Apple iPhone 16e Surpasses iPhone SE Sales Despite China Slowdown

Apple’s newly launched iPhone 16e has seen a strong start, outselling the third-generation iPhone SE within the first three days of its release, according to a Bloomberg report. Despite initial skepticism over its higher price and limited upgrades, the iPhone 16e recorded 60% higher sales in China compared to the iPhone SE launched in 2022. However, Apple still faces challenges in the Chinese market, with overall smartphone sales expected to decline by 2% this year.

China’s government recently introduced a 300 billion yuan ($41 billion) subsidy plan to boost consumer spending. This initiative has helped domestic brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Huawei increase their market share. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e’s $599 price tag remains a hurdle in competing with budget-friendly Android alternatives.

With the discontinuation of the iPhone SE, the iPhone 16e is now the most affordable entry point into Apple’s ecosystem. Additionally, Apple is planning to roll out its Apple Intelligence suite for Chinese consumers by mid-year, which could enhance the phone’s appeal.

The iPhone 16e also has the potential to perform well in price-sensitive markets like India. With festive sales approaching, Apple may leverage promotional strategies to attract more buyers. While the phone’s success in China remains uncertain, its strong initial performance indicates promising sales trends in other markets.

Source: Moneycontrol