iPhone 16e Eliminates Annoying Upcharge for Unlocked Devices

Summary of iPhone 16e Pricing Changes

The iPhone 16e has addressed a long-standing pricing issue that Apple introduced with the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020. Initially, iPhones were listed as 'starting at $799', but this price only applied if you activated the device with a major US carrier directly through Apple. For an unlocked iPhone, the actual starting price was $829, creating confusion and dissatisfaction among consumers.

Pricing Strategy Eliminated

• No Carrier Subsidy Required: The iPhone 16e eliminates this pricing discrepancy, allowing customers to purchase the device for the listed price of $599, regardless of carrier or activation method.
• Transparency: This change brings more transparency to the pricing, as the advertised price now reflects what most consumers will actually pay.

Apple C1 Modem and 5G mmWave

• C1 Modem Exclusion: The iPhone 16e does not support 5G mmWave technology, which is a pricier feature typically found in higher-end devices. This exclusion helps keep the price lower and consistent across all carriers.
• Future Modem Variants: Apple's upcoming C2 modem will likely include mmWave support, but there may be variants without it for markets outside the US where mmWave is less relevant.

Overall, the iPhone 16e marks a significant step towards more straightforward and transparent pricing in Apple's lineup.