Almost a year ago, Apple introduced the iPhone 16E, which replaced the iPhone SE as the company’s “most affordable” accessory, combining some (but not all) of the features of the iPhone 16 series at a lower price. I iPhone 16E it’s still a great option with enough bells and whistles to satisfy most people — but you shouldn’t buy one right now.
This is because the new version, the iPhone 17E, may be days away from being launched, according to rumors. Since the iPhone 16E is a rare compromise, it’s worth waiting to learn what features Apple will add (and remove) to keep it as a low-cost iPhone option.
Like new price iPhones increased over the years, peaking at $829 iPhone 17 (except for the more expensive Air, Pro and Pro Max models), the humble iPhone SE remained an affordable option — its last update in 2022 kept the price at $429. Despite having a smaller 4.7-inch display with tight top and bottom bezels that first appeared on the iPhone 6, the handset’s internal hardware has kept up with the latest apps.
The iPhone 16E was a redesigned model with a 6.1-inch screen covering the entire front of the phone and enough RAM to run Apple Intelligence. This upgrade brought the price down to $600, however Apple left a few popular advantages that appeared in its pricing. iPhone 16 siblings at the time, like an ultrawide or telephoto camera (the 16E has a single 48-megapixel shooter). It also lacks MagSafe and charges wirelessly with a slower 7.5-watt Qi standard. Its USB-C 2.0 port charges at a low 20 watts.
It was clear that Apple left out some good features to keep the price down — or, to put it another way, to explain why the standard iPhone 16 cost $200 more than the current iPhone 17.
But that may not be the case with the rumored iPhone 17E. It is possible that Apple can be generous with the second generation of its modern “budget” phone.
For example, Apple has chosen to stick with a camera like the iPhone 16E’s 48-megapixel one in the more expensive iPhone Air, but that model is hampered by a small space inside the body; the iPhone 17E won’t need to make that compromise and can share the same two cameras (wide and ultrawide) found on the iPhone 17.
It helps that Apple produces and sells more iPhone 17 models that it would be financially better for them to share common features between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17E.
However, the limitations of the iPhone 16E indicate that Apple will release features and keep the price of its entry-level iPhone low. Even if you have doubts that Apple will introduce new features on the iPhone 17E, it is worth waiting a month or two until the rumored launch to get confirmation.
And if you’re not impressed with Apple’s new device when it arrives, and you decide to pick up the iPhone 16E anyway, you’ll still want to wait. The company often discounts older iPhones (and refurbished models) when they are replaced by newer models. Even if Apple completely replaces the iPhone 16E in its lineup and stops selling it, third-party sellers will continue to stock it and may lower its price to remove it from the lineup.
So if you can wait for the launch of the iPhone 17E, you should try to secure it in the next few weeks. You’ll either save money or make informed purchases, both of which are smart reasons to be patient.
