Apple’s latest iPhone 16e outsells the iPhone SE amid slow China sales: Report

Apple iPhone 16e

Last month, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, replacing the company’s traditional SE lineup and significantly higher price tag. Initially, the smartphone was ridiculed by many due to this higher asking price and limited upgrades, and many experts believed that the phone wouldn’t be able to match the success of Apple’s number series smartphones. However, according to a new Bloomberg report, sales of the iPhone 16e were significantly higher in the first three days compared to the third-generation iPhone SE, which was launched in 2022.

According to a Bloomberg report, citing analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC), the Phone 16e sales were 60% stronger in its opening three days in China compared to its spiritual successor, the iPhone SE, which was released three years ago. However, this growth might not be sufficient for Apple to surpass last year’s sales in the country, as overall sales are expected to decline by 2%.

Recently, the Chinese government proposed 300 billion yuan (over $41 billion) for subsidies to stimulate the consumer economy. This policy helped in the growth of smartphones in recent months and has helped local Android players such as Xiaomi, Vivo, and Huawei to expand their sales. Therefore, the initial $599 asking price of the iPhone 16e in China is a huge stumbling block to attract buyers when it comes to fending off budget Android alternatives.

However, with the discontinuation of the iPhone SE, the iPhone 16e remains the lowest entry point into Apple's ecosystem. Moreover, the report adds that Apple is working on bringing its Apple Intelligence suite to Chinese consumers as early as the middle of this year, which would boost the growth of the smartphone in the coming months. Additionally, the iPhone 16e could also drive sales growth in price-sensitive markets like India, especially during the upcoming festive sales period.