Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16e, marking a significant shift in its smartphone lineup. Positioned as a successor to the iPhone SE series, the 16e offers modern features at a competitive price, starting at $599. Pre-orders begin on February 21, with shipments starting on February 28.

The iPhone 16e features a sleek design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, doing away with the iconic Home button in favor of Face ID. It sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, available in two matte colors: black and white.

Powered by Apple's latest A18 chip, the iPhone 16e ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and gaming. It is also the first iPhone to include Apple’s in-house cellular modem, the C1, promising better connectivity and lower power consumption. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

Equipped with a single 48MP Fusion rear camera, the iPhone 16e offers a 2x telephoto feature, delivering high-quality images with versatile framing. The 12MP TrueDepth front camera supports Face ID and ensures sharp selfies.

Apple claims the iPhone 16e delivers up to 26 hours of video playback, surpassing even the standard iPhone 16 model. It also adopts the widely-used USB-C port, replacing the Lightning connector.

The iPhone 16e introduces Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools for tasks like text summarization and image generation. It also includes the Action Button, which replaces the mute switch and can be customized for various functions. However, it lacks the Camera Control button found in high-end models.

With the iPhone 16e, Apple aims to provide a balance between affordability and modern smartphone capabilities, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users who want advanced features without breaking the bank.