Who is The New iPhone 16e Really For?
By: Owen Smith
On February 21st, Apple revealed their brand-new iPhone 16e, a new refresh of the iPhone SE line of phones. Arriving in black or white finishes, the phone is essentially a “budget” version of the premier iPhone 16 models.
As expected, there are a few drawbacks that come with a cheaper phone. Most obvious is the single lens camera, different from the multi-lens iPhone 16 models. The single lens leads to a downgraded camera, although still an upgrade from older phones.
The iPhone 16e has also caught up to modern times, charging through USB-C. Ever since the European Union started regulating chargers, Apple has since moved all current iPhones sold to USB-C – no more Lightning chargers!
iPhone 16e marks the first time Apple has ever manufactured their own modem – a chip ensuring connectivity to data towers. The C1 modem chip allows Apple to produce cheaper chips and ensures better 5G connection.
The new “action” button also makes an appearance here (resting above the volume buttons, the action button is a replacement to the silent switch on past iPhones). The action button can be customized with several functions, including camera, flashlight, and Apple Intelligence.
Being a button away from Apple Intelligence really shows the big appeal of the new phone – Apple Intelligence. Since being introduced two years ago, Apple Intelligence has been gated to the iPhone 15 Pro or better. Apple Intelligence is an integrated system, featuring an upgraded Siri, built in ChatGPT, and new AI features. Yet, the iPhone 16e introduces this feature to an entirely new audience of people waiting for an affordable option.
Speaking of “affordable,” how affordable is $600? That’s right, although Apple has marketed the phone as financially healthy alternative to other iPhones, $600 is really creeping the line of being labeled as budget.
That’s not even mentioning the worst part of this new phone – what is leading many consumers to not buy it – Magsafe. There is no Magsafe with the iPhone 16e. Many have expressed frustration online about the absence of Magsafe, asking why a $600 iPhone does not include a magnet. Apple customers see it as a complete betrayal – what are you supposed to do with all your Magsafe accessories? No more wireless charging, car magnets, or any of those Magsafe wallets – it’ll just slide right off. It doesn’t make sense from a business perspective either. Wouldn’t Apple want to keep selling those accessories to as many people as possible? Many speculate that Magsafe is missing as an incentive to just upgrade to the $800 iPhone 16 – which has a magnet.
So that leaves us with one important question. Who is this phone for? I’d say those who want that new Apple design and are exhausted of their old screen and home button. Although there is an audience for it, the iPhone 16e represents a change for Apple – less budget-friendly and intentionally missing features – just to get you to spend more money. Cause in the end, the iPhone 16e will eventually be replaced with an iPhone 17e. Or will it be an iPhone 17e Pro? At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised.
