The iPhone 16e represents a significant change in the iPhone’s legacy, not just because of what it includes but also due to some features that have been removed. First off, this new model does not have a Lightning port, signaling the end of this older charging technology. Additionally, two longtime features—the home button and Touch ID—have been eliminated as well.
The home button has been a part of the iPhone since its first version in 2007, and Touch ID was introduced six years later with the iPhone 5s. Though Apple moved away from these features in the flagship models starting with the iPhone X in 2017, they continued to be part of the iPhone SE series until now. With this latest release, all iPhones now rely on gesture controls and Face ID instead. This shift marks a significant moment for Apple, indicating a transition toward a more modern design.
Ditching the home button makes sense, given the trend towards full-screen smartphones. Apple signaled this direction when it launched the iPhone X, even though the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus maintained the older design. The iPhone SE 2 and 3 were so similar to the iPhone 8 that they could even share cases. The design was outdated, and as Apple tried to maximize screen space, features like the home button became even less relevant. The iPhone 16e sports a 6.1-inch display, which is much larger than the 4.7-inch screen of the SE 3, providing more room for various activities.
Having used gesture controls on different phone models, many people, including myself, find it easy to adapt and do not miss the physical buttons. Nevertheless, some users may feel nostalgic about the home button, a feature so familiar for almost two decades.
As for Touch ID, its disappearance is a bit more disappointing. While Apple has frequently emphasized the advantages of Face ID’s security, Touch ID is still used in other Apple devices, such as MacBooks and some iPads. It would have been nice if the iPhone 16e included Touch ID, either on the screen or the power button. This is something that has been successfully done on other smartphones, even budget-friendly models.
The iPhone 16e, although priced at $599, aims to combine features from more expensive flagship models while being accessible. While this price is lower than that of the iPhone 16, it still leaves room for Apple to promote its flagship line.
The iPhone 16e has many compelling features, but it’s important to recognize what it costs us in terms of nostalgia and user comfort. The price might be high, but its abilities surpass those of the iPhone SE 3, making it a solid option in a market increasingly filled with full-screen devices, even in the lower price segments.
Though it’s easier to embrace the modern look of the iPhone 16e, the loss of the home button and Touch ID is noteworthy. Transitioning to a new design was necessary, but it makes one ponder whether some features could have been preserved longer, particularly Touch ID for users who found it reliable and convenient. Overall, the iPhone 16e marks an exciting yet bittersweet evolution in iPhone technology.