Apple launches ‘affordable’ iPhone 16e

The tech giant has launched a new iPhone in a bid to respond to cost of living pressures which may have scared customers away from the pricey mobile.

Apple has launched a “groundbreaking” new iPhone apparently in response to cost of living pressures.

It claimed it will be a “more affordable option” for the otherwise usually pricey piece of kit.

In California on Wednesday, local time, the world’s biggest company announced the iPhone 16e.

It will have “powerful capabilities” but at a price that may appeal to consumers who have snubbed the phone in the past. The iPhone 16e will be $400 cheaper than the current entry level iPhone 16.

Tech website ZDNET has said it is the “cheap phone to beat”.

But it will also be missing a key feature seen in iPhones for the last four years.

“IPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 line-up, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.

“We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the line-up as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”

New "affordable" iPhone 16e

Price lower than 16, higher than SE

Currently the 16, the latest iteration of the iPhone, comes in at a minimum price point of $1399 in Australia. The Pro version starts at $1799.

But the iPhone 16e will come in at just under a grand, at $999. That’s cheaper than even basic iPhone 15s which Apple still sells.

The iPhone 16e is by no means at a rock bottom price. Brands like Oppo and even some Samsungs can be found cheaper, but they have fewer features.

The introduction of the 16e will see the axing of the iPhone SE which was a cheaper version of the iPhone. But its specs were lower than the new phone. It didn’t even have Face ID for instance. The SE also had a smaller screen at 4.7 inches to the 16e’s 6.1 inches.

The iPhone 14 series has also been axed with 16e’s introduction.

Apple will likely be hoping the 16e appeals to people who wand a premium phone but just couldn't quiet stretch to its prices.

The phone comes in black and white.

Apple says the cut price phone boasts a 48MP Fusion camera and an integrated 2x telephoto lens which helps tale “takes gorgeous photos and videos”.

“It is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality,” the tech giant said.

The 16e also features Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI tool that can create personalised emojis and help with creating content.

“When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help iPhone 16e users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most,” it said.

MagSafe no more. These leather wallets snap onto other iPhones due to the MagSafe technology. Not the 16e.

Missing feature

But the iPhone 16e will miss a popular feature that’s been in iPhones since the 12, four years ago.

There will be no MagSafe. This is a wireless charging system that’s been available since 2022 and sees the iPhone magnetically attach to accessories.

A whole suite of iPhone accessories has built up through MagSafe including cases and wallets. For instance, you could snap a wallet accessory to the back of the phone because of MagSafe.

But not on the iPhone 16e. However it will still have Qi wireless changing ability.

In addition the “dynamic island” offered on newer iPhone that displays information snippets at the top of the screen around the speaker is also absent.

Colour wise, the iPhone 16e is minimal coming in matt is black or white.

Apple said the new 16e will be available for pre-order in Australia from 22 February with delivery from 28 February.

Originally published as Apple launches ‘affordable’ iPhone 16e