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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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?
★★★★☆
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.
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 latestiPhone 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 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.
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.
iPhone 17 could feature another in-house Apple chip. Graphics: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Apple reportedly will switch to an in-house Wi-Fi chip with the upcoming iPhone 17 series, while the rumored slim iPhone 17 model will be the only device with both Apple’s Wi-Fi chip and the company’s own C1 modem for cellular, GPS and satellite connectivity.
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, ouriPhone for life guide breaks it down in detail.
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 theiPhone 16, you’ll notice that Apple’s flagship model retains full MagSafe compatibility.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 theiPhone 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.”