iPhone 16e Assembly in India Begins for Local Sales, Global Exports

Apple has officially launched the iPhone 16e, marking the latest addition to its iPhone 16 lineup. This entry-level model follows in the footsteps of the iPhone SE (2022) but brings a more modern design and upgraded hardware. The iPhone 16e is not only the most affordable model in the series but also a key part of Apple's growing Made in India initiative. According to recent reports, Apple has already begun assembling the iPhone 16e in India, and these units will be sold both in the domestic market and exported to select countries.

With pre-orders open now and official sales starting from February 28, let’s take a detailed look at the iPhone 16e’s features, manufacturing strategy, and pricing.

iPhone 16e Manufacturing in India: A Major Shift for Apple

Apple has steadily been increasing its manufacturing operations in India, shifting some of its iPhone production away from China. According to a report by The Economic Times, Apple confirmed that the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16e, is being assembled in India for both local consumers and exports.

This move aligns with Apple’s long-term diversification strategy, reducing dependency on Chinese manufacturing. The shift became crucial after the iPhone 14 Pro shortage caused by COVID-19-related disruptions at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant. The trend continued with the iPhone 15 Pro, which faced supply chain issues due to high demand. By expanding production in India, Apple aims to ensure a steady supply of its flagship and budget iPhones globally.

Expanding Apple’s Production Footprint in India

The iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and the entire iPhone 16 series in being assembled in India.

The iPhone 16 Pro models are also being partially manufactured in India—marking the first time Apple has assembled a 'Pro' model outside of China.

According to Nikkei Asia, Apple’s India-based production is expected to grow from 15% to 25% of total iPhone production by 2027.

Apart from iPhones, Apple is also planning to begin manufacturing AirPods in India later this year.

By increasing its reliance on Indian factories, Apple is not only reducing its manufacturing risks but also benefiting from favorable government policies and incentives.

iPhone 16e: Features and Specifications

iPhone 16e: Dislpay and Design

Apple’s iPhone 16e is the latest addition to the company’s smartphone lineup, combining affordability with modern technology. Designed as a dual SIM device (supporting both Nano SIM and eSIM), it runs on iOS 18, ensuring a seamless experience within Apple's ecosystem. The phone boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1,170 x 2,532 pixels, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. Although the 60Hz refresh rate is not the fastest in the market, it still provides smooth performance for everyday use. To enhance durability, Apple has incorporated Ceramic Shield technology, offering better resistance against scratches and accidental drops.

iPhone 16e: Performance 

Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, a 3nm processor introduced with the iPhone 16 series in September 2024. While Apple has not officially disclosed its RAM configuration, reports suggest that the device includes 8GB of RAM, making it compatible with Apple Intelligence features. The phone is available in multiple storage variants, with options reaching up to 512GB, ensuring ample space for apps, photos, and videos.

iPhone 16e: Camera Features

For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 16e features a 48-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), allowing for sharp and detailed photos. Unlike previous budget-friendly models like the iPhone SE, which included a Touch ID home button, the iPhone 16e integrates Face ID technology for secure authentication. On the front, a 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera is perfect for selfies, FaceTime calls, and advanced facial recognition.

iPhone 16e: Connectivity

Apple has also prioritized audio and multimedia on this model, equipping the iPhone 16e with stereo speakers that provide clear and immersive sound quality. The phone supports a range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS. One of its most notable additions is Emergency SOS via satellite, which allows users to send emergency messages even in areas with no cellular connectivity, a crucial feature for travelers and those in remote locations.

iPhone 16e: Battery Life and Charging

A major shift in design comes with the introduction of a USB Type-C port, marking Apple’s move away from the traditional Lightning connector. This update aligns the iPhone 16e with global charging standards, making it more convenient for users who already own USB-C accessories. The device supports 18W wired charging and 7.5W Qi wireless charging. However, it does not include MagSafe technology, which means users will miss out on Apple’s magnetic wireless charging accessories, such as MagSafe wallets and battery packs.

One of the standout features of the iPhone 16e is its impressive battery life. Apple has integrated its custom-built C1 5G modem chip, designed to optimize power efficiency. As a result, the iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of video playback, making it one of the longest-lasting iPhones in its category. Additionally, it supports 21 hours of streaming video playback and 90 hours of audio playback, a significant improvement over previous models.

Comparing battery life to older models, the iPhone SE 3 offered just 15 hours of video playback, while even the standard iPhone 16 provides 22 hours, making the iPhone 16e’s 26-hour battery life a major advantage. The key difference seems to lie in the C1 modem chip, which is more energy-efficient than the Qualcomm modem used in the iPhone 16.

Despite borrowing several features from the iPhone 16 lineup, the lack of MagSafe support is a notable omission. While the iPhone 16e supports fast USB-C charging, wireless charging is limited to 7.5W Qi speeds, meaning users won’t be able to take advantage of MagSafe accessories like magnetic chargers, wallets, or external battery packs.

Overall, the iPhone 16e is a solid contender in Apple’s lineup, offering a modern design, powerful A18 chip, exceptional battery life, and a high-quality display at a lower price point. While it lacks MagSafe and a high refresh rate display, it excels in efficiency, performance, and camera quality. For users looking for a reliable, long-lasting iPhone without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16e presents itself as an excellent choice.

iPhone 16e Pricing and Availability in India

Apple has announced that pre-orders for the iPhone 16e will begin on February 21, with official sales starting on February 28. The device will be available in two color options: Black and White.

Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e as an affordable option for those who want a modern iPhone without breaking the bank. Here’s a look at its pricing structure in India:

Storage Variant	Price (₹)
128GB	₹59,900
256GB	₹69,900
512GB	₹89,900

• Pre-orders and Sale Date
• Pre-orders are currently live in India.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the iPhone 16e?

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s latest attempt at delivering a budget-friendly iPhone while maintaining the company’s signature quality, design, and ecosystem. It offers a modern full-screen design, a powerful A18 chip, and Apple’s latest iOS 18 software at a more affordable price compared to the higher-end iPhone 16 models. However, whether or not it is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and expectations from a smartphone.

For users who want an iPhone experience without spending a premium, the iPhone 16e is a solid option. It brings many of the core features that make iPhones great, such as a stunning Super Retina XDR OLED display, a high-quality 48MP camera, Face ID security, and long-term iOS updates. Unlike previous budget iPhones that retained outdated designs, such as the iPhone SE with its thick bezels and home button, the iPhone 16e fully embraces modern aesthetics. This means you’re getting a sleek and immersive display, similar to Apple’s flagship models, without the hefty price tag.

Performance-wise, the iPhone 16e is more than capable of handling everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The A18 chip inside is a slightly binned version of the one found in the standard iPhone 16, meaning it has one less GPU core, but that does not make a noticeable difference for most users. Whether you are browsing the web, watching videos, or using resource-intensive applications, the iPhone 16e delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Apple’s iOS 18 software, combined with Apple Intelligence features, ensures that the phone stays optimized and up-to-date for years to come.

However, there are some trade-offs to consider. Unlike the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, which feature dual and triple-camera systems, the iPhone 16e only comes with a single rear camera. While Apple’s computational photography enhancements help make up for the lack of an ultra-wide or telephoto lens, users who prioritize camera versatility may find the iPhone 16e somewhat limiting. Similarly, the display is capped at 60Hz, which may feel outdated for those accustomed to smoother high-refresh-rate screens found on many competing smartphones in this price range.

Battery life is expected to be on par with the iPhone 15, offering reliable all-day usage, and the addition of USB Type-C makes charging more convenient. The IP68 rating for dust and water resistance adds another layer of durability, making the iPhone 16e a great everyday phone for users who need reliability without paying for premium features they may not necessarily use.

Ultimately, the iPhone 16e is best suited for those who want an affordable yet modern iPhone that delivers strong performance, software longevity, and seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem. If you don’t mind the lack of a high refresh rate display or additional camera lenses, and you value Apple’s security, software updates, and overall user experience, the iPhone 16e is an excellent investment. However, if you’re looking for a more advanced camera system, a smoother display, or additional premium features, it may be worth considering the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro instead.