Apple Launches S$949 iPhone 16e with A18 Chip, AI Features amid Market Competition

Apple unveiled its latest budget-friendly iPhone 16e on 19 Feb 2025.

The new iPhone model is priced at S$949 in Singapore, marking a S$350 reduction compared to the standard iPhone 16.

The new device will be available for pre-order starting Friday (21 Feb), with retail availability beginning 28 Feb 2025.

iPhone 16e Features

The iPhone 16e incorporates Apple’s latest A18 processor and the company’s first in-house cellular modem, the C1, which promises enhanced power efficiency.

The smartphone features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a traditional notch design, diverging from the Dynamic Island found in premium models.

Hardware Specifications

The device includes a single 48MP Fusion camera system with an integrated 2x telephoto capability, enabling optical-quality zoom without additional lenses.

Image: Apple

Apple claims the iPhone 16e delivers the “best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone”, offering up to 26 hours of video playback.

The smartphone will be available in two matte finishes – black and white.

iphone-16e-apple-2
Image: Apple

Cost Saving

Several features have been omitted to achieve the lower price point:

  • No MagSafe wireless charging support
  • Absence of Ultra Wideband chip
  • Single camera system instead of dual cameras
  • Traditional notch instead of Dynamic Island

AI Capabilities

The iPhone 16e includes Apple Intelligence features previously exclusive to premium models, including:

  • Genmoji
  • Writing Tools
  • ChatGPT integration
  • Private Cloud Compute capabilities
Image: Apple

Market Position

The device replaces the iPhone SE as Apple’s entry-level offering, though at a higher price point than its predecessor.

Apple introduced this model amid intensifying competition in China and following holiday quarter results that fell short of market expectations.

The iPhone 16e represents Apple’s strategy to expand its AI-capable smartphone base, with the company projected to ship the highest number of AI-capable smartphones in 2025.