iPhone 16 fuels Apple’s growth in India as the affordable iPhone 16e stumbles

The iPhone 16e’s lukewarm reception may be a sign that Indian buyers, particularly in the premium mid-segment, aren’t swayed by branding alone—they want clear value

MC Tech Desk

July 23, 2025 / 06:28 IST

Apple iPhone 16

Apple had a solid showing in India’s smartphone market in Q2 2025, riding high on demand for its flagship iPhone 16 series, even as its more affordable sibling, the iPhone 16e, failed to gain traction. According to the latest data from Canalys (now part of Omdia), Apple ranked sixth in the country’s smartphone market, with the iPhone 16 family making up over 55% of its shipments for the quarter.

The iPhone 16 series appears to be resonating with premium buyers across tiers, with the iPhone 15 and 13 still contributing to Apple’s momentum. However, the iPhone 16e—marketed as a more budget-friendly entry point into the Apple ecosystem—has hit a rough patch, according to the report.

Analysts attribute its underperformance to its pared-down hardware, notably the single rear camera, and underwhelming integration of Apple Intelligence features, which remain mostly theoretical for many users. “The iPhone 16e lost momentum post-launch, as consumers questioned the value of its single-camera design and largely unrealised Apple Intelligence features,” said Sanyam Chaurasia, principal analyst, Canalys.

Despite this hiccup, Apple’s position in India is strengthening. With the company deepening local manufacturing, expanding retail presence, and leaning into longer financing tenures, it’s becoming more competitive in a market long dominated by Android players.

Yet, the iPhone 16e’s lukewarm reception may be a sign that Indian buyers, particularly in the premium mid-segment, aren’t swayed by branding alone—they want clear value. With the iPhone 16 and 15 series priced higher but offering more tangible utility, consumers appear to be skipping the 16e altogether.