Apple (AAPL, Financial) has introduced a new addition to its lineup, the iPhone 16e, aiming to capture a larger share of the mid to low-end smartphone market. Priced from NT$21,900, the iPhone 16e offers powerful AI capabilities and comes in black and white. Pre-orders start on February 21 with sales beginning on February 28 in Taiwan.
The iPhone 16e features a sleek design without a Home button, utilizing FaceID instead of Touch ID. It maintains the "notch" design with an aluminum body, housing a Retina XDR display, and boasts the longest battery life among its size peers. Powered by the A18 chip, it can run high-end applications, including Apple Intelligence.
A key highlight is the introduction of Apple's self-developed C1 modem chip, reducing reliance on Qualcomm (QCOM) modems. This strategic move signifies Apple’s push to develop its own tech platform, marking a significant technological breakthrough for the company. Apple's C1 chip supports global connectivity, though it currently lacks compatibility with Qualcomm's leading millimeter-wave 5G technology.
Apple's gradual shift from Qualcomm chips began after resolving a legal dispute in 2019. The C1 chip is viewed as a differentiating advantage for Apple's future products. This launch was done discreetly, following Apple's recent trend of online releases rather than live events.
