iPhone 16e: Everything We Know So Far About Apple’s New Affordable iPhone
Apple is gearing up for its February 19, 2025 event, and one of the most exciting rumors is about the iPhone 16e. If you’ve been looking for a budget-friendly iPhone that still packs some of Apple’s premium features, this might be the one for you!
But what exactly is the iPhone 16e? How does it compare to other models like the iPhone SE 4 or the iPhone 16 Pro? And most importantly—should you wait for it? Here’s everything we know so far.
What is the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e is rumored to be a mid-range iPhone that sits between the iPhone SE 4 and the standard iPhone 16 models. The "e" could stand for "essential," meaning Apple is likely focusing on providing the most important features without the high price tag.
Think of it as a "Lite" version of the iPhone 16"—still powerful, but more affordable.
Comparing iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e: What’s the Difference?
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro |
iPhone 16 |
iPhone 16e |
Display |
|||
Screen Size |
15.93cm (6.3") |
15.54cm (6.1") |
15.40cm (6.1") |
Type |
Super Retina XDR |
Super Retina XDR |
Super Retina XDR |
ProMotion |
Yes (up to 120Hz) |
No |
No |
Always-On |
Yes |
No |
No |
Dynamic Island |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Peak Brightness (Outdoor) |
2,000 nits |
2,000 nits |
Not available |
Design & Build |
|||
Material |
Titanium with textured matt glass back |
Aluminum with color-infused glass back |
Aluminum with glass back |
Colors |
Not specified |
Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black |
Not specified |
Weight |
199g |
170g |
167g |
Performance |
|||
Chip |
A18 Pro |
A18 |
A18 |
CPU |
6-core |
6-core |
6-core |
GPU |
6-core |
5-core |
4-core |
Neural Engine |
16-core |
16-core |
16-core |
Camera System |
|||
Main System |
Pro camera (48MP Fusion + 48MP Ultra Wide + Telephoto) |
Advanced dual-camera (48MP Fusion + 12MP Ultra Wide) |
2-in-1 camera (48MP Fusion) |
Optical Zoom Options |
0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x |
0.5x, 1x, 2x |
1x, 2x |
Macro Photography |
48MP macro |
Yes |
No |
ProRAW |
Yes |
No |
No |
Video |
|||
Dolby Vision |
Up to 4K at 120 fps |
Up to 4K at 60 fps |
Up to 4K at 60 fps |
Spatial Video |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Storage & Price
(INR) |
|||
128GB |
₹119,900 |
₹79,900 |
₹59,900 |
256GB |
₹129,900 |
₹89,900 |
₹69,900 |
512GB |
₹149,900 |
₹109,900 |
₹89,900 |
1TB |
₹169,900 |
Not available |
Not available |
Charging |
|||
USB Type |
USB-C (USB 3) |
USB-C (USB 2) |
USB-C (USB 2) |
Transfer Speed |
Up to 20x faster |
Standard |
Standard |
MagSafe |
Up to 25W |
Up to 25W |
Qi wireless up to 7.5W |
Other Features |
|||
Water Resistance |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
Emergency SOS |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Crash Detection |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Battery Life (Video Playback) |
Up to 27 hours |
Up to 22 hours |
Up to 26 hours |
The iPhone 16e is expected to have a better display, improved cameras, and MagSafe, making it a better choice for those who want a more premium feel without spending too much.
iPhone 16e Features & Specs (Rumored)
Though Apple hasn’t officially announced anything yet, leaks suggest the iPhone 16e will include:
✅ 6.1-inch OLED display – A brighter and more vibrant screen than the SE 4
✅ A16 or A17 Bionic chip – Fast performance for gaming and multitasking
✅ Dual-camera system – Likely a 48MP main camera with improved low-light performance
✅ MagSafe support – Wireless charging and accessory compatibility
✅ USB-C charging – Goodbye Lightning, hello faster charging
✅ iOS 18 support – Will launch with Apple’s latest software
It looks like Apple is packing a lot of value into this device!
iPhone 16e Price and Release Date
So, when can you get your hands on it?
📅 Announcement Date: February 19, 2025
📅 Expected Release Date: March or April 2025
💰 Expected Price:
- Base Model (128GB): $599 - $649
- Higher Storage (256GB): Around $699+
That’s cheaper than the iPhone 16 but more premium than the iPhone SE 4.
Why is Apple Launching the iPhone 16e?
Apple is trying to fill a gap in the market—giving customers a more affordable iPhone that still feels modern.
Right now, Apple’s lineup looks like this:
📌 iPhone SE 4 → Budget iPhone with an older design
📌 iPhone 16e → Mid-range option with better features
📌 iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max → Premium flagship models
With Android brands offering great mid-range phones, Apple wants to make sure they have an option in this category too!
How Does iPhone 16e Compare to iPhone 15 Pro Max?
If you’re wondering how the iPhone 16e stacks up against the iPhone 15 Pro Max, here’s a quick comparison:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max has Titanium build, ProMotion display, and a Periscope camera
- iPhone 16e will be cheaper but still offer a strong processor, good cameras, and MagSafe
If you want all the premium features, go for the Pro models. But if you want a great iPhone at a lower price, the iPhone 16e might be perfect.
What to Expect at the Apple Event 2025
The February 19 Apple Event is expected to bring several big announcements, including:
📢 iPhone 16e reveal
📢 iPhone SE 4 launch
📢 New iPads and Mac updates
📢 Possible MagSafe accessories
We may even get a sneak peek at iOS 18, Apple’s next software update!
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Comparing iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16e |
Should You Wait for the iPhone 16e?
So, is the iPhone 16e worth waiting for? It depends!
👉 If you need an iPhone now: Get the iPhone 15 or 15 Pro
👉 If you want a budget-friendly iPhone: Wait for the iPhone 16e or SE 4
👉 If you love new tech: The iPhone 16 lineup will bring the best upgrades
If the iPhone 16e delivers on its promises, it could be one of the best mid-range iPhones ever. We’ll find out soon! Stay tuned for updates. 🚀📱
What is the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e is Apple's rumored budget-friendly smartphone, expected to launch in 2025.
When will the iPhone 16e be released?
Apple may announce it at the Apple Event on February 19, 2025.
How much will the iPhone 16e cost?
The price is unknown, but it’s expected to be more affordable than flagship models.
What are the key features of the iPhone 16e?
It is likely to include MagSafe, an A16 chip, and improved battery life.
Is the iPhone 16e the same as the iPhone SE 4?
It might be a rebranded iPhone SE 4, but details are unclear.
Will the iPhone 16e have Face ID?
Apple may stick with Touch ID for cost efficiency.
What screen size will the iPhone 16e have?
Expected to feature a 6.1-inch display, similar to the iPhone 14.
Will the iPhone 16e support 5G?
Yes, Apple is likely to include 5G connectivity.
Where can I buy the iPhone 16e?
Available at the Apple Store and major retailers after launch.
How does the iPhone 16e compare to the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
It will be a more affordable option with fewer premium features.