Wed Feb 19 17:52:47 UTC 2025: ## Apple Unveils Budget-Friendly iPhone 16e in India, Replacing iPhone SE

**New Delhi, [Date]** – Apple has launched its new iPhone 16e in India, marking a significant shift in its budget-friendly smartphone strategy. The launch coincides with the silent removal of the iPhone SE from Apple’s Indian online store, suggesting the discontinuation of the popular SE line. The iPhone 16e aims to fill the gap, offering a more affordable alternative to the flagship iPhone 16.

Priced at ₹59,900 for the base 128GB model (compared to the iPhone 16’s ₹79,900 starting price), the iPhone 16e boasts several key features. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Apple’s A18 chip (promising up to 80% faster performance than the A13), a 48MP main camera with 2x telephoto zoom, and a 12MP front-facing camera. Other notable features include an Action button replacing the mute switch, a USB-C port, and support for Apple Intelligence features like Genmoji and integration with ChatGPT. The device also offers impressive battery life, with Apple claiming up to 26 hours of video playback, along with satellite connectivity for emergency SOS and Messages via Satellite (availability in India for emergency features is yet to be confirmed).

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e begin February 21st, with deliveries starting February 28th. The 256GB and 512GB models are priced at ₹69,900 and ₹89,900, respectively. With its compelling features and competitive price point, the iPhone 16e is expected to be a strong contender in the Indian smartphone market. The move signals a potential strategic shift by Apple, focusing on a single, more affordable entry point within its iPhone lineup instead of maintaining a separate SE series.

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