Apple Launched iPhone 16e One Year Ago Today

[MacRumors]

One year ago today, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level model that brought Apple Intelligence support and a modern design to the company's most affordable iPhone.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Apple announced the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025 in a press release, positioning the device as a new member of the iPhone 16 lineup rather than as a continuation of the iPhone SE branding that had previously represented Apple's lowest-cost iPhone. Pre-orders opened shortly after the announcement and the device launched the following week.

The iPhone 16e adopted the same general design of the iPhone 13, but with a single rear camera, frosted back glass, and a USB-C port. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR, True Tone, and wide color. The display features a "notch" for the TrueDepth camera system rather than the Dynamic Island found on the other iPhone 16 models. Apple offers the iPhone 16e in black and white finishes only.

The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip with a six-core CPU, a four-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple highlighted that the A18 made the iPhone 16e capable of supporting Apple Intelligence.

The iPhone 16e includes a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, which allows what Apple describes as optical-quality 2x zoom through sensor cropping. The front-facing TrueDepth camera is 12 megapixels and supports Face ID for authentication.

The iPhone 16e was also significant for being the first device to include an Apple-designed modem in the form of the C1 chip. Battery life was another focus at launch. Apple said the iPhone 16e can deliver up to 26 hours of video playback. The device also notably lacks MagSafe connectivity.

Apple is expected to announce its successor, iPhone 17e, next week at or around its special "Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai. The device is rumored to feature the A19 chip, C1X modem, MagSafe connectivity, and the N1 wireless chip, for the same $599 starting price.

Article Link: Apple Launched iPhone 16e One Year Ago Today

 

[BeatsByTim]

The e series is for suckers who won’t just buy a used last gen phone

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

I bought this phone a year ago, exactly to the date. It has been a great phone. No issues.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

128 GB base storage is ridiculously bad.

 

[sw1tcher]

The e series is for suckers who won’t just buy a used last gen phone

A lot more reasons why I'd take an iPhone 16e over an iPhone 15

1) new with Apple warranty vs used with no warranty (or maybe a few months depending on when person you're buying from activated it) and possible blemishes/damage (e.g. scratches, scuffs, etc)

2) new battery vs used/worn battery

3) newest (at time of release) A18 SoC vs 2 generations older A16 SoC

4) more memory: 8GB on iPhone 16e vs 6GB on iPhone 15

5) price difference: a used iPhone 15 would probably be close in price to a new iPhone 16e ($599) from Apple, so not much in terms of savings, if any. If you got the iPhone 16e during one of the many sales when it was released (close to half off), that's even bigger savings over a used iPhone 15.

6) iPhone 16e has support for ray tracing

7) supports (whenever Apple gets around to releasing it) Apple Intelligence (for those who want it)

8) longer battery life


than why an iPhone 15 is better than an iPhone 16e

- better rear camera
- magsafe
- wideband


If you think the iPhone 15 is better, then you do you.

 

[M4irmidnight]

One year ago today, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level model that brought Apple Intelligence support and a modern design to the company's most affordable iPhone.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Apple announced the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025 in a press release, positioning the device as a new member of the iPhone 16 lineup rather than as a continuation of the iPhone SE branding that had previously represented Apple's lowest-cost iPhone. Pre-orders opened shortly after the announcement and the device launched the following week.

The iPhone 16e adopted the same general design of the iPhone 13, but with a single rear camera, frosted back glass, and a USB-C port. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR, True Tone, and wide color. The display features a "notch" for the TrueDepth camera system rather than the Dynamic Island found on the other iPhone 16 models. Apple offers the iPhone 16e in black and white finishes only.

The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip with a six-core CPU, a four-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple highlighted that the A18 made the iPhone 16e capable of supporting Apple Intelligence.

The iPhone 16e includes a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, which allows what Apple describes as optical-quality 2x zoom through sensor cropping. The front-facing TrueDepth camera is 12 megapixels and supports Face ID for authentication.

The iPhone 16e was also significant for being the first device to include an Apple-designed modem in the form of the C1 chip. Battery life was another focus at launch. Apple said the iPhone 16e can deliver up to 26 hours of video playback. The device also notably lacks MagSafe connectivity.

Apple is expected to announce its successor, iPhone 17e, next week at or around its special "Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai. The device is rumored to feature the A19 chip, C1X modem, MagSafe connectivity, and the N1 wireless chip, for the same $599 starting price.

Article Link: Apple Launched iPhone 16e One Year Ago Today

I’m honestly jealous of the notch . Way less intrusive. Higher up. I’ve come to actually dislike most of the live activities and wish there was an “off” switch for everything outside of phone calls.

 

[Alfonson]

The e series is for suckers who won’t just buy a used last gen phone

Look at this brave internet hero

 

[Astuces iOS]

The e series is for suckers who won’t just buy a used last gen phone

Mate the iPhone 17e will probably be a very good choice !

 

[actcyclist]

I found the Bluetooth range was unacceptable on the 16e and returned it. No Bluetooth problems on the 12 mini I used to have, nor the refurbished 13 mini I bought after I returned the 16e

 

[Tagbert]

I’m honestly jealous of the notch . Way less intrusive. Higher up. I’ve come to actually dislike most of the live activities and wish there was an “off” switch for everything outside of phone calls.

The safe area under the Dynamic Island is exactly the same as the safe area under the Notch. When Apple brought out the DI, they increased the height of the screens to compensate for the small added height of the components.

I find those activities very useful and like the easy switching between processes that it provides.

 

[Tagbert]

We bought two of the 16e's for relatives who needed a basic phone and could not stretch to buy a phone themselves.

 

[M4irmidnight]

The safe area under the Dynamic Island is exactly the same as the safe area under the Notch. When Apple brought out the DI, they increased the height of the screens to compensate for the small added height of the components.

I find those activities very useful and like the easy switching between processes that it provides.

All the same, I’d rather have the extra area below the notch than a line above.

 

[CATiNTHESTORE]

128 GB base storage is ridiculously bad.

Not a long time ago it was 64 based, you better take it how it is or you didn’t saw prices rise?) Wait until next major release)))

 

[baconcat_8964]

The e series is for suckers who won’t just buy a used last gen phone

Hope Apple learned and prices 17e properly.

 

[ChrisMac47]

I found the Bluetooth range was unacceptable on the 16e and returned it. No Bluetooth problems on the 12 mini I used to have, nor the refurbished 13 mini I bought after I returned the 16e

Nothing compares to the 12 mini or 13 mini! Everything since then is gaudy trash ...

 

[Mostly Adequate]

I’ve got an 16e. Honestly, the only issue I have with it is the weak, limited camera.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I got a 16e as a work device. They’re a great option for fleet customers who want iOS devices. They do what they say on the tin and battery life is good.

Personal phone is a 14Pro and I couldn’t go back to non-pro cameras for my everyday personal device, but as a work phone? Can’t fault it.

 

[svish]

The 16e had some major shortcomings like lack of MagSafe. But still it is a good iPhone. Hopefully the upcoming 17e will have better colors along with MagSafe and dynamic island.

 

[d686546s]

A lot more reasons why I'd take an iPhone 16e over an iPhone 15

1) new with Apple warranty vs used with no warranty (or maybe a few months depending on when person you're buying from activated it) and possible blemishes/damage (e.g. scratches, scuffs, etc)

2) new battery vs used/worn battery

3) newest (at time of release) A18 SoC vs 2 generations older A16 SoC

4) price difference: a used iPhone 15 would probably be close in price to a new iPhone 16e ($599) from Apple, so not much in terms of savings, if any. If you got the iPhone 16e during one of the many sales when it was released (close to half off), that's even bigger savings over a used iPhone 15.

5) iPhone 16e has support for ray tracing

6) supports (whenever Apple gets around to releasing it) Apple Intelligence (for those who want it)

7) longer battery life


than why an iPhone 15 is better than an iPhone 16e

- better rear camera
- magsafe
- wideband


If you think the iPhone 15 is better, then you do you.

It really depends. here in the UK you can buy a refurbished 15 Pro with an 18 month warranty for less than a discounted 16e.

Depending on individual circumstances the 16e can still be the better choice and likely you'll need to add the cost of a battery change to the 15 Pro, but personally I'd probably not buy the 16e.

That being said, we bought it for my sister in law who just needed a phone and she's very happy with it.

 

[geta]

128 GB base storage is ridiculously bad.

For normal day to day usage it’s more than enough.

 

[Plutonius]

It's time for Apple to obsolete it 🙂 /S

 

[ChrisMac47]

For normal day to day usage it’s more than enough.

I have 128Gby 12 Mini, 5+ years old, only using 72GBy, 50% of which is Apps. 128GBy is fine for me, each to their own ...

 

[eric89074]

I got a 16e as a work device. They’re a great option for fleet customers who want iOS devices. They do what they say on the tin and battery life is good.

Personal phone is a 14Pro and I couldn’t go back to non-pro cameras for my everyday personal device, but as a work phone? Can’t fault it.

I got a 16e for a family member that was on a 7 that only uses their phone for calls, texts, and occasional maps usage. $399 open box on eBay and it will get updates for a long time.

 

[savantgk3]

Work issued me a 16e, it's perfectly ok. Battery life is great, only charge it about once a week (only using it for calls, texts, and emails). The single camera is unfortunately the weak spot, I have to take photos during site visits, and almost always have to start using my personal phone at some point to get wide angle shots. I wouldn't buy an e Series phone with my own money, but for a work phone I've definitely had worse.

 

[903s]

Picked it up for $200 from a prepaid provider + 2 months of service for the phone to unlocked.
Total with tax, case, qi car stand and accessories < $350.
Best phone money can buy.
If I had to pay full price I would rather get a 15 pro refurbished....