Apple’s budget iPhone 16e has launched – these are retailers to save for pre-orders (Image: Apple Newsroom/Express)
Apple has laid out its newest smartphone, the iPhone 16e, as the final piece to its existing iPhone 16 line-up. This budget addition offers the much-loved swanky features of the standard range but with a much cheaper starting price.
Launched as the final puzzle-piece to an already impressive iPhone 16 range, this latest iOS breakthrough gives users the chance to tap into Apple Intelligence, the A18 chip, and quality Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology for a cheaper-than usual price. As it launches £200 cheaper than the standard range, we’ve been scouring the best place UK fans can buy it.
The new iPhone 16e will be available to pre-order from Friday, February 21, and available to buy a week later on Friday, February 28 at the usual favourites including O2, and
Our Deputy Tech Editor, Henry Burrell, has broken down all but if you want to know where to buy, stick around.
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Plenty of UK retailers have confirmed that they’ll stock the new iPhone 16e device (Image: Apple Newsroom)
Of course, shoppers can go straight to the Apple Store to pre-order the model although it’s known for not offering any launch perks with its new releases – unlike rivals Samsung and its free Galaxy smartwatch offer with the S25. Other retailers to pick for an upfront price include , and – who’ve said: “Everything you love, including the price. Coming Soon”.
Having covered each of Apple’s iPhone launches since 2022, our shopping team knows has picked out the retailers that’ll stock the new model – and the imminet pre-order offers are likely to unleash a wave of combined data,
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Three Mobile confirms stock
Three Mobile has confirmed it’ll stock the new iPhone 16e, hours before pre-orders launch for UK shoppers. It confirmed the dates laid out by Apple and told us: “Three UK will offer the new iPhone 16e in both colour variants (black and white).
“Customers will be able to pre-order the iPhone 16e from 21st February at Three with availability on 28th February.” Prices are yet to be confirmed – and we’ll make sure to update you when they do – but it’s a go-to retailer for airtime plans.
Vodafone and iPhone 16e pre-orders
Vodafone is another provider that has confirmed it’ll offer pre-orders on the model from tomorrow, Friday February 21. And it’s given an insight into the extras it’ll offer along with the handset.
A Spokespersond for Vodafone told us: “Available on the iPhone 16e at no extra cost, Vodafone offers the UK’s only Lifetime Service Promise, helping customers keep their phones lasting longer.
“With Battery Refresh, customers get free battery health checks and replacements for the duration of their Phone Plan, and Vodafone’s Lifetime Warranty provides cover for repairs against manufacturer faults as long as customers have a Pay Monthly Airtime Plan.”
Vodafone was a top retailer on our list during the iPhone 16 launch, and it’s expected to offer the iPhone 16e on either a 24 month or 36-month contracts. Plus, it’s currently offering £100 off the standard iPhone 16 plan (for anyone who trades in).
EE and iPhone 16e pre-orders
The third retailer to confirm that’ll be adding the iPhone 16e to its shelves hours before pre-orders even open. As a spokesperson from EE said: “EE will offer the new iPhone 16e featuring breakthrough battery life, the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value.
“What’s more, the new iPhone 16e is also compatible with EE’s 5G Standalone Network with customers able to pre-order the new iPhone on Friday, February 21 with availability beginning Friday, February 28.”
Anyone locking into a UK network provider contract should be aware, however, of the looming price hikes. As of April 2025 retialers including O2 and Sky Mobile have confirmed customers will face increased costs to fit inline with inflation.