Tech Desk 
Mar 01, 2025
Apple’s latest smartphone, the iPhone 16e, is now available in stores. It replaces the iPhone SE lineup and brings several major upgrades, including a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, USB-C, and Apple Intelligence.
Priced at $599 with 128GB storage, the iPhone 16e is packed with improvements over its predecessor. While some features have been widely discussed, here are five upgrades you might have overlooked.
Satellite connectivity
The iPhone 16e now supports satellite-based features, including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and Messages via Satellite.
This feature can be a lifesaver in areas with no cellular service. Buyers get two years of free satellite access, but Apple hasn’t revealed the cost after that.
Crash detection
Like higher-end models, the iPhone 16e now includes Crash Detection. This means if you’re in a car accident, the phone can automatically call emergency services if you don’t respond.
Better water resistance
The new model has an IP68 rating, which means it can withstand being underwater for up to six meters for 30 minutes. The previous iPhone SE 3 had only an IP67 rating, which provided only one meter of water resistance.
Optical zoom with 48MP camera
For the first time, the entry-level iPhone supports optical zoom. The 48MP camera uses a smart cropping technique to produce better-quality zoomed photos without losing detail.
Night Mode for better low-light photos
Despite launching after Night Mode was introduced, previous iPhone SE models lacked this feature. The iPhone 16e finally introduces Night Mode, enabling users to capture brighter, clearer photos in dark environments.
