Apple recently released a replacement for the iPhone SE as its entry-level iPhone, the device of choice for many businesses known for its reliability, security and support of iOS. However, the iPhone 16e really isn’t the successor to the SE - it’s a return to Apple’s core ethos that you need to spend to invest in the future, and to invest in the future you need Apple.
Let’s dive into the new features of the 16e, the needs it fills and the ones it doesn’t, and the questions to answer with your next Apple deployment.
Much Needed Upgrades
Admins accustomed to balancing battery usage across shifts and teams need not worry any longer. The iPhone 16e is equipped with an upgraded battery capable of 26 hours of video playback, second only to the iPhone Plus and Pro in battery life. This is six more hours of battery life than the iPhone 15 and 11 more hours than even new third generation iPhone SEs, so where the SE needed a boost at the end of a day after a shift, the 16e can go multiple shifts before needing to top off.
Durability also is much improved with the 16e, that features Ceramic Shield front glass that’s inlaid in the aluminum frame for extra protection. These improvements give the 16e an IP68 rating for dust and water protection, the highest IP rating as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The 16e is equipped with the A18 Bionic core processor, nearly the same chip as the base 16 (with one less GPU core) with 8GB of RAM, which should give it between six and seven years of support and usability. With the extra processing power, the 16e can take on workloads that iPhone SEs could only dream of, and use less battery while doing it. The A18 makes the 16e 30% faster than the base iPhone 15 and up to 90% faster than the second generation iPhone SEs it would replace, meaning users will have a faster, more responsive iPhone that lasts longer for years to come.
These enhancements should help admins worry less about the longevity of their devices and feel confident the 16e will be a fast, powerful iPhone that can make it through the most rough and tumble shifts for a long while to come.
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Great Nice to Haves
The 6.1-inch display has also been upgraded to Apple’s Super Retina XDR display, the same as the regular iPhone 16. While the larger phone may be harder to fit in pockets, the enhanced display is easier to read. The new 12 megapixel (MP) front facing and 48 MP rear cameras will deliver exceptional photo and video quality, as well as enable high-quality video calls.
Along with the A18 Bionic, the 16e also is equipped with Apple’s first modem, the C1, connecting devices over Wifi, 4G, 5G, GPS and satellite. The new cellular chip isn’t capable of using the latest mmWave 5G technology, Wifi 6e and 7, but it’s more power efficient than the base 16 and integrates directly with the processor to prioritize important data over congested networks. And, the satellite messaging capability could be nice for off-the-grid use.
The 16e also is integrated with Apple Intelligence for those with AI-capable device aspirations. Apple Intelligence could have its own post, but in short, it provides the powerful writing, transcription and image capabilities AI has become known for while remaining secure on Apple devices and servers, potentially providing additional peace-of-mind for those dealing with PHI or other information security concerns.
Finally, the 16e adds FaceID and the Action Button. FaceID has been a staple of iPhones and is fantastic for corporate devices assigned to specific users, as it rapidly speeds up authentication and logins. The Action Button is customizable to users’ needs and can be extended even further by setting it to a programmable Shortcut, allowing users to click one button to complete repetitive in-app tasks.
Big Changes, Big Omissions, Big Questions
The iPhone 16e now has a USB-C charger, like the 2024 iPhone SEs, but long-time SE users will need to replace their Lightning cables. While the 16e supports 7.5W Qi wireless charging, it lacks the 25W MagSafe charging of the iPhone 16. MagSafe allows for faster wireless charging and magnetically snaps to the back of phones, removing any uncertainty if your wireless charger is working. The shift to USB-C is an overall positive, providing faster charging speeds and interoperability of cables, but may require investment in new charging stations.
The 16e also lacks Ultra Wideband (UWB) capabilities for location, data transfer and precision finding. While Precision Finding has been a staple feature of the Find My app for finding AirTags, AirPods or friends, the 16e will have to rely on Bluetooth finding which is typically less accurate and doesn’t display in which direction you’ll find the device. Any workflow that could require UWB’s benefits will have to look at the iPhone 15 or wait for the next Apple release.
Bold Questions Call for Bold Answers
The iPhone SE was by no means a perfect phone. However, it continues to be an industry mainstay by being a capable iPhone for most needs at a reasonable price, as well as an easy entry into the Apple ecosystem, providing security, consistent quality, and ease of use.
Where the SE is a workhorse, the 16e is a statement that iPhones are the heart of your workforce. The iPhone is where corporations get their work done, as the modern-day workstation needs to be mobile, and therefore the iPhone needs to be as powerful as it is mobile.
The iPhone 16e represents a shift in Apple's strategy, moving away from budget-friendly options towards a focus on premium devices that cater to the evolving needs of the modern workforce.
