The iPhone 16e is Hiding Apple's Next Big Thing

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What’s up, Tech Squad? This week Apple is flexing its in-house silicon muscles, Humane’s AI Pin is heading for the graveyard, and Rivian wants you to take an EV off-roading in style. Let’s dive into what’s shaping the industry this week.

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iPhone 16e: Apple’s Budget Phone with Flagship DNA

Apple just dropped the iPhone 16E, and while it’s technically the budget option, it’s packing some serious upgrades—including the C1 modem, Apple’s first-ever custom cellular chip. But there’s one design choice that might raise some eyebrows.

What’s new?

• A18 chip: Same as the standard iPhone 16, meaning flagship-level speed, Apple Intelligence support, and better efficiency.

• C1 modem: Apple’s own modem for faster connectivity, multi-SIM support, and 25% less power usage.

• Longest battery life ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone—up to 26 hours of video playback.

• Action Button: Customizable for shortcuts, scanning text, and even translating languages in real time.

The catch?

Unlike the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, the 16E keeps the notch instead of the Dynamic Island. That’s likely a cost-saving move, but it might disappoint some buyers.

At $599, this phone is a massive upgrade over the SE. The real question is: Does the notch bother you, or is everything else worth it?

VIDEO: iPhone 16e Overview

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Apple’s C1 Modem: A New Era for iPhone Connectivity

Apple just pulled a classic Apple move: taking control. The iPhone 16E isn’t just another mid-cycle refresh—it’s the first to feature Apple’s own in-house cellular modem, the C1, and that’s a massive shift.

For years, Apple has relied on Qualcomm for its modems, but the C1 changes the game. It’s a fully integrated modem subsystem that:

• Uses 25% less power than last year’s modem, meaning better battery life.

• Supports 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G with thousands of band combinations.

• Works globally—tested with 180+ carriers in 55 countries.

• Takes up less space, allowing for a bigger battery in the iPhone 16E.

The result? The iPhone 16E now has the best battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone ever. Expect the C-series to hit iPads, Macs, and maybe even the Vision Pro in the future. Apple loves vertical integration, and this is just the beginning.

Now, who’s ready for Apple to take on Wi-Fi chips next?

VIDEO: This is Apple’s New C1 Modem

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Humane’s AI Pin Is Dead, Leaves Buyers Stranded

The AI Pin experiment is officially over. Humane just announced it’s selling most of its company to HP for $116 million and will shut down AI Pin services on February 28th. If you own one, it’s about to become a very expensive paperweight.

What’s happening?

• AI Pins will lose all cloud-based features (calling, messaging, AI queries) after 3PM ET on Feb 28th.

• Humane is not offering full refunds—only those within the 90-day return window are eligible.

• If you prepaid for a Humane subscription past Feb 28, you’ll get a prorated refund.

• HP is acquiring Humane’s CosmOS software, 300+ patents, and technical team to integrate AI into its PCs, printers, and conference systems.

Where did it go wrong?

The AI Pin was hyped as a futuristic, screen-free AI wearable, but the launch was a disaster. Reviewers called it slow, frustrating, and basically useless. Humane initially sought a $1 billion buyout, but with poor sales and returns outpacing purchases, it had to settle for just $116 million.

Now, Humane’s founders will lead HP’s new AI division, HP IQ. Will they finally deliver on their AI vision? Or will this be just another cautionary tale?

Rivian’s California Dune Edition: Off-Roading in Style

Rivian just dropped a desert-ready special edition of its R1T truck and R1S SUV, and it’s built for serious off-roaders—if you’ve got the cash.

What’s new?

• 20-inch All-Terrain wheels in two finishes: dark or color-matched California Dune.

• California Dune paint—a warm, earthy tone inspired by desert landscapes.

• Protective underbody shield to handle rugged terrain.

• New Adventure interior with two-tone Sandstone and Black Mountain colors.

• Durable, easy-to-clean floor mats for when nature gets a little too close.

The power behind the dunes

• 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque from Rivian’s tri-motor powertrain.

• 0-60mph in just 2.9 seconds—because why not go fast on sand?

• 329-mile EPA-estimated range to keep the adventure going.

The price? Not so subtle—$99,900 for the R1T and $105,900 for the R1S.

This announcement also comes right before Rivian’s crucial earnings report, where they’ll break down their 2024 performance and 2025 outlook. Will this special edition help boost sales, or is it just another niche flex?

Quick Bits

Stat: $21.5 million. That’s the seed funding raised by AheadComputing, a Portland-based startup led by former Intel execs, aiming to advance RISC-V chip technology. 

Quote: “Built to tackle the toughest terrains.” — Rivian, on their new California Dune edition vehicles.

Read: My £100 billion plan to power Britain’s brightest tech minds. Stan Boland discusses a bold strategy to boost UK tech ventures. 

Get excited: OpenAI’s former tech boss Mira Murati launches own start-up. Murati assembles a team to create customizable AI systems, emphasizing human-AI collaboration.