The iPhone 16e is the first device to include Apple's C1 modem, marking a significant move away from reliance on Qualcomm.
Ookla analyzed performance data of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16, noting differences in download speeds and mmWave support.
The iPhone 16e outperformed the iPhone 16 in download speeds for AT&T and Verizon but fell behind on T-Mobile's network.
T-Mobile's advanced 5G network may have contributed to the iPhone 16e's lower download speed performance compared to the iPhone 16.
Verizon's download speeds lagged behind AT&T and T-Mobile for both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16.
In the lower 10th percentile of users, the iPhone 16e had better download speeds across all three mobile providers compared to the iPhone 16.
However, at the top 90th percentile, the iPhone 16 outperformed the iPhone 16e on all three providers in terms of download speeds.
iPhone 16e users on Verizon and AT&T experienced higher upload speeds compared to iPhone 16 users, with AT&T users showing a 38% increase in median upload speeds.
Overall, the iPhone 16e offers better worst-case speeds, while the iPhone 16 boasts higher top-end performance due to mmWave support.
Apple also faces other developments, including EU directives on ecosystem access and plans for a rumored 'iPhone 17 Air'.