Apple’s latest smartphone, the iPhone 16e, marks a significant departure from its iconic predecessors with a modern design and cutting-edge features.
Apple‘s Latest Offering: iPhone 16e Ditches Home Button for Face ID and Modern Design
The iPhone 16e marks the end of an era, as it is the last ‘Apple smartphone to feature a touch ID home button.’ Introduced in 2017 with the “iPhone X”, this design element has been phased out over the years, with each new model adopting face ID technology.
The iPhone 16e is an upcoming smartphone model developed by Apple Inc..
It is expected to be a variant of the standard iPhone 16, with enhanced features and specifications.
The exact release date has not been confirmed, but rumors suggest it will hit stores in late 2024.
The device is likely to boast improved cameras, faster processors, and a more advanced operating system.
Key Features and Price Hike
The iPhone 16e costs £599 (€709/$599/A$999), making it the most expensive entry-level Apple smartphone to date. It offers a modern iPhone experience similar to the regular “iPhone 15” and latest “iPhone 16”, but with some features removed to reach a slightly lower price.
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e boasts an aluminium frame, glass front and back, and a 15.4cm (6.1in) OLED screen. However, it is only available in black or white and retains the older notch-style cutout at the top of the screen, unlike other recent iPhone models.
Technical Specifications
The new iPhone starts with 128GB of storage and features “Apple’s latest A18 chip”, enabling various AI tools to bring the cheapest iPhone up to par with the rest of the line. It also includes:
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5G connectivity powered by a new Apple modem
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Emergency satellite messaging
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Charging via USB-C
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An action button instead of the mute switch in the side
Camera and Other Features
The iPhone 16e has only a single 48-megapixel camera on the back, unlike other iPhones with double or triple cameras. It also lacks the recently added camera control button on the side.
Market Strategy and Impact
“Apple’s decision to launch the iPhone 16e may be an attempt to recapture some of the mid-range smartphone market” and improve slumping sales in countries such as China. The company may also hope that this model will encourage more users to upgrade to devices capable of receiving “Apple intelligence features”, which are a key area of focus for the firm.
The iPhone 16e is set to ship on 28 February, marking a significant change in Apple‘s product lineup and pricing strategy.
There is no official announcement from Apple regarding the release date of iPhone 16e.
However, based on previous trends, new iPhone models are typically released in September every year.
The iPhone 15 series was unveiled in September 2023, and it's likely that the next generation will follow a similar pattern.
Apple usually starts taking pre-orders for new iPhones about a week before their official release date.
- theguardian.com | Apple launches iPhone 16e and ditches home button
