Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: When Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, it faced widespread criticism. Many consumers believed its price was too steep, particularly when compared to the older iPhone SE.
The enhancements didn’t appear significant enough to warrant the higher cost, making it seem like a minor refinement rather than a groundbreaking upgrade.
Strong Sales Despite Initial Criticism
Surprisingly, the iPhone 16e managed to achieve remarkable commercial success.
A Bloomberg report revealed that it outsold the iPhone SE by 60%, proving that while online discussions were largely negative, actual buyers had a different perspective.
The device features a sleek, updated design, an improved display, and partial support for Apple Intelligence.
However, it still comes with a single-camera setup and is priced $170 higher than the 2022 SE.
This significant price jump left many potential buyers questioning its value, especially given current economic challenges.
Why Is the iPhone 16e Still Selling Well?
Despite its perceived shortcomings, the iPhone 16e continues to attract buyers.
One key reason is Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPhone SE, making the 16e the most budget-friendly option in Apple’s current smartphone lineup.
Customers who prefer to stay within the Apple ecosystem now have fewer choices unless they consider switching to Android.
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Another factor contributing to its success is the demand from businesses purchasing the 16e in bulk.
For corporate use, it strikes a balance between affordability and modern functionality.
Additionally, users upgrading from older devices, such as the 2022 SE, may not perceive the price hike as excessive. Since many Apple users don’t upgrade frequently, they are less sensitive to minor price variations.
A Quiet Victory for Apple
While the iPhone 16e has defied expectations with its strong sales, it may not be enough to address Apple’s larger challenges in markets like China.
The company continues to struggle against fierce competition and a decline in brand dominance in that region.
Nonetheless, for a product that initially faced skepticism, the iPhone 16e has emerged as an understated success, proving that consumer behavior doesn’t always align with online sentiment.
