Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 16E, a new addition to its lineup that brings Face ID to Apple’s entry-level iPhone while eliminating the home button and Touch ID. The device features a 6.1-inch OLED display, the A18 chip, and support for Apple Intelligence, making it one of the most capable non-Pro iPhones to date.
The iPhone 16E borrows its design from the iPhone 14, replacing the Dynamic Island found on the latest flagship models with a notch for Face ID. It also swaps out the Lightning port for USB-C, a move required for compliance with EU regulations. While the 16E includes the customizable Action Button, it does not feature the new Camera Control option found in the iPhone 16 series.
The device sports a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a downgrade compared to Apple’s multi-camera setups, but it does support wireless charging and maintains a water-resistant IP rating.
One of the biggest changes comes under the hood: the iPhone 16E is the first iPhone to include Apple’s own in-house modem, marking a shift away from Qualcomm’s technology. While its performance is yet to be tested, this could signal a major shift for future Apple devices.
The 16E starts at 128GB of storage, eliminating the previous 64GB base model, and is powered by the A18 chip, making it compatible with Apple Intelligence features—something even the standard iPhone 15 models don’t support.
The iPhone 16E will be available for preorder on February 23, starting at $599, with shipping set for February 28.
