Apple unveils iPhone 16e with Action button, A18 chip, and more from $599

Apple has announced the iPhone 16e, a new iPhone in the iPhone 16 series, featuring the A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence, a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, an Action button, satellite features, and more, starting at $599.

Available in two matte finishes — black and white — with cases available to accessorize, the iPhone 16e is the rumored “iPhone SE 4,” boasting a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, USB-C charging, Face ID, and Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, the C1, for enhanced 5G performance and power efficiency.

Apple highlights the iPhone 16e as the most durable and power-efficient 6.1-inch iPhone yet, featuring an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, the toughest back glass on a smartphone, and a Ceramic Shield front cover. It also delivers breakthrough battery life, lasting up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11.

The device’s 48MP Fusion camera includes an integrated 2x Telephoto mode, providing optical-quality zoom without the need for a second lens. It also supports advanced computational photography for sharp, detailed images, even in low-light conditions.

iPhone 16e is built for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new personal intelligence system that enhances Siri, introduces AI-powered image editing tools, and enables features like natural language search in Photos. The Action button, introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro, now integrates with Apple’s Visual Intelligence, allowing users to scan objects, translate text, and access third-party app functions with a single press.

As part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, iPhone 16e features 100% recycled cobalt in its battery, 85% recycled aluminum in its enclosure, and fiber-based packaging as Apple moves closer to eliminating plastic from its product boxes.

iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $599 (U.S.). Pre-orders begin Friday, February 21, with availability starting Friday, February 28 in 59 countries and regions, including the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.

“iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing on Wednesday. “We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”