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

The iPhone 17 isn’t expected to launch in September, but the iPhone 16E is available right now. We can help you decide whether you should wait for the iPhone 17 or not.

We are less than a month away from Apple announcing the rumored iPhone 17. We expect the iPhone 17 to be a replacement the iPhone 16 which launched 11 months ago. 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 do you buy the iPhone 16E now or wait for the iPhone 17 to debut in a few weeks? 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, in just a few weeks.

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 weeks 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

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.
But if all you want is Apple’s cheapest, then the iPhone 16E is the way to go. And best of all, you can buy it today.

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

Grammarly Pushes Beyond Proofreading With AI-Powered Writing Guidance

Grammarly dropped agents to spot plagiarism, cite sources and maybe even boost your GPA.

Grammarly is expanding beyond its grammar-checking roots. The company has announced the launch of several specialized AI «agents» and a new writing tool called Grammarly Docs, designed to help students and professionals with everything from drafting essays to polishing workplace emails.

It’s another example of generative AI expanding beyond general-purpose chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini into more specialized domains. Other examples of gen AI in educational circles include Google’s NotebookLM and OpenAI’s new study mode for ChatGPT.

AI agents are digital helpers that go beyond traditional chatbots to understand context and assist in reaching your goals. Grammarly’s AI agents assist by offering feedback, predicting reactions, finding sources and more to increase efficiency in workflows. 

Read also: Grammarly AI: This Free AI Tool Will Easily Fix Your Grammar

What’s available now for Grammarly AI

The update introduces nine agents that move Grammarly into a more collaborative role. Instead of just correcting grammar or suggesting phrasing, the agents are intended to actively work alongside users. One predicts how a professor or manager might respond to a draft. Another offers an estimated grade based on an uploaded rubric. Others handle citation generation, proofreading, paraphrasing, plagiarism checks and AI detection. The tools are built directly into Docs, a «distraction-free» writing environment where all the agents can be summoned in context, according to the company.

As students head back to classrooms and colleges, Grammarly is looking to position itself as a study companion and writing coach rather than merely a browser extension. The company cites research showing that while only a small share of students feel confident using AI in professional settings (18%), most employers expect AI literacy from job candidates. By emphasizing skill-building and responsible use, Grammarly says it wants to bridge that gap rather than simply automate assignments.

«The launch of our new agents and AI writing surface marks a turning point in how we build products that anticipate user needs,» Luke Behnke, Grammarly’s vice president of product management, said in the company’s press release. «We’re moving beyond simple suggestions to intelligent agents that understand context and actively help users achieve their communication goals.» 

For professionals, Grammarly is marketing the tools as a way to tailor communication for different audiences. The Reader Reactions agent, for example, can highlight whether an email comes across as too vague or too blunt. And the Expert Review tool provides industry-specific feedback without requiring specialized prompts.

The launch also marks the debut of Docs as a standalone writing hub. Until now, Grammarly has functioned mostly as a browser extension layered on top of other apps, like Chrome or Google Docs. Grammarly Docs signals a push to keep users inside the platform’s own environment, though the company says it will expand agent functionality to the more than half a million apps and sites where its tools already appear.

The new features are rolling out immediately for free and premium subscribers, though plagiarism and AI detection remain locked behind the paid plan. Enterprise and education customers will also gain access later this year.

Early reactions to Grammarly’s AI agents 

Early reactions suggest strong interest from students and educators alike as the company shifts from a grammar checker to a productivity platform. Educators have noted the potential benefits and risks of tools like the AI Grader. Some users on social media welcomed the update as a way to cut through the anxiety of essay writing, while others questioned whether it might make students too dependent on machine feedback.

The launch comes just months after Grammarly raised $1 billion to fuel its AI pivot and acquired the email startup Superhuman. Together, those moves point to an ambitious strategy for the company: one that seeks to transform Grammarly from a background utility into a full-fledged productivity suite powered by AI. 

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Technologies

Today’s Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for Aug. 20, #1523

Here are hints and the answer for today’s Wordle No. 1,523 for Wednesday, Aug. 20.

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


Today’s Wordle puzzle is a fun word. Two letters repeat, so don’t forget once you find a correct letter, you can reuse it in another spot. If you need a new starter word, check out our list of which letters show up the most in English words. If you need hints and the answer, read on.

Today’s Wordle hints

Before we show you today’s Wordle answer, we’ll give you some hints. If you don’t want a spoiler, look away now.

Wordle hint No. 1: Repeats

Today’s Wordle answer has two separate repeated letters.

Wordle hint No. 2: Vowels

Today’s Wordle answer has one vowel, and it’s one of the repeated letters, so you’ll see it twice.

Wordle hint No. 3: Start letter.

Today’s Wordle answer begins with L.

Wordle hint No. 4: Animal kingdom

Today’s Wordle answer is an animal.

Wordle hint No. 5: Second meaning

Today’s Wordle answer is a domesticated pack animal of the camel family.

TODAY’S WORDLE ANSWER

Today’s Wordle answer is LLAMA.

Yesterday’s Wordle answer

Yesterday’s Wordle answer, No. 1,522 for Aug. 19, was ROWDY.

Recent Wordle answers

Aug. 15, No. 1,518: LEVEL

Aug. 16 No. 1,519: MATTE

Aug. 17, No. 1,520: LOUSY

Aug. 18, No. 1,521: ISSUE

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Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 20, #801

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle No. 801 for Wednesday, Aug. 20.

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


Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is a real headache. The NYT puzzle writers are really pulling some obscure connections out of the air, and I did not do well today at all. Need some help? Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group, to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Ebony and ivory.

Green group hint: They go together.

Blue group hint: Spinning.

Purple group hint: There’s a bend in these.

Answers for today’s Connections groups

Yellow group: Black-and-white things.

Green group: Pairs of rods.

Blue group: Things that rotate about a vertical axis.

Purple group: Rods that curve at one end.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is black-and-white things. The four answers are domino, piano keys, yin-yang symbol and zebra.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is pairs of rods. The four answers are chopsticks, claves, knitting needles and ski poles.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is things that rotate about a vertical axis. The four answers are barber pole, carousel, ceiling fan and lazy Susan.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is rods that curve at one end. The four answers are candy cane, crochet hook, crook and crowbar.

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