Apple has officially retired the iPhone’s home button with the launch of the iPhone 16E, replacing Touch ID with Face ID and introducing a more modern design.
Why it matters
This marks the end of an era for Apple’s classic interface and brings the budget-friendly iPhone SE successor in line with the rest of the lineup.
Driving the news
- The iPhone 16E is based on the 2022 iPhone 14 design, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display and a Face ID-enabled notch instead of the Dynamic Island found on flagship models.
- It includes an A18 chip—the same as the iPhone 16—making it powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered features.
- The phone swaps the Lightning port for USB-C, a requirement for sale in the EU.
- Storage starts at 128GB, eliminating the 64GB base model.
Yes, but:
- Unlike other iPhones in the lineup, the 16E only has a single 48MP rear camera.
- It features the customizable Action button but lacks the new Camera Control button found on the iPhone 16 series.
Between the lines
Apple is also using the 16E to debut its first in-house modem, moving away from Qualcomm’s chips. The performance of this new modem could shape Apple’s future connectivity strategy.
What’s next
The iPhone 16E is available for preorder on February 20, 2025, starting at $599—a notable jump from the $429 iPhone SE but with more storage and a modern design. Shipping begins February 28.
Source: The Verge
