Apple’s latest budget-friendly phone, the iPhone 16e, is proving to be a success, despite an initial backlash over its price. The 16e is $170 more expensive than the last iPhone SE, yet it outsells the SE by 60% in its first three days. Many expected a new SE model in 2024, following Apple’s usual two-year cycle, but instead, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e as the most affordable model in the iPhone 16 series.
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone SE: What’s Changed?
While it’s more expensive, the iPhone 16e brings several improvements over the SE:
- Edge-to-edge modern display: The iPhone 16e has a sleek, full-screen design, while the SE had a home button and thicker bezels, giving it a more premium look.
8GB RAM for Apple Intelligence: This is Apple’s new AI-powered system, which only works on iPhones with enough RAM. - Better iOS support: The iPhone 16e is built to handle iOS updates for years, making it a more future-proof option.
iOS and the iPhone 16e’s Role
Since Apple discontinued the iPhone SE, the iPhone 16e is now the cheapest way to enter the iOS ecosystem. This makes it a strong choice for:
Apple Users: Those who prefer iPhones and don’t want to switch to Android, even if it costs more.
Business Use: Many companies may choose the iPhone 16e as an affordable option for their employees.
Long-Term Users: With Apple 16e Intelligence support, it will keep getting the latest iOS features for a long time.
Why Is It Selling So Well?
Despite initial criticism, the iPhone 16e is selling in high numbers for several reasons:
- No Cheaper Alternative: With the SE gone, users who want an iPhone at the lowest price have no other option.
- Better Value Than the iPhone 16: Since the iPhone 16 isn’t a major upgrade over the 15, some buyers see the 16e as the smarter choice.
- Apple Intelligence Push: Even though Apple Intelligence is still in its early stages, Apple is marketing it heavily, and users want a device that supports it.
Apple’s Strategy: Raising Prices, Boosting Profits
Apple knew that phasing out the SE and introducing a more expensive entry-level iPhone would bring in more profit. Despite complaints, users are still willing to pay for an iPhone that keeps them in the iOS ecosystem. The iPhone 16e may have faced criticism at launch, but its strong sales prove that Apple’s pricing strategy is working.
