As anticipated, Apple revealed the long-awaited iPhone SE refresh Tuesday. The fourth-generation device arrives three years after the last major update to

Apple launched on Wednesday a budget-minded phone with artificial intelligence, the iPhone 16e, designed to win back mid-market customers at home and in crucial growth markets China and India.

I was amused during the iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 releases that the main visual indicator of Apple Intelligence -- the full-screen, color-at-the-edges Siri animation -- was noticeably missing. Apple even lit up the edges of the massive glass cube of its Apple Fifth Avenue Store in New York City like a Siri search.

Preorder the iPhone 16e on Feb. 21 for $599. Get Apple Intelligence, a 48MP camera, and a C1 5G modem in a budget-friendly device with premium AI features.

The tech giant is hoping AI at a lower price can reinvigorate sales of its flagship piece of hardware.

The iPhone 16e starts at $599 with 128GB of storage space. Increase that to 256GB and the price goes up to $699, and if you opt for the 512GB variant, the price jumps to $899.

Before the iPhone 16e’s arrival, the best budget iPhone option was the SE, which had a decade-plus-old design and a tiny IPS screen with a lower resolution and an IPS panel. Replacing the SE with a product with modern design, top-tier specs, and Apple Intelligence is a major leap forward for Apple’s entry-level smartphone.

Apple is bringing AI-powered features to a wider audience with the launch of the iPhone 16e, priced at Rs 59,999. This is the most affordable iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, making everyday tasks smarter and more efficient.