Apple has finally revealed the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level addition to the iPhone 16 lineup. If it looks familiar, that’s because it basically is — this thing is a slightly reworked iPhone 14, but with just one camera on the back. It also quietly signals the end of the iPhone SE, which Apple hasn’t refreshed in years. So, if you were holding out for another small, cheap iPhone with a home button, that ship has officially sailed.
But the 16e isn’t just an old phone in a new box. It’s packing some interesting upgrades, like Apple’s new C1 modem (the company’s first-ever in-house modem) and support for Apple Intelligence, which means it has at least 8GB of RAM — something that used to be reserved for Pro models. If you’re wondering about the AI-powered camera tricks that the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup get, since the 16e lacks the new Camera Control button, it turns out that Visual Intelligence can be accessed via the the Action Button, which also lets you customise a quick shortcut (like launching an app or turning on the flashlight) instead of just muting the phone.
The display is another area where Apple hasn’t budged. The 16e still has a 60Hz OLED panel, which feels outdated when even mid-range Android phones have 90Hz or 120Hz screens. If you’re used to a ProMotion display (or pretty much any newer smartphone), the lower refresh rate might be noticeable.
The biggest letdown? No MagSafe. Apple is pushing MagSafe charging hard on its flagship models, but the 16e doesn’t support it at all. You’re stuck with regular old USB-C charging and non-MagSafe wireless charging, which is fine, but if you’ve got a collection of MagSafe accessories, this could very well be a dealbreaker.
So, why create the iPhone 16e at all? Well, since people are holding onto their phones for longer, and more budget-friendly devices are in demand, Apple’s facing tougher competition from brands like Samsung, HONOR and Xiaomi, which are putting out seriously good mid-range phones. In markets like China and India, cheaper devices are dominating, and even in the US and Europe, people are prioritising value over flashy new features. The iPhone 16e is Apple’s way of addressing that — offering a more affordable iPhone without cutting too many corners.
South African pricing isn’t available yet, but the iPhone 16e is expected to land locally on 28 February 2025. It should be the same as the UK model, meaning we’ll get dual SIM support (either two eSIMs or a physical nano-SIM plus an eSIM). If you’ve been waiting for a cheaper iPhone that still feels modern, this might be the one to get — just don’t expect too many surprises.