Apple iPhone 16e Launches Without Home Button

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16e in China, part of the iPhone 16 series, marking a shift in branding from the SE lineup. With a starting price of 4499 yuan, the iPhone 16e comes in at a higher price than its predecessor, which began at 3499 yuan. However, it now starts with 128GB of storage, a slight consolation for the price bump. Available in black and white, fans of the signature red color may wonder if a (PRODUCT) RED version will make a return.

One surprise is that the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe wireless charging, instead relying on the Qi protocol at 7.5W. This omission feels like a step back. On the bright side, the iPhone 16e is the first device to feature Apple’s self-developed 5G modem, dubbed the C1 chip. Apple claims it offers improved battery life thanks to better power management via iOS 18. Whether it outperforms Qualcomm will depend on real-world 5G performance once it’s released.

Durability is another focus, with the iPhone 16e built from aviation-grade metal, making it tough enough for everyday bumps. However, potential buyers may weigh its features against the standard iPhone 16, which is priced at 5999 yuan and offers more advanced functionality. The iPhone 16e uses an LCD instead of OLED, which is a key distinction. For some, like my colleague Penghui, who has a sensitivity to OLED screens, this might be a welcome feature. The transition from the Lightning port to a USB-C interface is expected, following EU regulations. With this shift, the iconic Home button is now a thing of the past. It’s a nostalgic moment for many, as the Home button’s debut dates back to the first iPhone in 2007. Personally, I still have a first-generation iPhone SE at home, and it remains a treasured piece of tech history.

Despite adopting a full-screen design, the iPhone 16e doesn’t include the Dynamic Island feature found on the iPhone 16. Instead, it retains the familiar notch design. For photography enthusiasts, the phone sticks to a single-lens main camera, now upgraded to 48MP, which combines main and telephoto functions. However, it lacks ultra-wide capabilities.

The A18 chip in the iPhone 16e is a scaled-down version of the one in the iPhone 16, missing a core in the graphics processor. This decision ensures the 16e doesn’t overshadow the higher-tier models. In certain regions like Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, the iPhone 16e only supports eSIM, which may not appeal to Chinese users due to limited domestic eSIM support. For those in mainland China, the locally licensed version includes dual physical SIM card slots.

Apple has also teased the introduction of AI features, though their launch will depend on regulatory approval. These features may roll out as early as April. Apple has partnered with Alibaba to ensure compliance with local regulations for users in mainland China. For those considering an upgrade, Apple provides a comparison tool on its official website, highlighting improvements in battery life and performance over older models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. The iPhone 16e is positioned as a more affordable entry point into Apple’s ecosystem, much like the iPad mini 7.

Ultimately, whether the iPhone 16e is worth the upgrade depends on your priorities. Personally, I’m not sold on it. I wouldn’t invest in a phone for its AI features unless the technology proves to be completely reliable and accurate.