UOB International: Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) iPhone 16e officially launched, expected to bring about an increase in shipments for the iPhone.

Bank of Communications International released a research report stating that they believe the iPhone16e will provide incremental growth and support for Apple's iPhone shipments this year. Specifically, the bank predicts that Apple's short-term shipment momentum and AI sentiment valuation are both guaranteed. At the same time, they recommend focusing on Apple's supply chain, as companies like BYD ELECTRONIC (00285), Lens Technology (300433.SZ), Luxshare Precision Industry (002475.SZ), and SUNNY OPTICAL (02382) are expected to enjoy corresponding growth opportunities. Apple officially launched the iPhone16e on its official website. According to Apple's website, the iPhone16e belongs to the iPhone16 series and is the entry-level iPhone in the series with the lowest price. Like the iPhone16, the iPhone16e is powered by the A18 chip, which is one of Apple's most powerful chips. Compared to the iPhone16, the cost of the iPhone16e is mainly saved in two aspects: 1) using a single rear camera (dual-camera system) and 2) not supporting 5G mmWave. Additionally, the iPhone16e has better battery life performance, with video playback time up to 26 hours, surpassing the iPhone16's 22 hours. Compared to the third-generation SE three years ago, the iPhone16e has significant improvements in SoC, screen, camera, and more. The starting price of the iPhone16e is $599, approximately RMB 4,499. iPhone16e: Launch of AppleC1 chip, supporting Apple Intelligence. The iPhone16e is the first to feature Apple's self-developed modem chip - the AppleC1 chip. Although this chip does not support 5G mmWave, it brings improvements in battery life. Additionally, the iPhone16e supports Apple Intelligence, allowing for cross-platform operations, email composition, and other AI functions. In the short term, the iPhone16e has two models that can benefit from the current Chinese government subsidies for smartphones, enhancing short-term sales momentum. Furthermore, Apple once again demonstrates its AI strategy execution on the iPhone16e. Unlike market expectations that this new model would be a new SE version, Apple has used its A18 chip and 8GB of RAM on the iPhone16e, making it closer to the iPhone16 series and ensuring the implementation of its AI functions. This provides a foundation for its long-term competition in the AI field.