Apple has introduced a brand new iPhone which brings synthetic intelligence (AI) options at a decrease price than its flagship handsets.
The iPhone 16e has the identical processor because the bigger iPhone 16, Apple mentioned, with related storage choices, although a decrease spec elsewhere, together with fewer cameras.
Apple has been struggling to discover a new product that excites customers – gross sales of iPhones dropped on the finish of final yr.
It might be hoping that bringing enhanced AI performance to a inexpensive telephone will tackle that – nevertheless analysts have been cautious in regards to the gross sales increase such instruments carry.
Its identify is clearly a nod to its iPhone SE collection, which have been launched from 2016 to 2022, and equally priced considerably decrease.
Apple mentioned the iPhone 16e might be accessible for pre-order from February 21 in 59 international locations
It will launch within the UK for £599, which is £200 lower than the iPhone 16 – however greater than double what the unique iPhone SE went for when it launched in 2016.
“This now becomes one of the most affordable powerful iPhones now on the market,” trade analyst Paolo Pescatore advised BBC News.
“The move should help accelerate adoption and especially its foray into AI with Apple Intelligence.
“Apple’s belief and credibility is important – this alone will assist drive gross sales and lure customers from rival gadgets and platforms.”
Much of the conversation around the new handset will likely centre around its power, with Apple electing to use the same A18 chip behind its more expensive devices.
This means the 16e will be capable of playing the same games and running the same apps as other iPhones – though AI is likely at the heart of this decision.
Apple boss Tim Cook said in the announcement the new model featured “the efficiency, intelligence and privateness” Apple fans “anticipate” from the firm.
And he said the Apple Intelligence features on the device would “assist you save time, rapidly get extra issues achieved, and specific your self in new methods”.
The firm introduced its spin on the tech – Apple Intelligence – with this series of devices, which includes new tools for writing and incorporating OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT into Siri.
It hasn’t always gone well, with the firm at one point suspending its AI-generated news alerts after they created false headlines attributed to news organisations including the BBC.
It now presents the summaries in italics.
Apple said its new phone is “constructed for Apple Intelligence”, and pointed to certain features of the tech, like an easy way to clean up photos or search your image library.
Other phone manufacturers have similar features on their devices – though the iPhone 16e will be by far the cheapest way to access AI on an Apple handset.
“The iPhone 16e generates a brand new income stream for Apple, and this might be notably noticeable in key markets like India, the place iPhones are out of attain for most individuals,” said Forrester principal analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee.
“There can also be a second-order impact of cheaper gadgets just like the iPhone 16e, bringing new clients into the Apple ecosystem.
“We’ve seen a limited appetite among many of the installed base to upgrade from previous versions, but the new phone reduces the cost hurdle of joining the Apple Intelligence bandwagon.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgw30dr0w3o