• February 19, 2025

Apple set to launch latest budget iPhone model iPhone 16e on Wednesday

Apple set to launch latest budget iPhone model iPhone 16e on Wednesday

LONDON Feb 19: Apple is set to launch its latest budget iPhone model, the iPhone 16e, on Wednesday as it aims to capture a larger share of the mid-range smartphone market and fend off competition from rivals like Samsung and Huawei.

The tech giant looks to strengthen its position across different price segments with meaningful upgrades in design, performance, and AI features.

As the fourth generation of Apple’s lower-cost model, the iPhone 16e replaces the outgoing iPhone SE, which saw a drop in sales from 10% of total iPhone revenue in 2016 to approximately 1% in 2024.

The new model is expected to introduce several significant updates, including a revamped slab-design, the removal of the physical home button, and the introduction of the FaceID feature. Additionally, the iPhone 16e will likely include camera and processor updates to support AI features, which Apple plans to roll out in phases for its latest iPhone models.

The iPhone 16e will be the last among iPhones to adopt the USB Type-C port for charging, moving away from Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector. This change will allow the company to re-enter the European Union market, where older SE models have been discontinued due to the EU’s standardization of USB-C.

With a base price of $599, the iPhone 16e is positioned to appeal to budget-conscious consumers seeking a more affordable alternative to the iPhone 16, which starts at $799. As Apple continues to recover from a dip in iPhone sales, the company hopes that the combination of the new model’s updated features and competitive pricing will reinvigorate market appeal and boost sales growth.