Apple Drops iPhone 16e: UAE Pricing, Specs & Pre-Order Date
Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, its latest budget-friendly smartphone, in a bid to capture a larger share of the mid-range market and take on competitors like Samsung and Huawei. Moving away from the SE branding, the iPhone 16e offers powerful features at a lower price point.
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Competitive Pricing and AI Integration
Priced at $599 (Dh2,599 in the UAE), the iPhone 16e is equipped with the A18 chip, the same processor used in Apple's premium models. It supports Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools that includes built-in ChatGPT access.
Global Availability and Pre-Orders
Apple announced that the iPhone 16e will be available for pre-order in 59 countries, including the US, China, India, and the UAE, starting February 21 at 5:00 PM local time. Shipments will begin on February 28, ensuring a global rollout alongside its flagship models.
Revamped Design and Camera Upgrades
Unlike previous SE models, which featured smaller screens and a physical home button, the iPhone 16e comes with a 6.1-inch display—matching the base iPhone 16. It also ditches the home button in favor of Face ID for a more modern look. The camera system has received a significant upgrade, featuring a 48-megapixel sensor with dual lenses, including a 2x zoom integrated into the primary camera.
Apple’s First In-House Modem
One of the biggest innovations in the iPhone 16e is the introduction of Apple's first in-house cellular modem, the C1 chip. This marks a shift away from Qualcomm-made modems, signaling Apple’s increasing focus on self-reliant hardware development.
A Strategic Move Against Android
The launch of the iPhone 16e comes as Apple looks to regain momentum after a slowdown in iPhone sales. The SE lineup once accounted for 10% of Apple's total iPhone revenue in 2016, but that number had dropped to just 1% last year, according to Counterpoint Research. With a competitive price and flagship features, the 16e is expected to appeal to budget-conscious consumers and markets where Android dominates.
USB-C Finally Replaces Lightning Port
Apple has officially moved away from its proprietary Lightning connector, making the iPhone 16e the last model to adopt USB Type-C charging. This change ensures compliance with EU regulations, allowing Apple to reintroduce budget iPhones in the European market.