iPhone 16e preorders — how to get Apple’s new phone for free

(Image credit: Apple)

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iPhone 16e preorder deals
iPhone 16e availability

The iPhone 16e is Apple's new budget iPhone. Priced at $599, the new iPhone is pricier than the $429 iPhone SE (2022), but fortunately there are plenty of iPhone 16e preorder deals you can get right now to help lower the cost.

One of the best iPhone 16e preorder deals comes from Verizon. You can get the iPhone 16e for $5 per month at Verizon. You'll need to open a new line of service to get this deal. However, this offers is valid with any unlimited data plan and no trade-in is required.

Below I've rounded up all of the best iPhone 16e preorder deals you can get ahead of its February 28 release. If you're on the fence or curious what the difference are in Apple's new phone, check out our guide to the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16. For more deals, check out our guide to the best iPhone deals and the best Apple deals.

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Verizon: $5/month w/ unlimited
AT&T: $5/month w/ unlimited
Xfinity Mobile: free w/ unlimited + trade-in
Optimum Mobile: free w/ trade-in
Best Buy: $16/month on Verizon or AT&T
T-Mobile: free w/ trade-in + unlimited
Apple: up to $630 off w/ trade-in

iPhone 16e preorder deals

iPhone 16e preorder: up to $630 off w/ trade-in @ Apple
Priced at $599, the iPhone 16e is Apple's new budget iPhone. Although it's pricier than the $429 iPhone SE (2022), the iPhone 16e packs a stronger punch. You get a larger 6.1-inch OLED display (2532 x 1170), A18 CPU, 128GB of storage, 12MP (f/1.9) front camera, and a 48MP rear camera with 2x in-sensor zoom (f/1.6). Additionally, the iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence. Trade in your old iPhone, and you can get up to $630 off.

iPhone 16e availability

iPhone 16e preorders start on Friday, February 21 at 5 a.m. (PT). The phone will be released on February 28. Preorder deals have already started at retailers and carriers alike including Apple, AT&T, Verizon, and more.

iPhone 16e — What's included?

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Row 0 - Cell 0	iPhone 16E
Starting price	$599
Display	6.1-inch OLED (2532 x 1170)
Refresh rate	60Hz
Rear cameras	48MP main with 2x in-sensor zoom (f/1.6)
Front camera	12MP (f/1.9)
Chipset	A18
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery life	Up to 12 hours longer than iPhone SE 3
Charging	USB-C, 20W wired, 15W wireless
Operating system	iOS 18
Water/dust resistance	IP68
Size	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches
Weight	5.88 ounces
Colors	Black, white

Pricing for the iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the 128GB model. That's $170 more than the iPhone SE (2022), which started at $429 and is still in stock at a few retailers. However, the iPhone 16e sports a much larger 6.1-inch display and faster A18 chipset. (The same CPU powering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus).

The iPhone 16e is also available with more storage. In addition to the base 128GB model, there's also a 256GB model for $699 and a 512GB model that'll set you back $899.

Other noteworthy upgrades include a Face ID notch and a full-screen design with gesture-based navigation. (The iPhone SE 2022 sported big bezels and a home button with Touch ID). There's no Dynamic Island nor is there a Camera Control key, but the iPhone 16e does have an Action button like the iPhone 16.

If you're curious about Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16E supports iOS 18 features, including Apple Intelligence. That means you don't have to spend $799 or more to get a modern iPhone experience.

As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.