Apple has announced the iPhone 16e, a new budget friendly take on its flagship smartphones. CEO Tim Cook introduced the new model which he said ‘completes the iPhone 16 range that customers have been loving’, as the new edition comes just months after the previous September launch.
“Today we’re excited to complete the iPhone 16 family with a new model that features the performance, intelligence and privacy you expect. And here it is”, said Tim as he unveiled the device: “This is iPhone 16e.”
The iPhone 16e comes with a boosted battery life, the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, for a lot less. We’re helping shoppers pinpoint the best places to buy it from as we expect Sky Mobile, O2, Argos, and Vodafone – to name a few – to add the new iOS model to its stock.
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The new handset will be available to pre-order this Friday, February 21 followed by on-sale a week later on on Friday, February, 28. Prices officially start at £599, that’s £200 cheaper than the standard iPhone 16 range.
Having covered a host of Apple launches we do have a good idea of which UK retailers shoppers should pick depending on if they want to buy the new iPhone SE outright or bundle it in with an affordable pay-as-you go data plan. We’ve rounded up the details below.
Sky Mobile typically offer longer contracts – at 36 months – but are known to throw in six-month half price data offers around new iPhone launches. Which is something we expect to happen with the anticipated iPhone 16e. Three Mobile is another retailer we’d recommend as they only charge interest on bundled airtime plans.
Rivals O2 also require shoppers to be locked into a fixed 36 month contract, although like Sky you can unlink data and the handset after 24-months. The retailer is currently offering a £72 discount on all its airtime plans, which would knock £2 off per month for new iPhone shoppers – this is available until March 19 so will fit in with when we expect the iPhone 16e to hit UK stores.
Vodafone is another one on our list and shoppers can choose between a 24 month or 36 month contract, all of their airtime plans are 24 months long. It’s currently giving away a free £100 bonus to anyone who trades in an older phone when buying an iPhone 16 too.
Anyone who wants to buy the new iPhone on its own, without a data plan, should save this Amazon page and retailers including Carphone Warehouse – who are known to offer both SIM plans and an ‘upfront’ option.
Another go-to is Argos, they stocked the iPhone 16 range on pre-order so we can expect to see the same with the newer iPhone launching today. Other options include Currys and Very.
In the past, Apple’s budget range of phones usually have have the same basic design as standard iPhones but come with a smaller screen and updated internal components like processors, cameras, and sometimes battery life, which allows for the more affordable price point while still providing strong performance.
However, O2 and Virgin Media have recently hit the news due to its price hikes, which are set to affect any customers who locked into a contract will see an increase in their prices in a matter of weeks. This happens each year in line with inflation and is a common thing to look out for when shopping for a mobile contract.