iPhone 16e marks the tip of an period, however the C1 modem marks the start of a brand new one

Yesterday, Apple formally launched the iPhone 16e, a brand new entry-level machine that replaces the beloved iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e is now the most affordable iPhone in Apple’s lineup. However don’t let the phrase ‘most cost-effective’ idiot you. In typical Apple vogue, the iPhone 16e packs plenty of energy and brings lots to the desk.

Certain, the machine isn’t as inexpensive because the iPhone SE, which bought for lower than $500. However the iPhone 16e, which begins at $599, delivers much more in the way in which of options, together with a 6.1-inch show, an A18 processor, improved battery life, and a much more superior digicam than we ever noticed on Apple’s iPhone SE fashions. It’s additionally price mentioning that the entry-level storage possibility on the iPhone 16e is 128GB, a welcome enchancment over the iPhone SE, the place the entry-level mannequin had 64GB of storage.

The iPhone 16e indicators the tip of an period – No extra small iPhones

That mentioned, one of many extra outstanding issues about Apple’s iPhone 16e has nothing to do with its characteristic set. Quite the opposite, the iPhone 16e is especially outstanding insofar that the machine represents the tip of an period for a couple of issues that have been lengthy related to the iPhone. 

The arrival of the iPhone 16e – coupled with the current discontinuation of the iPhone SE and the iPhone Mini again in 2023 – marks the primary time that there isn’t a longer a compact iPhone mannequin in Apple’s lineup. For customers preferring a extra compact type issue, it’s one thing of a bittersweet second.

I say that as somebody who, for years, most well-liked Apple’s smaller fashions. Maybe it’s simply nostalgia speaking, however one thing in regards to the iPhone 5s type issue was simply excellent. This compact type issue lived on within the iPhone Mini and iPhone SE for years. That mentioned, for as a lot as I cherished the smaller type elements, I ultimately gave in and upgraded to an iPhone Professional. I suppose that extra options and extra energy are typically extra alluring than a compact machine. Fact be advised, if compact iPhone fashions bought in any significant portions, there’s no manner Apple would have stopped producing them.

At the moment, the smallest iPhone mannequin you should purchase is the iPhone 16e, with a 6.1-inch show. Briefly, the period of the compact iPhone is formally over. On the finish of the day, the fact is that bigger-screened gadgets merely promote higher.

The house button period is over

If we’re being trustworthy, the house button period on the iPhone has been on its manner out for a while now. Nonetheless, there was one thing good – once more, perhaps it’s nostalgia – about having an iPhone with a house button in Apple’s lineup. The house button was, dare I say, iconic. Broadly talking, it was a part of a brand new paradigm in how we used cellphones, and Steve Jobs actually drove this level residence when he launched the iPhone practically 2 a long time in the past.

However Apple is nothing if not forward-looking. I could also be liable to nostalgia, however Apple is just not. It embraces the longer term and isn’t afraid to say goodbye to the previous. And, if I’m being trustworthy, the eradication of the house button from Apple’s lineup shouldn’t come as a lot of a shock. If something, I’m impressed it caught round for so long as it did. Even non-tech-savvy kinfolk of mine who, for years, would solely purchase iPhones with a house button just lately determined it was time to embrace Face ID.

Apple formally enters the modem recreation

Apple has by no means been refined about its need to interrupt free from Qualcomm as a modem provider. There have been even huge lawsuits between the 2 firms a couple of years again.

However there’s a purpose Apple hasn’t been in a position to extricate itself from its longstanding relationship with Qualcomm: Qualcomm’s merchandise are best-in-class, and Apple’s in-house designs haven’t been in a position to match their efficiency.  And that’s not for lack of attempting. Recall that Apple in 2019 acquired Intel’s smartphone modem enterprise for $1 billion. For years, Apple has been engaged on designing its personal 5G modems in-house, however the effort has been hampered by quite a lot of technical hurdles and setbacks

Way back to 2018, rumors unfold that we would see an Apple-designed modem in an iPhone by 2022. Seems, we needed to wait till 2025. However going ahead, if Apple’s customized C1 5G modem on the iPhone 16e performs properly, it stands to purpose that we’ll see Apple finally section out Qualcomm inside a couple of years.

It’s price noting that Apple’s C1 modem is extra power-efficient than the Qualcomm chip that powers the iPhone 16. With an analogous type issue to the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e boasts 4 extra hours of battery life.

The C1 modem on the iPhone 16e is just the start

So, whereas Apple’s iPhone 16e represents the tip of an period in some methods, it additionally could mark the start of a brand new period. One by which Apple’s reliance on Qualcomm could finally come to an finish. Apple famously likes controlling all features of the elements that go into its merchandise, and getting into the modem house has definitely been its most difficult endeavor but.

Lastly, it’s price noting that Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo printed a word earlier at present claiming that Apple’s slim iPhone 17 will make the most of Apple’s C1 modem subsequent yr.