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Apple Now Sells Refurbished iPhone 16e Starting at $419

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Apple today updated its online refurbished store in the United States, adding the iPhone 16e. Refurbished iPhone 16e models are available at discounted prices for the first time since the device launched in February 2025.

iPhone-16e-Feature.jpg

Entry-level 128GB iPhone 16e models are priced at $419, which is a $180 discount from the original price. The iPhone 16e was retired when the iPhone 17e came out, so it is no longer available new from Apple.

Upgraded 256GB and 512GB iPhone 16e models are available for $509 and $679, respectively. The iPhone 16e comes in black or white, and Apple has both colors available.

At $419, a refurbished iPhone 16e is $180 less than Apple's most affordable iPhone, the 17e, but it lacks a few useful features. It does not include MagSafe charging, it has a slower C1 modem instead of the C1X, 128GB starting storage instead of 256GB, an older A18 chip, and original Ceramic Shield glass instead of Ceramic Shield 2.

Refurbished iPhones are unlocked and eligible to be used with any carrier. Apple revamps iPhones that have been returned or repaired, adding new batteries, outer shells, and cables. Refurbished iPhones are essentially identical to new iPhones after going through Apple's cleaning and testing process, and they come with the same one-year warranty with an option to purchase AppleCare+ coverage.

Article Link: Apple Now Sells Refurbished iPhone 16e Starting at $419
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/30/apple-refurbished-iphone-16e/
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Good timing. I just bought my 17e and will be trading in my 16e. It is likely my 16e will end up being one of these refurbished phones. I hope it serves someone else for years to come.

I knew that this was a good time to trade in.
 
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This is absolutely PERFECT timing. My son's iPhone 14 is down to 79% battery health and has seen better days. Was looking to score something before prices inevitably go up in September.
 
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Been waiting for a good deal to upgrade my wife's 2nd gen SE, however the 16e isn't available as refurbished in the UK.
 
Astuces iOS said:
Other than the storage, if you are a basic user, this is actually pretty good, in fact it’s even cheaper than the OG iPhone SE ! If you compare the iPhone SE 3 to the iPhone 13 mini, well the 13 mini was much better, here it’s not the case.
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I’d say given the increase in AI model size, 256GB is important for anyone buying today because it’s not something you can opt out of downloading.
 
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JPack said:
I’d say given the increase in AI model size, 256GB is important for anyone buying today because it’s not something you can opt out of downloading.
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Remember that people buying this have light usage, even if the AI takes a bit, it won’t be harmful… I want to let you know that the base iPad Air still has 128gb ! Same for the mini and they are both more expensive.
 
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The refurb store can be a real hidden gem. Same warranty, same AppleCare+ option, and Apple's refurb process is genuinely thorough — I always check it before buying new. But I often end up buying refurbs off of eBay because I can find what I'm looking for... Hasn't bitten me in the a$$ yet.
 
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Astuces iOS said:
Remember that people buying this have light usage, even if the AI takes a bit, it won’t be harmful… I want to let you know that the base iPad Air still has 128gb ! Same for the mini and they are both more expensive.
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They may be light users, but buyers in this category also tend to have a longer replacement cycle, which means more data accumulated.

Overall, a new 17e is a better choice for not much more cash.

iPad Air is a weird situation, gated by the fact iPad Pro only has 256GB. Even MacBook Air is 512GB.
 
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JPack said:
They may be light users, but buyers in this category also tend to have a longer replacement cycle, which means more data accumulated.

Overall, a new 17e is a better choice for not much more cash.

iPad Air is a weird situation, gated by the fact iPad Pro only has 256GB. Even MacBook Air is 512GB.
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You could have said that to the iPhone SE 3 users with 64gb of ram… also even if they “tend” to have longer replacement cycles… it there usage is light, they won’t accumulate any more data…

If they use it only for basic calls, photos (on iCloud), safari, YouTube, little things… those won’t take a lot of more space over the time… I’m pretty sure you can keep this phone for at least 5 years even with 128gb. Also the 17e remains a good choice for those who actually want more space !
 
B4U said:
256GB 16e is $509.
Meanwhile. 256GB 17e is $599.
The lack of MagSafe on the 16e, A19 vs A18 for a difference of $90. 🧐
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My son doesn’t need 256 gb.

The base model is perfect at that price. The other two not so much.
 
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Astuces iOS said:
You could have said that to the iPhone SE 3 users with 64gb of ram… also even if they “tend” to have longer replacement cycles… it there usage is light, they won’t accumulate any more data…

If they use it only for basic calls, photos (on iCloud), safari, YouTube, little things… those won’t take a lot of more space over the time… I’m pretty sure you can keep this phone for at least 5 years even with 128gb. Also the 17e remains a good choice for those who actually want more space !
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I know several people with 64GB iPhone 11 and 12 who are forced to upgrade because of storage. They would have been fine otherwise running iOS 27.

Basic usage these days takes a lot of space. Simply being in a family group chat where you don’t even participate involves storage of photos and video you didn’t take.

In my opinion, it’s shortsighted to buy refurb 16e when new 17e is $180 more, especially given the imminent price increases. You’re getting more storage, newer chip, MagSafe, and C1X.
 
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Who would get a 16e refurb?

A small business or self employed person who wants a cheap reliable iPhone.

Medium sized businesses who want to outfit their employees with a phone that should last 4-5 years - very good TCO.

Someone who just wants a long lasting iPhone and who doesn't have many apps and who uses iCloud Storage (and who maybe would dabble in Apple Intelligence features) - someone just like me (2025 new 16e purchaser).

Oh and people who have never heard of MagSafe!
 
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