Apple unveils new low-cost iPhone (2:06)
Whether you are a tech aficionado or simply a trend follower, there’s something so exciting about getting a new Apple product.
From opening the sleek white box to seeing that ‘Welcome’ announcement across the screen for the first time. One simply cannot resist becoming part of this cult-like community that Apple has created for the last nearly 50 years.
💰💸 Don’t miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet’s FREE Daily newsletter 💰💸
Buying a new iPhone is not only exciting but also luxurious, and like any other luxurious item, a hefty price tag is always included.
Related: Nike enlists controversial new partner to save troubled business
Since its inception, Apple has been well known for making sure its prices become increasingly unattainable each time it unveils a new product, blaming these constant increases on the cost of innovation.
However, no matter how expensive an Apple product is, we all continue to fall victim to the Apple cult, renewing our membership every time we purchase yet another one of its products.
Customers buy iPhone 16 series phones at Apple’s flagship store in Shanghai, China.
Apple unveils the new iPhone 16e and makes a shocking announcement
On Thursday, (APPL) debuted the new iPhone 16e to join the iPhone 16 family. However, a major difference between the two took Apple fans by storm.
The iPhone 16e has nearly everything the original iPhone 16 has internally, including its 60Hz refresh data, Face ID, A18 chip, 8GB RAM, and Apple Intelligence. It also has the same 6.1″ OLED display, aluminum design, and action buttons on the outside.
Related: Popular retailer flags major trend that could save luxury fashion
Compared to the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e has a Notch instead of the Dynamic Island, runs on an Apple C1 Modem instead of the Qualcomm 5G Modem, its video playback lasts 26 hours instead of 22, and has no camera control since it only has one back camera.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/jf5RcgYh00
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) February 19, 2025
However, the best part is that this new iPhone is more affordable than the last couple of releases. The iPhone 16e starts at $599, which is a huge discount compared to the iPhone 16, which has a starting price of $799, and the iPhone 16 Pro, which starts at $999.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e begin Friday, Feb. 21, and will be available in-store and online beginning Friday, February 28.
Netizens react to the launch of the new iPhone 16e
Apple has long been criticized for its incredibly high prices, which have continued to surge as new products are released. Although the company has tried mitigating the financial implications that its costly products have on consumers by allowing monthly payment plans, it has made no effort to lower the price of its products until now.
More Retail News:
Popular restaurant chain makes major move to beef up businessPopular restaurant chain is moving its iconic headquarters amid troublesStarbucks makes big change bespoke coffee lovers will hate
Although Apple has millions of loyal followers worldwide, many netizens couldn’t help but go to X to comment on the launch minutes after the new iPhone 16e was unveiled.
Multiple x users bombarded the comment section, criticizing the new iPhone 16e with comments like, “Slowly looking like a low-budget version” and “Looks so modest, and the quality is poor.”
Many netizens on X commented that both iPhones are still overpriced and the couple hundred dollars aren’t enough of a discount to claim the iPhone 16e has an “incredible value.”
One user on X commented, “This new phone isn’t worth it at all. It lacks MagSafe, has one less GPU than the base iPhone, and doesn’t have the Dynamic Island. You might as well spend an extra $200 to get a brand new iPhone 16, or just add $100 to get the base model iPhone 15.”
Another X user compared Apple iPhones to rival Android smartphones by commenting, “Just the fact that they are this much similar proves how bad the baseline model specs are compared to other Android smartphones!”
A user on X called out Apple for being able to drop the price on this specific product but not the others, commenting, “So you are all admitting you all are just greedy and overcharging us for iPhone 16?”
Related: Veteran fund manager issues dire S&P 500 warning for 2025
