Apple’s $599 iPhone 16e with AI launches on February 28

As expected, Apple unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone SE refresh on Tuesday. This fourth-generation model arrives three years after the last major update but with a key change—the SE branding is gone. Apple rebranded the device to align with its flagship lineup, introducing the new iPhone 16e. It starts at $599 and ships on February 28.

The standout feature is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s answer to AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It uses small on-device models to summarize text, draft letters, and generate images.

With the A18 processor, the same chip powering the iPhone 16 series, the iPhone 16e joins an exclusive group of devices—alongside the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro—capable of running Apple Intelligence.

Like other iPhones with Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16e gives users free access to ChatGPT through Siri—no OpenAI account required.

This model also debuts Apple’s first in-house modem, the Apple C1. Apple continues to reduce reliance on chipmakers like Qualcomm and Intel, focusing on custom silicon for better integration and performance.

The iPhone 16e moves to a more modern design, replacing the Touch ID home button with Face ID and bringing back the iPhone X-style camera notch. Apple also ditches the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, aligning with its other devices.

It features a 6.1-inch OLED display and, according to Apple, delivers the best battery life ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone. That’s a big jump from the 4.8-inch screen on the previous SE, marking the end of an era for fans of smaller phones.

iPhone 16e: More Power, Better Battery, and a Critical Launch

Apple says the iPhone 16e lasts up to 12 hours longer than previous SE models, thanks to the six-core A18 chip. This processor includes a 16-core neural engine for AI and a four-core GPU, slightly less powerful than the five-core GPU in the iPhone 16 and the six-core in the 16 Pro.

The 48-megapixel rear camera features 2x zoom and functions as a “two-in-one” system, allowing users to capture 24-megapixel images. The front-facing TrueDepth camera enables Face ID for secure unlocking.

The iPhone 16e launches at a critical moment. Apple’s market share in China recently dropped 11% due to rising competition from Huawei and local brands. Another factor? Apple Intelligence is still unavailable in mainland China, limiting access to its latest AI-driven features.

Apple has reportedly explored partnerships with Tencent and ByteDance to bring a localized version of its generative AI to China. More recently, reports indicate that Alibaba is now its official AI partner in the region.

The original iPhone SE, launched in 2016, has been a strong seller in China and India, the world’s top two smartphone markets. Unlike Apple’s flagship iPhones, the SE series follows an irregular release schedule, with launches in 2020, 2022, and now 2025.

Although the $599 price is $100 higher than the last SE, the more advanced budget model could help Apple regain lost market share. Preorders for the iPhone 16e open on Friday, February 21, with shipping starting one week later.