7 Tips and Tricks For iPhone 16e: Hidden Features You Need to Try!

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s latest budget-friendly powerhouse, packing Pro-level features at half the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. But to get the most out of it, you need to know all the best tips, tricks, and hidden features that make this phone feel just as good as its pricier siblings.

From shooting 48MP photos to customizing the Action Button, AI-powered visual intelligence, and secret storage hacks, this guide will turn your iPhone 16e into a next-level device. Let’s dive in!

1. Shoot in 48MP for Ultra-Sharp Photos

By default, your iPhone 16e shoots in 12MP, but it has a 48MP sensor—you just need to enable it manually.

How to Turn On 48MP Mode:

1. Open Settings > Camera > Formats.
2. Turn on Resolution Control.
3. Open the Camera app—you’ll see a new "HEIF Max" button.
   • If it’s crossed out, you’re shooting in 24MP.
   • Tap it to enable 48MP mode for sharper, clearer photos.

⚠️ Note: 48MP photos take up 4x more storage, but we’ll show you how to free up space later!

Bonus Trick: Remove Unwanted Objects from Photos

• Open any photo > Tap Edit > Select the Cleanup Tool.
• Tap or circle anything you want to remove—poof! It’s gone.

2. Customize the Action Button (Do Anything with It!)

The Action Button (replacing the old mute switch) can do way more than just silence your phone.

How to Set It Up:

1. Go to Settings > Action Button.
2. Swipe left to see options:
   • Flashlight
   • Shazam (identify songs)
   • Dark Mode toggle
   • Shortcuts (best option!)

Pro Tip: Launch Any App Instantly

• Select Shortcuts > Open App > Choose an app (Spotify, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.).
• Now, press & hold the Action Button to instantly open that app!

Next-Level Trick: Set It to "Visual Intelligence" (AI Camera Mode)

If you set the Action Button to Visual Intelligence, your iPhone’s camera connects to ChatGPT for real-time AI help.

What Can It Do?

✅ Identify Animals, Plants & Objects

• Point at a dog, bird, or insect → it names them instantly!
• Example: A "brushwood dog" is actually a raccoon dog.

✅ Solve Math Problems

• Take a pic of an equation → Ask, "Please solve this" → Get the answer!

✅ Fix Tech Issues

• Struggling with a printer error? Snap a pic → AI gives step-by-step fixes.

✅ Find Products Online

• See a cool gadget or outfit? Tap the search icon → AI finds where to buy it!

3. Must-Try New iPhone 16e Apps

📲 Apple Invites (Create Stunning Digital Invites)

• Download from the App Store.
• Tap Create Event > Choose a background (use Image Playground for fun designs).
• Add date, time, location → Send to iPhone & Android users.

🎨 Image Playground (Turn Photos into Cartoons & Art)

• Open the app > Tap + > Select a photo.
• Instantly cartoonize yourself or add custom effects (e.g., "holding champagne").
• Great for fun messages & social media posts!

🔑 Passwords App (Never Forget a Login Again)

• Stores all your usernames & passwords.
• Checks for weak or compromised passwords (under Security tab).

4. Home Screen & Control Center Customization

💡 Tint Your App Icons to Match Your Wallpaper

1. Tap & hold the Home Screen > Edit.
2. Under Customize, pick a color or use the color picker for an exact match.
3. Adjust saturation for a bolder or softer look.

⚡ Control Center Hacks

• Rearrange & resize widgets (small, medium, large).
• Type "Open" in the search bar > Add "Open App" shortcuts for quick access.
  • Example: Set YouTube, Spotify, WhatsApp for 1-tap launching.

5. Secret Sharing Tricks (NameDrop & Instant AirDrop)

📲 NameDrop (Swap Contacts Instantly)

1. Enable "Bring Devices Together" in Settings > General > AirDrop.
2. Make sure your contact card is set up (Phone app > Contacts > My Card).
3. Tap iPhones (or Apple Watches) together → Contacts swap instantly!

📤 Instant AirDrop for Photos, Links & More

• Open a photo, video, or website > Tap Share.
• Bring another iPhone close → File transfers without selecting a contact!

6. Fun iMessage Tricks (AI Emojis, Stickers & Animations)

🤖 AI-Generated Emojis (Jenmoji)

• In iMessage, tap + > Jenmoji.
• Type a description (e.g., "A monkey eating pizza") → AI creates custom emojis!
• You can even use your face from photos!

🖼️ Turn Photos into Stickers

• Tap & hold any photo > "Add Sticker".
• Add effects (puffy, shiny, outlined) → Use in messages.

✨ Animated Text Effects

• Type a message > Highlight a word > Tap the "A" icon.
• Add explosions, confetti, or echo effects for dramatic texts.

7. Hidden Quick Tricks (Call Recording, App Hiding & USB-C Storage Boost)

🎙️ Secret Call Recording

• During a call, tap the wave icon > Continue → Full call is recorded.
• Listen later in Notes > Call Recordings.

👀 Hide Apps Behind Face ID

• Tap & hold any app > "Require Face ID" > Hide.
• Find hidden apps in App Library > Hidden folder.

💾 Expand Storage with a USB-C Drive

• Plug in a USB-C flash drive > Open Files app.
• Select photos/videos > Save to Files → Choose the external drive.
• Boom! You’ve freed up iPhone storage.

iPhone 16e – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I enable 48MP photos on my iPhone 16e?

A: Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and turn on Resolution Control. Then, open the Camera app and tap the HEIF Max button to shoot in 48MP mode.

Q2: Can I customize the Action Button to open any app?

A: Yes! Go to Settings > Action Button, select Shortcuts, then choose "Open App" and pick your favorite app (like Spotify or Instagram).

Q3: How does Visual Intelligence work with the Action Button?

A: If you set the Action Button to Visual Intelligence, your camera connects to AI (ChatGPT) to:

• Identify animals, plants, and objects
• Solve math problems
• Find products online
• Troubleshoot tech issues

Q4: How can I hide apps on my iPhone 16e?

A: Tap & hold an app > Select "Require Face ID" > Choose Hide. To find hidden apps later, go to the App Library and look for the Hidden folder.

Q5: Can I expand my iPhone 16e’s storage with a USB-C drive?

A: Yes! Plug in a USB-C flash drive, open the Files app, and save photos/videos to the external drive. This frees up space on your iPhone.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 16e is a budget beast with Pro-level tricks—if you know how to use them! From 48MP photos and AI-powered Action Button to hidden storage hacks, these tips maximize your phone’s potential.