After months of speculation, Apple has finally revealed the iPhone 16e, its most affordable smartphone with Apple Intelligence. With a starting price of Rs 59,900 in India, the iPhone 16e is Apple’s attempt to bring its AI-powered features, such as the Clean Up tool and Image Playground, to a broader audience.
With AI taking center stage in Apple’s strategy, this device could be crucial in driving adoption.
A budget-friendly iPhone with flagship power
The iPhone 16e is a scaled-down iPhone 16. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display but skips Dynamic Island in favor of a notch, bringing Face ID to Apple’s budget lineup for the first time. It also packs the same A18 processor as the flagship iPhone 16 models, meaning it can handle the latest apps and games as smoothly.
Storage options remain similar to the higher-end models, but the 16e trims costs by offering fewer cameras and cutting back on some premium features. That said, its biggest draw is that it delivers Apple’s AI capabilities at a significantly lower price than its flagship counterparts. This could be a game-changer for those who want AI-driven features without shelling out for the pricier Pro models.
Apple’s AI gamble
Apple has been struggling to excite consumers with new products, and iPhone sales dipped at the end of last year. With the iPhone 16e, the company bets AI will be the next big selling point. Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized that the phone delivers “performance, intelligence, and privacy,” reinforcing Apple’s push into AI-powered experiences.
Apple Intelligence, introduced with this generation of iPhones, includes features like AI-assisted writing tools and deep integration with ChatGPT via Siri. However, Apple has faced some hiccups with AI — its news summaries previously generated false headlines, prompting a temporary suspension. Still, the company is determined to refine its AI tools, and the iPhone 16e is positioned as the most affordable way to access them.
A strategic move for growth
The iPhone 16e’s pricing strategy is also significant. While it is significantly cheaper than the base iPhone 16, it costs more than double the original iPhone SE launched in 2016. Despite the higher price, analysts believe the device will help expand Apple’s reach, particularly in price-sensitive markets like India, where many iPhones remain out of reach.
For Apple, the 16e isn’t just about selling more phones but getting more people into its ecosystem. Once users buy into the Apple experience are more likely to invest in accessories, services, and future upgrades. As Apple Intelligence evolves, the 16e could become a stepping stone for users exploring AI without the premium price tag.
The iPhone 16e is available for pre-order starting February 21. The base model offers 128GB storage for Rs 59,900, while the 512GB variant is priced at Rs 89,900. Whether this AI-powered budget iPhone will be a hit remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Apple is betting big on artificial intelligence.
