Apple’s iPhone 16e is now available in its refurbished store, with pricing starting as low as US$419 for a 128GB model. (First noticed by MacRumors) The refurbished iPhone 16e is currently the lowest-priced iPhone available directly from Apple. When it first launched, the device started at $599, meaning the refurbished models are discounted by at least $180.
The iPhone 16e was originally released in February 2025, and is powered by an A18 chip, providing compatibility with Apple Intelligence, although it doesn’t have enough RAM to power at least two new features of Apple’s upcoming Siri AI feature. The A18 chip boasts a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, but a 4-core GPU. The A18 chip powering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus has a 5-core GPU.
The iPhone 16e’s cellular connectivity is handled by Apple’s Apple C1 chip, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. (The other current iPhone models are equipped with a Qualcomm modem.) Apple says its new modem is so power efficient that the iPhone 16e boasts the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone model ever. Apple says the iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of battery life for video playback, a four hour increase over the battery life of the standard iPhone 16
The new handset supports Apple’s satellite connectivity features, including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Availability of the features varies by country.
The iPhone 16e has a single lens 48MP Fusion camera, with integrated 2x Telephoto. On the front, there is a 12-megapixel camera with autofocus.
The iPhone 16e’s display is a nice step up from the iPhone SE 3’s screen, with a 6.1 OLED display, compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch LCD display. The display is notched, providing space for Face ID. This means Apple no longer offers any iPhones with a Home/Touch ID button.
The iPhone 16e features an Action button with Visual Intelligence support. Apple says that Visual Intelligence can be activated on the device using the Action button or the Control Center.
The iPhone 16e also equipped a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, a Ceramic Shield front cover, IP68-rated water resistance, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Apple’s refurbished iPhones are unlocked, and they are equipped with a new battery, a new outer shell, and a plain box with a USB-C cable. The devices are also covered by Apple’s one-year limited warranty, and they are eligible for extended AppleCare+ or AppleCare One coverage.