iPhone 16e will be offered in two matte colour options — black and white. Buyers can further personalise their devices with a range of colourful cases, prices of which start at Rs 3,500 on Apple's official website.
Pre-orders for the latest iPhone model will begin on February 21, with official sales kicking off on February 28. The iPhone 16e will come in three storage variants — 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB — starting at Rs 59,900.
iPhone 16e Specifications, Features
iPhone 16e brings significant design and hardware upgrades over its preceding SE models. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, marking a substantial increase from the 4.7-inch LCD panel seen on the last iPhone SE model in 2022. This shift aligns the new handset with modern iPhone aesthetics, featuring an all-screen design with a display notch, eliminating the need for the Home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Instead, users will rely on Face ID for biometric authentication.
Meet iPhone 16e. Built for Apple Intelligence and powered by A18 — the latest-generation chip — it comes packed with a 48MP Fusion camera, supersized battery life and a durable design.
— Apple (@Apple) February 19, 2025
In terms of build, the iPhone 16e features a glass and aluminium body, maintaining Apple’s signature premium feel. However, one key difference from higher-end models will be its single rear camera setup. The device houses a 48-megapixel sensor, marking a significant improvement over previous SE models. Additionally, the mute switch found on older iPhones is replaced with an Action Button, a feature first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. Another major shift is the inclusion of a USB Type-C port, signalling Apple's complete transition away from the Lightning connector.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, the same processor expected in the standard iPhone The device will support Apple Intelligence features, aligning with the latest advancements in AI-powered functionalities. Moreover, Apple debuted its first in-house 5G modem with this model, potentially reducing reliance on external suppliers.
Action Button
Apple has introduced a new feature on the iPhone 16e, known as the Action button, designed to offer users a more efficient way to access essential functions with a single press. This customisable button enhances user convenience by allowing quick activation of various tools and apps.
Once configured through the Settings menu, the Action button can serve multiple purposes. Users can set it to instantly open the camera or flashlight, toggle between Ring and Silent modes, or identify music using Shazam. Other available functions include launching Voice Memos, activating Focus modes, using the Translate app, and enabling accessibility tools such as Magnifier. Additionally, the button can be programmed to trigger Shortcuts, offering even more personalisation options.
Beyond system functions, the Action button integrates with third-party apps to streamline daily tasks. For instance, users can launch the camera directly within Snapchat, unlocking a seamless experience for capturing and sharing moments. The feature extends to automotive applications as well, enabling functions like unlocking a car door using FordPass. Parents can also find value in this tool, as it allows tracking a child’s sleep schedule through the Napper app.