Is the iPhone 16e worth the upgrade? A closer look at Apple's latest release
By Ana McGriff | Staff writer
Every year, as sure as the sun rises, Apple Inc. releases two to three new iPhones. Or at least, that’s what it has seemed like for the last 18 years since the first iPhone debuted in 2007. Priding itself on advancing smart technology and consumer satisfaction, Apple was expected to release the iPhone 16e in 2025.
Boasting a 30-hour battery life, a new camera action button, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16e also promotes its improved biometric Face ID feature. On Apple’s official website, advertising taglines are sprinkled throughout. Phrases like:
“Drop-dead gorgeous, drop-tested tough.”
Apple touts its aerospace-grade aluminum body and impressive durability. But durability and battery life aren’t its only alleged improvements. Siri, the well-known—and some might say iconic—digital assistant synonymous with Apple, is also getting an upgrade with the iPhone 16e.
New personalization features, enhanced language processing to decipher word fumbles, and expanded step-by-step instructions upon request are among the improvements. The device also boasts a redesigned camera supporting high 4K resolution and Dolby Vision—high praise considering its equally high price tag. The base model starts at $599 for its minimum storage capacity.
Apple is no stranger to advertising, and its website makes a strong case for upgrading to the iPhone 16e. But how different is it, really? The iPhone 15 and its alternate versions debuted in September 2023—not even a year and a half ago. Surely, the changes couldn’t be that drastic.
At the time of writing, news broke over the weekend that Apple is delaying its Apple Intelligence features. One of the company’s top executives overseeing the Siri program was quoted by Bloomberg News as calling the delay “ugly and embarrassing,” especially considering Apple’s confidence in announcing the upgrade before it was truly ready.
With this news in mind—and based on this author’s research—the consensus is clear: Unless you’ve skipped a few iPhone generations and want to make a significant leap, upgrading each year holds little benefit.
After polling employees at the Center for Writing Excellence and consulting an Apple-allied friend or two, I found that, of the six people I asked, only two had switched to the iPhone 16. The other four held onto older models—some as old as the original iPhone SE.
The most common reason for sticking with an older model? Cost. With prices rising in nearly every aspect of life, spending hundreds of dollars on a device that could shatter in a parking lot moments after purchase doesn’t entice the average user.
As for those who did upgrade, they cited discounted trade-in deals through Apple’s phone plan as the deciding factor. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have bothered.
This confirms what I suspected: In a society focused on keeping up with trends and showing off the latest tech, for most, even a 4K camera isn’t enough to justify the hefty price tag.
Top of the screen: Image via Tom's Guide / John Velasco.
Contact Ana McGriff at amcgriff@augusta.edu.
