Apple unveils affordable iPhone 16e with A18 chip, NZD $1,199

Apple has announced the launch of its iPhone 16e, which will join its existing iPhone 16 range, providing consumers with high-performing features at a more accessible price.

The iPhone 16e comes powered by the A18 chip and the Apple C1 modem. "iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 line-up, 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. "We're so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the line-up as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people."

With a focus on durability, the iPhone 16e offers splash, water, and dust resistance with an IP68 rating. The device features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, explained as having detailed visuals suitable for watching HDR videos and gaming. The phone also boasts improved battery life, projected to last up to six hours longer than previous iPhones, and implements secure user authentication via Face ID.

Apple's A18 chip, incorporated within the iPhone 16e, supports varied tasks with its 6-core CPU, which is reported to perform 80% faster than the A13 Bionic chip. This, coupled with a 4-core GPU, enables the iPhone 16e to handle advanced graphics performance, enhancing mobile gaming experiences.

The iPhone 16e, being the first model to integrate Apple's C1 modem, promises efficient 5G connectivity. This modem, along with the internal architecture and power optimisation from iOS 18, contributes to the device's overall extended battery performance.

Apple Intelligence features prominently in the iPhone 16e, highlighted by tools that make the device more functional. These include Clean Up for image editing, advanced natural language search capabilities in the Photos app, and enhanced interactivity with Siri. The device also supports ChatGPT integration, which users can access within Writing Tools and Siri, offering an expanded user experience through integrated AI features.

The Action button on the iPhone 16e offers users the ability to access various functionalities with a single press. Once set up, it can open apps like Camera, Shazam, and also activate features like Flashlight and Voice Memos.

Focusing on capturing high-quality images, the iPhone 16e includes a 48MP Fusion camera with a built-in 2x Telephoto lens. Designed for detailed photography, the camera can also record 4K video with Dolby Vision.

Safety and connectivity features have been a priority in the design of the iPhone 16e. Users can stay connected through features such as Emergency SOS via satellite, and Roadside Assistance. The Find My app allows location sharing via satellite.

On the software front, the iPhone 16e runs on iOS 18, which provides users with new display and privacy customisation options alongside revamped accessibility to app functionalities through its redesigned Control Centre.

Apple continues to advance environmentally-conscious features in its new models, incorporating over 30% recycled materials in the iPhone 16e. This commitment is framed around Apple's target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Available in black and white, the iPhone 16e will come in three storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Pricing in New Zealand starts at NZD $1,199 including GST, with pre-orders commencing shortly prior to the device's wider availability.