Apple releases $599 iPhone 16e: equipped with AI technology, will be launched on February 28

Apple recently officially launched the long-awaited upgraded version of the fourth-generation iPhone SE - iPhone16e. Unlike before, this device no longer uses the "SE" brand name, but is directly consistent with Apple's flagship series. The new model starts at $599 and is expected to start shipping on February 28.

One of the highlights of the iPhone16e is its Apple Intelligence, an AI technology similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. This technology can run locally on the device, providing functions such as text summary, writing letters and generating images, enhancing the user's interactive experience.

In addition, the iPhone16e has become one of the phones that can support Apple's smart phones together with other iPhone16 series and iPhone15Pro. This is thanks to its internal A18 processor, which is the same as the flagship model of the iPhone 16 series, with powerful performance.

It is worth mentioning that the iPhone16e is the first device equipped with Apple C1, Apple's own modem. The move marks Apple's reduction in reliance on chipmakers such as Qualcomm and Intel in favor of silicon chips built specifically for its devices.

In terms of appearance design, the iPhone16e abandoned the Touch ID home button and replaced it with Face ID, and reintroduced the iPhone X's camera groove. The Lightning interface was also replaced by USB-C, marking that Apple has implemented interface standardization on hardware devices.

The device comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display, which Apple claims is the best of the 6.1-inch iPhone. Compared with the 4.8-inch screen of the third-generation SE, this upgrade will attract more users, although this may be a pity for small-screen mobile phone enthusiasts.

Apple said the iPhone 16e has 12 hours more charging battery life than the previous SE model, which is mainly due to the six-core A18 processor. In terms of cameras, the iPhone16e is equipped with a 48-megapixel rear camera that supports 2x zoom and can also take 24-megapixel photos. The front-facing TrueDepth camera provides facial recognition unlocking function.

The release of the new phone coincides with a critical period when Apple's market share declines in China. Due to the rise of domestic mobile phones such as Huawei and Apple Smart has not yet been launched in mainland China, Apple's market competition faces severe challenges. To cope with this situation, Apple is in conversation with companies such as Tencent and ByteDance in an effort to launch localized AI services in China.

The iPhone SE has been strong in mobile phone markets such as China and India since its launch in 2016. Although the iPhone 16e's $599 price is $100 more than its previous generation, Apple hopes to win the favor of users in these markets with its advanced technology and better cost-effectiveness.

Pre-orders will be opened on February 21, and the equipment will be officially shipped in a week.