The iPhone 16e is gradually being forgotten.

Once positioned by Apple as a mid-range option to popularize Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16e is becoming out of place in the iPhone ecosystem.

According to PhoneArena , Apple's slow AI (artificial intelligence) strategy is inadvertently making the iPhone 16e less attractive to users. What was once considered a "bestselling candidate" is now criticized for lacking identity and experiencing issues such as rapid memory capacity depletion.

Apple Intelligence's weaknesses make the iPhone 16e even less attractive.

PHOTO: PCMAG

Apple initially intended to bring Apple Intelligence to a wider user base through its Private Cloud Compute cloud computing system, which required an A17 chip or higher. To meet this requirement, the company discontinued the iPhone SE line and launched the iPhone 16e with an A18 chip and more RAM, viewing it as a stepping stone to the AI ​​era.

But this plan didn't go as expected. AI updates in iOS were consistently delayed, and the major update (scheduled for March 2025 to upgrade Siri and add a host of smart features) was postponed indefinitely. After numerous setbacks, Apple almost stopped talking about AI at events and reverted to its familiar strategy: prioritizing privacy and processing directly on the device.

Why is the iPhone 16e no longer a worthwhile purchase?

Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e's position in the market is increasingly fading. This mid-cycle release is being overshadowed by the iPhone 17 series and the powerful upgrades of iOS 26. Among the new products, the iPhone 16e lacks a standout feature: only two basic colors, a 60Hz screen with the old notch, thick bezels, a single camera, and a lack of new technologies like a dedicated camera button.

Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro models offer more attractive pricing, making it difficult for the iPhone 16e to compete.

PHOTO: CNET

By the end of 2025, Apple will be selling seven different iPhone models simultaneously, along with a large inventory of devices from previous generations. In this diversified market, the iPhone 16e struggles to compete at its $600 price point, as users can easily purchase a refurbished iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 Pro with better performance and features.

Nevertheless, Apple hasn't given up on its AI ambitions. The company is reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Gemini to improve Siri, while continuing to develop its internal Apple Intelligence system. However, once the major AI update officially launches, the appeal of the iPhone 16e may have significantly diminished.

The future of the "e" series is uncertain. Some sources suggest Apple is considering launching an iPhone 17e, but the company is also reviewing its release schedule. From 2026 onwards, the iPhone lineup may be completely restructured, and the placement of the iPhone 16e could serve as a lesson for Apple's still-developing AI strategy.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/iphone-16e-dang-dan-bi-lang-quen-185251204092003358.htm