper handsets used to be moderately updated versions of older models. Instead, the 16e is based on one of Apple’s latest models — but with many noncritical features removed.

Nevertheless, the cheaper and the standard variants have much in common. The size and shape of the more affordable version is almost identical to the pricier iPhone 16, and both have a 6.1-inch touchscreen at a 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution. Both have Apple’s Action button and a USB-C port.

Despite its lower cost, on the inside of the budget model is an Apple A18 processor, and it supports Apple Intelligence. It offers 5G cellular wireless networking and even satellite messaging.

And note that the Apple claims 21 hours of video streaming — better than the standard iPhone 16.

iPhone 16e launched in February 2025 at $599. Buyers can choose from 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage.

Learn more:

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on iPhone 16e:

FCC leaks reveal Apple’s next Vision Pro headset and upcoming Macs and iPads

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FCC leaks of Apple products
FCC's wireless certification test result documents show a familiar-looking diagram.
Photo: FCC

The Federal Communications Commission accidentally exposed Apple’s plans for several unreleased products, including an updated Vision Pro headset, new MacBook Pro models and refreshed iPad Pro tablets, on Tuesday. The FCC leaks of Apple products mark the latest in a series of premature disclosures from the regulatory agency that have frustrated Apple’s typically secretive product launch strategy.

FCC leaks confidential iPhone 16e schematics

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FCC leaks iPhone 16e schematics
Thanks to the leaked schematics, competitors can find out a lot about iPhone 16e, right, without reverse engineering.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The Federal Communications Commission appeared to inadvertently expose detailed electrical schematics for Apple’s iPhone 16e, despite the company’s explicit request to keep the documents confidential. The leak, discovered Monday, looks like a breach of the regulatory agency’s confidentiality protocols and could potentially benefit Apple’s competitors.

iPhone 17 Air, M5 MacBook Air to use Apple-made wireless chips

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iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air will be the second iPhone to use Apple's custom modem.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple will reportedly expand the use of custom chips in its future devices. This will start with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air using its in-house modem.

The M5 MacBook Air will allegedly then follow, using a new in-house wireless chip, likely combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality into one.

iPhone 17 Air’s small battery might punch above its weight

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iPhone 17 Air render
You might not like iPhone 17 Air's rumored battery capacity.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming super-slim iPhone 17 Air could weigh just 5.11 ounces, according to a new leak. That would make it one of the lightest smartphones on the market. However, the phone’s thinness could come at the expense of battery life.

The leaker says the device will come with a paltry 2,800mAh battery. But Apple might tap new technology to make that tiny battery last longer than you would expect.

iPhone 16e shines while Pro sales take a hit

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iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16e laying side by side, showing the difference in rear camera size.
iPhone 16e inadvertently ate into the sales of its Pro sibling.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 16e already seems to be a winner for Apple. US sales data analyzed by CIRP show the new budget iPhone accounting for 7% of sales in Q1 2025.

This is with the device only launching at the end of February. So, it spent just one month on sale during the entire quarter.

Apple opens the toolbox with iPhone 16e DIY repair parts

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iPhone 16e standing up vertically on a pine table surface, used to illustrate an iPhone 16e review
Broke your iPhone 16e already? You can now order replacement parts directly from Apple.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple now sells iPhone 16e repair parts for DIYers and enthusiasts. You can purchase replacement parts through Apple’s online Self Service Repair Store in the US and Europe.

The spare parts go on sale within 1.5 months of the iPhone 16e hitting retail stores.

iPhone 16e’s C1 modem holds its own against iPhone 16’s Qualcomm chip

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iPhone 16e laying down flat on a pine table surface.
The iPhone 16e's C1 modem won't disappoint you with its mobile data speeds.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 16e marks the debut of Apple’s in-house 5G modem. Despite missing mmWave 5G support, the modem still impresses. Apple touts it as the most efficient modem ever in an iPhone.

Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, has released a detailed analysis of the iPhone 16e’s network performance based on their preliminary data.

Add MagSafe and more to your iPhone 16e with these top cases

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Best iPhone 16e cases
Dress up and protect your iPhone 16e.
Photo: Cult of Mac

If you got or will soon get an iPhone 16e, way to go! The new iPhone 16e has plenty to recommend it, even if lacks MagSafe and it’s not as affordable, at $599, as the discontinued SE model it replaces. iPhone 16e boasts more functionality and costs more, so you have even more reason to get a nice case for it.

Should you buy the 2025 iPhone 16e?

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Should you upgrade to the iPhone 16e?
This guide will tell you if it’s worth an upgrade.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Is it worth it to buy the iPhone 16e? Apple’s latest entry-level iPhone brings a nice balance of modern features and capabilities at a reasonable price. It’s also possibly the nicest-looking iPhone in the current lineup.

If you’re still on an iPhone SE, now is a great time to upgrade. You’ll be getting a modern device with Face ID, Apple Intelligence, 5G, USB-C and more — in a handsome and lightweight design.

Is it worthwhile to upgrade? We have a guide below with helpful charts and a video to help you decide.

Will Apple’s iPhone 16e strategy scare away SE buyers?

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Will iPhone SE owners buy iPhone 16e
iPhone SE wasn't a very big seller, but the leap to iPhone 16e, pictured, might be a too big a jump for many SE fans.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s recent decision to replace the iPhone SE with the more premium iPhone 16e marks a shift in the company’s approach to the budget smartphone market — and it might be a big risk, according to new research. The new iPhone 16e, priced at $599, represents a pretty big jump from the iPhone SE’s $429 price point. And that raises questions about whether Apple’s strategy will pay off. Will iPhone SE owners buy iPhone 16e?

iPhone 16e teardown reveals surprisingly repairable design but can’t answer key question

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iPhone 16e gets the teardown treatment from iFixit.
iPhone 16e is as repairable as its other family members.
Photo: iFixit

The new iPhone 16e proves about as repairable as other members of the iPhone 16 family, according to iFixit’s teardown of Apple’s new budget phone. Despite its lower price tag, the iPhone 16e packs many of the repairability features of its more-expensive siblings, including the ionic liquid battery adhesive that makes replacement easier.

However, iFixit’s teardown leaves one key question unanswered: Why did Apple omit MagSafe from iPhone 16e?

iPhone 16e: Lightweight power in a beautiful package [Review] ★★★★☆

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iPhone 16e standing up vertically on a pine table surface, used to illustrate an iPhone 16e review★★★★☆
The iPhone 16e's design revisits beautiful minimalism.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 16e might lack some of the iPhone’s most premium features, but I can’t help but love it. While testing it for my iPhone 16e review, the phone’s light weight and clean rear design made me happy every time I picked it up, in a way I haven’t felt since my iPhone 5s. And its updated guts make it a perfectly serviceable daily driver that’ll stay fast and responsive for years to come.

It isn’t as cheap as the iPhone SE it replaces in Apple’s lineup. And while it largely resembles the iPhone 14 and 15, it’s missing MagSafe, one of the iPhone’s best features for many years now.

I downgraded from my personal iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 16e for the review, to put it through its paces — and came out impressed. Keep reading or watch the video below.

iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15 comparison: Which one should you buy?

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iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15 comparison
Is the iPhone 16e a better buy than the iPhone 15?
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac

Starting at $599, the iPhone 16e costs less than an iPhone 15. As you’ll see in this iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15 comparison, Apple admittedly (and unavoidably) cut some corners while making its newest budget phone. However, the iPhone 16e also flexes some muscles the iPhone 15 can’t. If you’re interested in expert opinions and in-depth analysis, check out the latest iPhone SE reviews.

So, should you save your money and get the iPhone 16e or spend the extra $100 for the iPhone 15? Find out in this comparison.

iPhone 16e officially goes on sale

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iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE with a larger screen, better cameras, Apple Intelligence… and a higher price.
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

A week after preorders began, the iPhone 16e went on sale Friday. If you preordered the device, your order should arrive today.

The newest member of the iPhone 16 family starts at $599, replacing the third-gen iPhone SE as the budget model in Apple’s lineup.

iPhone 16e review roundup: Bare bones but capable, with long battery life

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iPhone 16e reviews
iPhone 16e is a capable handset, but some reviewers question the price.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Early reviews of the iPhone 16e give the first real-world experience of the $599 phone that launches Friday. The takeaway: While it skimps on some features, the iPhone 16e offers excellent performance and is one of Apple’s best options for lengthy battery life.

Nevertheless, some reviews question whether the limited features justify the “budget” iPhone’s $599 price.

Apple created iPhone 16e because iPhone SE 3 was a dud

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iPhone 16e beats iPhone SE 3
Why iPhone 16e beats iPhone SE 3
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The new iPhone 16e drew criticism because it costs 40% more than the handset it replaced, the budget-priced iPhone SE 3. Critics assume Apple cynically took away something lots of buyers wanted: a cheap iPhone. But actually, Apple couldn’t sell many of the low-cost model, according to industry analysts.

The newest offering, with significantly improved specs over the now-defunct iPhone SE 3, seems to be Apple’s attempt to make a low-end handset that more consumers will be interested in, even if the cost went up.

If you’re considering whether to buy Apple iPhone, you might want to see how the iPhone 16e compares to its predecessor.

iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Is cheaper better?

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iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16 comparison
iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 are not the same.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16 — it’s decision time for anyone considering an affordable iPhone. The iPhone 16e, Apple’s newest addition to its iPhone 16 family, costs $599. It iPhone replaces the iPhone SE 3 to become the cheapest Apple smartphone with an A18 chip.

At first glance, the iPhone 16e seems quite similar to the iPhone 16, despite a $200 lower price. So, how does the iPhone 16e compare to the iPhone 16? Should you save your money and get Apple’s newest iPhone? Or pay extra and go for the iPhone 16? If you’re wondering which device best suits your needs, our iPhone for life guide breaks it down in detail.

iPhone 16e looks great, but …

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Photo of two iPhone 16e smartphones, one black and one white, with the words,
This seems like a major omission.
Image: Cult of Mac

There’s one feature missing from the new iPhone 16e that makes it a big “no” for me, dog — MagSafe. Apple’s failure to include a few cheap magnets, which could have enabled a wonderful array of iPhone accessories, seems like the ultimate cost-cutting fail. If you’re comparing it with the iPhone 16, you’ll notice that Apple’s flagship model retains full MagSafe compatibility. For those looking for a long iPhone experience with the latest features, MagSafe might be a key deciding factor. If you frequently use MagSafe accessories like the MagSafe wallet, make sure to check out our list of the best iPhone 16e cases to find a case that fits your needs.

 If you’re comparing it with the iPhone 16, you’ll notice that Apple’s flagship model retains full MagSafe compatibility.

Watch the iPhone 16e introduction in just 30 seconds

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Image of Tim Cook and the iPhone 16e with the caption “30 Seconds.”
Watch the announcement in just 3.9% of the time.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Today, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e. It features many top features from the iPhone 16 series, but at a lower $599 price point. The iPhone 16e replaces the former iPhone SE in the lineup.

If you don’t have twelve minutes to spare, you can watch the introduction in just 30 seconds.

Everything Apple stripped out of iPhone 16 to make the iPhone 16e

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iPhone 16 versus iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e is essentially the iPhone 16 but with many features pulled out. Is it right for you?
Image: Apple/.Cult of Mac

To absolutely nobody’s surprise, the newly launched iPhone 16e is missing features found in higher-end models. But what exactly did Apple exclude from this stripped-down version of the iPhone 16? The two models have quite a lot in common — the same size screen, general design, A18 chip and more. But many secondary features don’t appear in the cheaper model.

Check this list of all the missing features in the iPhone 16e before deciding to buy Apple’s budget handset. You might not be able to live without some of them.

Dress up your boring iPhone 16e in a colorful case

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Apple iPhone 16e cases
This is Apple's new iPhone 16e silicone case in the fuschia color.
Photo: Apple

The iPhone 16e Apple rolled out Wednesday is a huge upgrade over its previous budget SE handsets. But the new handset only comes in black and white colors. So along with it the iPhone giant launched iPhone 16e silicone cases in five colors — including three that aren’t black or white. Those would be fuschia, blue and green.

And you can already find third-party cases for the new handset, as well, but many more are sure to come soon. Check out some options below.

Apple C1 is ‘most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone’

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Apple C1 chip in an iPhone 16e
The Apple C1 chip is the company’s first in-house cellular modem.
Image: Apple

The new Apple C1 modem that powers the cellular connectivity of the iPhone 16e is the company’s first cellular modem designed in-house.

The C1 offers “fast and reliable connectivity, and it’s the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing, in a launch video released Wednesday. Thanks to its efficiency — and an optimized internal design that allows for a bigger battery — the iPhone 16e offers an “unprecedented level of battery life in a 6.1 inch iPhone,” she added.

The Apple C1 integrates 4G, 5G, satellite and GPS radios in one chip. The C1 represents a brand-new direction for Apple silicon, alongside the company’s processors and other wireless chips. Recent Ookla speed tests suggest that the C1 modem holds its own against the Qualcomm chip in the iPhone 16, as detailed in this comparison.

With iPhone 16e, Apple brings big speed boost to budget model

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iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE with a larger screen, better cameras, Apple Intelligence… and a higher price.
Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple’s budget iPhone SE morphed into the new iPhone 16e Wednesday, bringing a thorough redesign with a larger screen, longer battery life, a more robust camera, and a processor that can handle Apple Intelligence tasks. It’s a whole new “budget” iPhone, and it comes at a 40% price increase over the iPhone SE 3, at $599.

This is iPhone 16e with our latest-generation Apple silicon, breakthrough battery life, an incredible high-resolution, two-in-one camera system, and the powerful features of iOS 18, all in a durable and beautiful design,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a video about the new entry-level iPhone. However, unlike the standard model, the 16e lacks some premium features like the iPhone 16 Dynamic Island, which enhances user experience with interactive notifications and multitasking improvements.

“iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 family as its most affordable member,” he added. “And it has Apple Intelligence, our powerful personal intelligence system with features that help you save time, quickly get more things done, and express yourself in new ways.”