Apple iPhone 16e launch event RECAP

Not an SE

According to Macrumors yesterday the new iPhone won't use the SE name. Instead, it will be branded as iPhone 16e. This is a big change from previous models, but does bring the phone into line with the rest of the line-up. It could also mean that the SE, or rather E, gets a yearly update in future.

All about the AI

The biggest question for me is, will the new iPhone SE / 16e support Apple Intelligence? It would seem very unlikely that Apple would launch a phone right now that doesn't take advantage of this, but in doing so, it potentially cuts into the iPhone 16's market.

This is likely to be a much cheaper handset than the iPhone 16, so if it also featured the A18 chip, then users are more likely to chose this new model. Unless of course there's other tings it's missing, like the 48MP camera and the Face ID.

Have we had a peek already?

While there have been leaked renders of the iPhone 16e / SE 4 appearing online before, the best look we've had of the new phone came from renowned case manufacturer Spigen.

Last week, it accidentally posted a retail page for its new "iPhone SE (4th gen)" case, which was shown wrapped around a device that many believe to be the new handset.

Perhaps the biggest revelation was that the entry-level iPhone will retain the notch at the top of the front display, rather than switch to a Dynamic Island (which had been previously rumoured). It makes sense and distances it a touch from the iPhone 16.

This iPad goes to 11

We've not seen a new base level iPad since 2022, which is a very long time in consumer tech. So, this upgrade is very much due. The 11th generation iPad is likely to see some of the features that came with the new iPad mini A17 Pro last year – namely that A17 Pro chip, which importantly allows Apple Intelligence. Could it be a double for the A17 Pro chip here, with it featuring in both the iPhone 16E and the iPad 11th gen?

What about the AirTag?

There's been talk of a second generation AirTag for some time now, so seeing one today certainly isn't out of the question. I love my AirTags and put them on everything from my suitcase to my dog, but would certainly love a little more range, and a thinner build.

The one thing a struggle with on AirTags is that they are quite chunky. I'd love to see a flat one you could put in a wallet or attach to a remote or PDA. Will we see that today? The image that Tim Cook shared certainly had AirTag vibes, but there has been no chatter around it, so it's only an outside chance right now.

Face ID

Here's something that will be interesting about the iPhone SE / 16e, and that's whether it will feature Face ID. Previous SE models have stuck with the fingerprint sensor, despite the rest of the iPhones now using Face ID. I really hope that Face ID come to this new model, or at least the placement of the fingerprint changes.

I like the way that some iPad models have built the sensor into the power button on the top, as it keeps the screen clearer. However, Face ID is so handy these days that it would feel strange moving back to a phone with out it.

Apple 16E revealed

So the rumours were true, it is the 16e, and it's even better than expected. The budget model has an A18 chip – the same as in the iPhone 16 – and a single 48MP camera on the rear.

One camera to rule them all

Notably the iPhone 16e has just one camera on the rear. However, this is a 48MP fusion camera – presumably the same as on the other iPhone 16 models. This means that it can offer both a 1x and a 2x telephoto view at 24MP, providing what Apple is calling a 2-in-1 camera.

What you don't get here is an ultra-wide angle lens, which some might miss, or a true longer telephoto lens, like on the Pro models. This is still a far more impressive camera than I expected to see on the phone.

Competitive pricing

The big question has to be just how much cheaper is the iPhone 16e compared to the regular iPhone 16? Well, the new model starts at £599 or $599 in the US, which is 200 dollars/pounds cheaper than the iPhone 16. That's a big jump and certainly makes the 16e all the more appealing.

Apple Intelligence, Face ID, Action button and satellite messaging

They certainly haven't scrimped on the features on the iPhone 16e. As expected, the phone is compatible with Apple Intelligence, though it uses the more advanced A18 chip, not the A17 Pro that has gone into the iPad mini (and was used in 2023's iPhone 15 Pro phones).

It's a big relief to see that the touch ID button has gone and instead we get Face ID on this phone, which means it also gets a notch but not a Dynamic Island.

Like the other iPhone 16 models, you also get an action button on the side here, which can be customised to provide quick access to a range of functions. You can have it open your camera app, active voice notes, turn on the flashlight, or just mute and unmute your ringer.

Another surprise is that it even gets the new satellite features to provide a connection when you're outside of cellular or Wi-Fi service. This can allow you to send messages update FindMy or send an Emergency SOS signal when in trouble.

When can I buy one?

The iPhone 16e will be available to pre-order from 1pm on 21st February in the UK, or 5am Pacific time in the US. Orders will ship and handsets will be in store from 28th Feb.

All the specs...

It's an impressive spec for a sub-600 pound/dollar phone.