
February 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Apple Introduces iPhone 16e: The Latest Addition to the iPhone 16 Family
The iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 series, boasting the advanced A18 chip, remarkable battery longevity, and a 48MP dual-use camera system — all offered at an exceptional price point.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, an exciting new member of the iPhone 16 lineup designed to deliver powerful features at a competitive price. The iPhone 16e promises rapid and fluid performance, exceptional battery life, and the innovative Apple C1 cellular modem — Apple’s first-ever modem. Equipped with the highly efficient A18 chip, iPhone 16e enhances user experience with Apple Intelligence, the personal assistant designed to deliver relevant information while ensuring user privacy. The 48MP Fusion camera system allows for stunning photography and videography, equipped with a 2x telephoto capability that acts as two cameras in one, offering optical zoom quality. Apple’s revolutionary satellite features offer connectivity beyond cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, providing services such as Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite, ensuring users remain connected when it matters most.
The iPhone 16e will be available in sleek matte black and white finishes, complemented by vibrant accessory cases. Pre-orders commence on Friday, February 21, with the official launch on Friday, February 28.
“IPhone 16e encompasses everything our users adore about the iPhone 16 family, including exceptional battery life, swift performance from the groundbreaking A18 chip, and an innovative dual-camera system, all paired with Apple Intelligence,” stated Kaiann Drance, Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We’re thrilled to offer iPhone 16e as a potent and cost-effective option, allowing more users to enjoy the iPhone experience.”
Stunning Design and Unmatched Battery Life
Designed for durability, the iPhone 16e is splash, water, and dust resistant, boasting an IP68 rating. The device features a Ceramic Shield front cover that surpasses any smartphone glass in toughness and the most robust back glass available. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology provides an immersive experience for watching HDR content, gaming, and reading. The iPhone 16e delivers the best battery life yet seen in a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to twelve hours more than any previous generation of iPhone SE. The TrueDepth camera system supports Face ID, enabling secure unlocking, purchases, and app sign-ins. Users also benefit from various charging options, including convenient wireless charging and USB-C connectivity.
Powerful Performance and Connectivity
At the heart of the iPhone 16e is Apple’s new A18 chip, delivering rapid performance, outstanding efficiency, and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. With a six-core CPU that is up to 80% swifter than the A13 Bionic chip present in the iPhone 11, it efficiently manages both routine tasks and complex operations. The 4-core GPU elevates mobile gaming experiences, accommodating high-demand titles with extraordinary graphics and real-time ray tracing for realistic lighting effects. The 16-core Neural Engine efficiently runs machine learning models, outperforming the A13 Bionic by six times.
With the introduction of the C1 modem, Apple has achieved unprecedented power efficiency, enabling fast and reliable 5G connectivity. The integration of Apple silicon, enhanced internal design, and advanced power management through iOS 18 contributes significantly to the impressive battery life.
Empowered by Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16e excels when integrated with Apple Intelligence, which introduces exciting new functionalities for enhanced user experiences. The Clean Up tool provides an intuitive way to eliminate distractions in images, while natural language search in the Photos app simplifies finding specific photos and videos.
Users can also explore creative avenues with Image Playground, craft personalized emojis with Genmoji, and enhance writing dynamics using Writing Tools. Siri now allows for typed commands and understands more conversational dialogue, helping users effortlessly navigate tasks. With an extensive knowledge base, Siri can assist users with questions about Apple product features and settings.
Thanks to seamless ChatGPT integration within Writing Tools and Siri, users can access ChatGPT’s insights without switching apps, allowing for more efficient task accomplishment. The integration respects privacy, ensuring user data and IP addresses remain secure while allowing users to control how and when ChatGPT is utilized.
Apple’s commitment to privacy with Apple Intelligence is profound, featuring on-device processing that safeguards user data. Requests requiring larger models benefit from the revolutionary Private Cloud Compute, which keeps data secure while delivering intelligence. Users’ data is never retained by Apple; it is only used for fulfilling requests.
Effortless Access and Visual Intelligence with the Action Button
The iPhone 16e is equipped with an Action button, enhancing usability by allowing users to access multiple functions with a single press. Whether launching the camera or flashlight, toggling between Ring and Silent modes, executing Voice Memos, or engaging accessibility features, the Action button streamlines user interaction. It also facilitates in-app functions, such as quickly launching the camera in Snapchat or tracking sleep schedules with Napper.
This feature also enhances the visual intelligence experience, allowing users to learn about objects and locations, translate text, and search Google for purchasing options. Users maintain full control over their data and can choose to use third-party integrations.
Robust Camera System for Capturing Every Moment
The iPhone 16e’s advanced dual-camera system is ideal for documenting life’s moments, whether in Night mode or Portrait mode. The 48MP Fusion camera utilizes computational photography to produce high-resolution images, perfectly balancing light and detail. The integrated 2x Telephoto lens provides exceptional zoom capabilities, while the TrueDepth camera captures flawless close-ups and group selfies. Advanced HDR ensures authentic skin tone representation with vibrant highlights and deep shadows.
When it comes to videography, users can record in 4K with Dolby Vision at up to 60 fps, allowing for flexible capturing and editing options. The iPhone 16e incorporates Spatial Audio recording, providing immersive experiences with AirPods and surround sound systems while also enabling audio editing post-capture to emphasize voices or simulate studio quality.
Innovative Safety and Communication Features
The iPhone 16e ensures users remain connected in crucial situations with Apple’s satellite features, enabling texting in areas lacking cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. It includes options for sending Messages via satellite, accessing Emergency SOS, and Roadside Assistance, along with tracking locations through the Find My app. The device incorporates Crash Detection technology that can identify severe car accidents and automatically alert emergency services if the user is incapacitated.
Powered by iOS 18
With the latest iOS 18, the iPhone 16e stands out with increased personalization, advanced capabilities, and smarter interaction. Users can customize app appearances and organization on their Home Screen, while enhanced controls on the Lock Screen streamline daily interactions. New privacy features enable users to secure sensitive apps and their data. iOS 18 also enriches messaging experiences with text effects, expanded Tapbacks, and RCS support for improved communication with non-Apple device users.
Environmentally Conscious Design
The iPhone 16e has been constructed with sustainability in mind. As part of Apple’s ambitious 2030 mission to achieve carbon neutrality across its supply chain, Apple is prioritizing renewable energy and is committed to using more recycled materials. The iPhone 16e is comprised of over 30% recycled materials, including entirely recycled cobalt and lithium in the battery, along with 85% recycled aluminum in its enclosure. The packaging is fully fiber-based, advancing Apple’s goal of eliminating plastic from packaging.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16e will be offered in matte black and white with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, starting at $599 (U.S.) or $24.95 (U.S.) per month for 24 months.
Apple also provides several ways to save and upgrade with its Trade In program. Customers can receive up to $120 (U.S.) credit when trading in an iPhone 11 or up to $170 (U.S.) for an iPhone 12. With carrier promotions, the trade-in value can reach up to $400 (U.S.) for an iPhone 11 and $599 (U.S.) for an iPhone 12 towards an iPhone 16e. Detailed information regarding Trade In and carrier offers can be found on the Apple website.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e will be available in 59 countries and regions — including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S. — starting at 5 a.m. PST on February 21, with general availability on February 28.
Apple Intelligence will be accessible in localized English for several countries, with additional languages rolling out in April and throughout the year. Certain features and services may vary by region and language.
Visual intelligence is part of iOS 18.2 and later on all iPhone 16 models. For further details on visual intelligence, visit the Apple support site.
Apple is also releasing a Silicone Case for the iPhone 16e in five colors priced at $39 (U.S.).
AppleCare+ for iPhone offers extensive support, including coverage for accidental damage, battery service, and 24/7 expert assistance. More information about AppleCare+ can be found on Apple’s support page.
iCloud+ subscriptions start at just $0.99 (U.S.) per month, offering extensive additional storage options and premium features, including Family Sharing for up to six family members at no additional cost.
Customers who purchase an iPhone 16e may also be eligible for three months of complimentary access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and other premium services with a new subscription. Availability may vary by region.
About Apple
Apple set a benchmark in personal technology with the launch of the Macintosh in 1984, and today continues to lead innovation through its range of products, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Apple’s software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — ensure seamless user experiences across devices. With over 150,000 employees, Apple is committed to creating top-quality products and fostering a better world.
Please note: Apple’s satellite features are free for two years following the activation of new iPhone 14 or later models. For details on availability, visit Apple’s support site. Messages via satellite are available in the U.S. and Canada as part of iOS 18 or higher. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently accessible in the U.S. and the UK, with applicable charges from participating providers.
iPhone 16e is rated IP68 for resistance to splashes, water, and dust, with specified limits. Its display features rounded corners within a standard rectangle. Battery life claims depend on multiple factors, with actual results varying per use case. For detailed information on battery performance, see Apple’s official site.
Crash Detection is intended for severe car accidents consistent with high-impact crashes, applicable to specific vehicle criteria. Some features may not be available in every region. Visit Apple’s official site for comprehensive information on iOS 18.
Press Contacts
Blair Ranger
Apple
blair_ranger@apple.com
Alex Kirschner
Apple
alexkirschner@apple.com
Apple Media Helpline
media.help@apple.com
