Apple unveils iPhone 16e, to replace SE

Apple unveiled a new iPhone 16e via a product video online on Wednesday, 19 February, after teasing a new product was coming.

With the announcement of the iPhone 16e, now with Apple Intelligence, priced at $599, it also discontinued its based model iPhone SE, which was priced at $429.

The more expensive replacement runs on Apple’s A18 chip with a new Apple C1 cellular modem, a 16-core neural engine, 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU.

The 16e will be available in either 128/256/512GB capacities, and has 5G and dual SIM through eSIM support. Other connectivity options include WiFi6, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC.

It features a 48MP single lens Fusion camera with 2x Telephoto, which according to Apple has zoom with “optical quality”, so not to be confused with an optical zoom. It supports Apple’s new Audio Mix feature.

The 6.1-inch device with OLED display is much larger than the SE’s 4.7-inch display, but has no home button, and features Face ID instead.

It has a 2532 x 1170 pixel resolution at 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The HDR display has true tone and 800 nits of brightness.

It also has Apple’s Action button introduced on the iPhone 16 range, which can be used for silent mode, focus, camera, visual intelligence, flashlight, voice memos, translate, magnifier, etc.

It supports Apple Intelligence and a USB-C port for charging with USB 2 speeds of up to 480Mb/s. It supports fast charging using a 20W plug, available separately, which charges up to 50% in 30 minutes. Wireless charging is supported on Qi chargers.

Available in white or black with a glass back, the iPhone 16e has an IP68 rating for splash, water and dust resistance. It can be submerged in 6m of water for up to 30 minutes.

Some of its biggest criticisms is the lack of MagSafe, despite offering wireless charging, a 60Hz display and no ultra-wide band support.

iPhone 16e availability 

iStore South Africa says the iPhone 16e opens for pre-order this Friday, 21 February at 3PM and will be available on 28 February, with pricing starting at R15 999, the same dates at the US.

These prices where shared with Recharged by iStore SA:

The iPhone 16e joins the rest of the iPhone 16 family with Apple Intelligence. Here’s how those prices compare:

EDIT: This article has been edited to reflect South African availability and prices.