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

Facebook Brings Back Local Job Listings: How to Apply

One of Facebook’s most practical features from 2022 is being revived by Meta.

On the hunt for work? A Local Jobs search is being rolled out by Meta to make it easier for people in the US to discover and apply for nearby work directly on Facebook. The feature is inside Facebook Marketplace, Groups and Pages, Meta said last week, letting employers post openings and job seekers filter roles by distance, category or employment type.

You can apply or message employers directly through Facebook Messenger, while employers can publish job listings with just a few taps — similar to how you would post items for sale on Marketplace.

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Facebook offered a Jobs feature before discontinuing it in 2022, pushing business hiring toward its other platforms. Its return suggests Meta is attempting to expand Facebook’s usefulness beyond social networking and to position it once again as a hub for community-driven opportunities.

«We’ve always been about connecting with people, whether through shared interests or key life events,» the press release states. «Now, if you’re looking for entry-level, trade and service industry employment in your community, Facebook can help you connect with local people and small businesses who are hiring.»

How to get started with Local Jobs on Facebook

According to Meta, Local Jobs will appear as a dedicated section in Facebook Marketplace starting this week. If you’re 18 or older, you can:

Tap the Marketplace tab on the Facebook app or website.
Select Jobs to browse available positions nearby.
Use filters for job type, category and distance.
Tap Apply or message the employer directly via Messenger.

Businesses and page admins can post jobs by creating a new listing in Marketplace or from their Facebook Page. Listings can include job details, pay range, and scheduling information and will appear in local searches automatically.

The Local Jobs feature is rolling out across the US now, with Meta saying it plans to expand it in the months ahead.

Technologies

Tesla Has a New Range of Affordable Electric Cars: How Much They Cost

The new, stripped-back versions of the Model Y and Model 3 have a more affordable starting price.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Oct. 22 #598

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for Oct. 22, No. 598.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is a fun one — I definitely have at least two of these in my house. Some of the answers are a bit tough to unscramble, so if you need hints and answers, read on.

I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands theme is: Catch all.

If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: A mess of items.

Clue words to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:

BATE, LICE, SLUM, CAPE, HOLE, CARE, BARE, THEN, SLAM, SAMBA, BACK

Answers for today’s Strands puzzle

These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:

TAPE, COIN, PENCIL, BATTERY, SHOELACE, THUMBTACK

Today’s Strands spangram

Today’s Strands spangram is JUNKDRAWER. To find it, look for the J that’s five letters down on the far-left row, and wind down, over and then up.

Quick tips for Strands

#1: To get more clue words, see if you can tweak the words you’ve already found, by adding an «S» or other variants. And if you find a word like WILL, see if other letters are close enough to help you make SILL, or BILL.

#2: Once you get one theme word, look at the puzzle to see if you can spot other related words.

#3: If you’ve been given the letters for a theme word, but can’t figure it out, guess three more clue words, and the puzzle will light up each letter in order, revealing the word.