Apple has taken a different approach to launching its latest iPhone, skipping the traditional keynote event and instead releasing a mini launch video for the iPhone 16E. The video, uploaded to YouTube and added to the company's iPhone 16E launch page, showcases the new affordable iPhone's features and specs.

In the video, Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the "new member of the iPhone 16 family," before handing it over to vice president of iPhone marketing Kaiann Drance, who delves into the phone's key specs. One of the notable upgrades is the A18 chipset, the same chip used in the rest of the 16 line, which enables the iPhone 16E to run Apple Intelligence, a feature not available on even 2023's iPhone 15.

Another significant upgrade is Apple's first-ever in-house 5G modem, the C1. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as it moves away from relying on third-party modems. The iPhone 16E also features a new design with a notch and Face ID, finally phasing out the home button. This design change results in a larger 6.1-inch display, making it the same size as the standard iPhone 16.

In addition to the design and chipset upgrades, the iPhone 16E also includes USB-C connectivity and Apple's customizable Action button. The phone's camera setup consists of a single rear camera with a 48-megapixel sensor, which could potentially match the performance of the main camera on other iPhone 16 models. The front camera features a 12-megapixel sensor, along with the necessary lenses and sensors for Face ID.

The iPhone 16E is available for preorder starting this Friday, with a release date set for February 28th. The phone will start at $599 for the 128GB storage model, with options to upgrade to 256GB or 512GB. It will be available in black or white color options.

Apple's decision to forego a traditional keynote event for the iPhone 16E launch may indicate a shift in the company's marketing strategy for its more affordable iPhone models. It will be interesting to see how this approach affects consumer perception and sales of the new device.

In related news, Apple appears to have discontinued the iPhone 14, as it is no longer listed on the company's website. This move is likely to make way for the new iPhone 16E, which offers more advanced features and specs at a competitive price point.

Stay tuned for further analysis and reviews of the iPhone 16E as more information becomes available.