Technologies

Should You Buy the iPhone 16E Now or Wait for the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 isn’t expected to launch until this fall. We can help you decide whether you should wait for the iPhone 17 or get the iPhone 16E now.

Apple’s newest phone, the $599 iPhone 16E launched in February and offers a unique appeal: Get some of the iPhone 16’s best features (a 48-megapixel camera, iOS 18 and an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence) for $200 less than the $799 iPhone 16. But the iPhone 16E isn’t the only phone Apple will release this year. We expect the rumored iPhone 17 to debut in September, rumors are indicating that it might get a new ultra-thin design.

The iPhone 16E is basically a scaled-down version of the iPhone 16 that lacks certain features, like MagSafe charging and a second rear camera to help keep the price low. But September is just a few months away, and it could bring several new iPhones with it.

So that begs the question: Should you buy an iPhone 16E now or wait four months for the iPhone 17? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t black and white — it depends.

iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 17: today

The iPhone 16E has the distinction of being Apple’s most affordable phone (before carrier discounts and deals) despite costing $170 more than the company’s previous cheap phone, the iPhone SE from 2022. The 16E is aimed at those who want to get the newest cheapest iPhone with all the Apple perks they expect, like a good camera, services like iMessage and FaceTime, and years’ worth of software upgrades.

The iPhone 16E carries the iPhone SE’s old mantle and uses parts of old iPhones to create an affordable one. For example, the 16E’s screen and body are similar to the iPhone 14 and it has the same processor that the iPhone 16 has. On paper, the 16E is an upgrade in nearly every way to the last iPhone SE. The iPhone 16E releases at the end of February. But if you want the iPhone 17, you’re going to have to wait because it doesn’t exist.

Apple hasn’t announced the iPhone 17, and you can’t preorder it yet. The next iPhone is just a bunch of rumors that paint the picture of a mythical newer phone that’s better than what’s available now. But the chances are high that Apple will release an iPhone 17 in September, just months from now. For me, I haven’t encountered a phone that is worth waiting four months for, so I wouldn’t wait for the 17.

iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 17: September 2025

What will the iPhone 17 have that the new iPhone 16E doesn’t? I have no idea because Apple hasn’t announced anything yet.

But we can look at some of the many iPhone 17 rumors and postulate why it may or may not be worth waiting four months for. The biggest rumor is that Apple might debut a new iPhone model with an extremely thin design, as reported by The Information. Nicknamed the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, it would have the usual year-to-year additions, like a new processor and new software, but its main appeal will likely be its new design.

Every phone Apple has launched since 2020 has looked similar to the iPhone 12 and had flat sides, except for the iPhone SE. That same iPhone 12 design can seen in the iPhone 16 series including the new iPhone 16E. And while many Apple enthusiasts want an iPhone with a truly new design, there is logic to Apple keeping what works for its large base of iPhone users.

The iPhone 17 Air’s thin design could have a large 6.6-inch display that slots in-between the 6.1-inch screens on the iPhone 16 and 16 E and the 6.9-inch display on the 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to have Apple’s C1 5G modem, the same one that debuted in the iPhone 16E according to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

But even if the iPhone 17 were out today, it’s meant for a different person compared with the affordable iPhone 16E.

Apple’s New iPhone 16E in 8 Photos

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See all photos

iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 17: Budget or flagship?

The true complicating factor between deciding between Apple’s brand-new cheap iPhone and its next unannounced flagship model is just that: Do you want a budget-version of the iPhone 16? Or do you want one of Apple’s more expensive premium models? And if so the real question should be do you want an iPhone 16 or wait for an iPhone 17?

Even though the only things we know about the iPhone 17 series are based on rumors, it will likely have a regular base model that starts around $800 and a more premium Pro model that starts at $1,000. Like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 has a different value proposition and will likely be aimed at a different user than the iPhone 16E.

It’s also unclear if Apple will release an affordable version of the iPhone 17 in 2026 — maybe the 17E? The iPhone SE series got updates every two to three years compared with the annual updates that Apple’s flagship line gets.

Buy a phone when you need it

Ultimately, if your current phone is broken or has a cracked screen and you need to buy a phone now, then do so. Apple’s regular iPhone 16 is an amazing option and, if you’re looking to buy Apple’s cheapest phone, go with the iPhone 16E.

If you are due for an upgrade from your carrier, then things get more tricky. Four months is a long time to wait, especially for a phone Apple hasn’t even announced or told us about. But if your current phone is working fine, hold onto that upgrade until September and reevaluate your situation then.

Apple iPhone 16E Specs vs. iPhone 16, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 15

	Apple iPhone 16E	iPhone 16	iPhone SE (2022)	iPhone 15
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate	6.1-inch OLED display; 2,532×1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate	6.1-inch OLED display; 2,556×1,179 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate	4.7-inch LCD; 1,334×750 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate	6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels; 60hz refresh rate
Pixel density	460ppi	460ppi	326ppi	460ppi
Dimensions (inches)	5.78×2.82×0.31	5.81×2.82×0.31	5.45×2.65×0.29	2.82×5.81×0.31
Dimensions (millimeters)	146.7×71.5×7.8	147.6×71.6×7.8	138.4×67.3×7.3	71.6×147.6×7.8
Weight	167 grams (5.88 ounces)	170g (6oz)	144g (5.09oz)	171g (6.02oz)
Mobile software	iOS 18	iOS 18	iOS 15	iOS 17
Camera	48 megapixel (wide)	48 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide)	12 megapixel (wide)	48 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide)
Front-facing camera	12 megapixel	12 megapixel	7 megapixel	12 megapixel
Video capture	4K	4K	4K	4K
Processor	Apple A18	Apple A18	Apple A15 Bionic	Apple A16 Bionic
RAM/storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Expandable storage	None	None	None	None
Battery	Up to 26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed video playback, 90 hours of audio playback. 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wireless charging	Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W	Battery size not disclosed (charger not included; supports wireless charging)	Undisclosed; Apple says up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed)
Fingerprint sensor	None (Face ID)	None (Face ID)	Home button	None (Face ID)
Connector	USB-C	USB-C	Lightning	USB-C
Headphone jack	None	None	None	None
Special features	Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Shield, Emergency SOS, satellite connectivity, IP68 resistance	Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine.	5G-enabled; supports 25W wired fast charging; Water resistant (IP67); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging	Dynamic Island; 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivity
US price starts at	$599 (128GB), $699 (256GB), $899 (512GB)	$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)	$399 (64GB), $449 (128GB), $549 (256GB)	$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)
UK price starts at	£599 (128GB), £699 (256GB), £899 (512GB)	£799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB)	£419 (64GB), £469 (128GB), £569 (256GB)	£799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB)
Australia price starts at	AU$999 (128GB), AU$1,199 (256GB), AU$1,549 (512GB)	AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB)	AU$749 (64GB), AU$829 (128GB), AU$999 (256GB)	AU$1,499 (128GB), AU$1,699 (256GB), AU$2,049 (512GB)

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im