By dubailife 
Apple Unveils iPhone 16e in Dubai: Affordable AI-Powered Smartphone
Multiple iPhone 16e devices featuring Apple’s new C1 cellular modem are undergoing rigorous stress testing at an Apple lab in Sunnyvale, California, USA.
Apple has officially launched its latest budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 16e, as the tech giant aims to expand its presence in the mid-range market and compete with major brands like Samsung and Huawei.
The new model ditches the traditional SE branding and is designed to challenge popular Android smartphones at a time when consumer electronics manufacturers are integrating AI-powered tools into their devices.
iPhone 16e Price in Dubai and UAE Availability
Priced at $599 globally, the iPhone 16e will retail for AED 2,599 in the UAE. Apple has confirmed that pre-orders will open in Dubai and the UAE on February 21 at 5:00 PM local time, with shipments starting from February 28. The smartphone will be available in 59 countries, including the US, China, India, and the UAE.
Apple Intelligence and AI Features in the UAE
The iPhone 16e is equipped with enough processing power to support Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-driven features that includes ChatGPT integration. This marks Apple’s push to roll out AI-enhanced iPhones to more regions, including the Middle East.
While Apple has projected strong sales growth, analysts remain cautious about how much AI features will impact demand, as these tools will be introduced in phases across different regions.
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone SE: A Major Shift in Design
Apple’s SE lineup has seen a steady decline in market share, dropping from 10% in 2016 to just 1% last year, according to Counterpoint Research. The iPhone 16e aims to revive Apple’s mid-range segment by offering an affordable option without cannibalizing flagship sales.
This year’s model eliminates the physical home button and introduces Face ID, a shift from the traditional SE design. It also comes with a 6.1-inch display, similar to the standard iPhone 16, making it a more attractive option for buyers.
Apple’s First In-House Cellular Modem & AI-Powered Chipset
The iPhone 16e is the first Apple device to feature the C1 chip, marking Apple’s move away from Qualcomm modems. The device is powered by the A18 chip, the same processor used in Apple’s more expensive flagship models launched in September 2024.
Improved Camera System for Dubai’s Content Creators
Apple has upgraded the camera system with a 48MP sensor and dual-lens setup, including a 2x zoom lens integrated into the primary camera. This enhancement is expected to attract Dubai’s growing community of content creators and influencers who rely on high-quality mobile photography and video recording.
USB-C Port and Compliance with EU Regulations
The iPhone 16e will be among the last iPhones to adopt USB Type-C charging, replacing Apple’s Lightning connector. This shift ensures compliance with European Union regulations, allowing Apple to reintroduce budget models in the EU market.
With the iPhone 16e launching in Dubai, Apple is set to capture a larger share of the UAE’s competitive smartphone market, where premium Android devices and AI-powered smartphones are gaining traction.
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Source Khaleejtimes