At 2 a.m. on February 20, 2025, Apple officially released the iPhone 16e, which is positioned as an entry-level device in the iPhone 16 lineup. Unlike the previous SE series, Apple has chosen the suffix “e” for this model, sparking widespread market attention.
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch notch display, replacing the 4.7-inch LCD screen of the previous iPhone SE series. This marks Apple’s official farewell to the traditional design with a Home button and Touch ID. With a 60Hz refresh rate, the display may seem outdated in the 2025 market, but Apple still leverages its brand influence and optimization capabilities to capture a share of the mid-to-high-end market.
Performance and Chipset
The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, the same as the iPhone 16, but with one GPU core removed (from 5 to 4). Despite this, the chip still features a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, supporting Apple Intelligence functions such as notification summaries and custom emoji. Additionally, the iPhone 16e is the first to use Apple’s self-developed C1 cellular modem, which Apple claims is the most power-efficient modem in any iPhone, offering fast and stable 5G connectivity.
Camera System
In terms of imaging, the iPhone 16e continues the single-camera configuration of the iPhone SE series, featuring a 48-megapixel main camera with a 2x “optical-quality” telephoto function. Unlike the base and Pro versions of the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e does not have a camera control button.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The iPhone 16e starts at 4499 RMB (approximately $599), making it the most affordable option in the iPhone 16 lineup. However, this price has not been widely accepted by consumers, with many arguing that the configuration does not match the price, even joking that it is a “stock-clearing” product. Despite this, Apple seems to hope that this model will attract consumers with limited budgets, especially during promotional events like 618 and Double 11, by leveraging subsidies from e-commerce platforms.
The Significance of the Name
By naming the new product iPhone 16e instead of continuing with the SE series, Apple may be trying to shed the stereotype of “cheapness”. In brand naming, “SE” has long been associated with “affordability,” while “e” can be interpreted as “economical” or “entry-level,” aligning better with Apple’s brand positioning.
Conclusion
The launch of the iPhone 16e is undoubtedly a significant attempt by Apple to penetrate the entry-level market. Despite controversies surrounding its performance, design, and pricing, the product still has the potential to carve out a niche in the market, thanks to Apple’s brand influence and technological innovation. However, whether consumers will be willing to embrace this “economical” iPhone remains to be seen.