Wed Feb 19 22:26:48 UTC 2025: ## Apple Unveils Budget-Friendly iPhone 16e with Cutting-Edge Tech
**CUPERTINO, CA** – Apple today announced the iPhone 16e, a new smartphone offering flagship features at a more accessible price point. Priced at $599, the device will hit shelves on February 28th, with pre-orders starting this Friday, February 21st.
The iPhone 16e sits between the iPhone 15 and the high-end iPhone 16 Pro, replacing the iPhone 14 and SE models in Apple’s lineup. Key features include Apple’s latest A18 processor, its AI assistant, and a significantly improved battery life – boasting up to 12 more hours of endurance compared to older models. The phone also features a 6.1-inch screen, a 48MP camera, and a notable first for Apple: a 5G modem chip designed entirely in-house.
This internally developed modem represents a significant step for Apple, marking a departure from its reliance on Qualcomm for this crucial technology. The company acquired Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019 for $1 billion, and the iPhone 16e serves as a crucial test of its own modem’s performance and efficiency. Apple claims the new modem contributes to the extended battery life.
The iPhone 16e’s arrival signals Apple’s commitment to offering powerful technology at various price points, potentially expanding its market reach.
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