While tech fans might find the iPhone 16e underwhelming, its practical features and fair price are exactly what many users need.
The iPhone 16e, initially expected to be the new iPhone SE, has instead emerged as a fresh take on Apple’s budget-friendly offerings. With its $599 price tag — higher than the previous iPhone SE’s $429 — Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e closer to its mainstream models.
The company’s move fills the gap left by the now-retired iPhone 14 and nudges customers to consider upgrading to more expensive models. The 16e offers much of what the flagship iPhone 16 does, including Apple Intelligence and a comparable camera, but lacks MagSafe charging and accessories.
Market impact of the iPhone 16e
While the iPhone SE traditionally captured a modest share of the market, averaging around 7% and peaking at 12% in 2020, the 16e’s pricing and features suggest it could outperform its predecessor. According to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) on Wednesday, the iPhone 16e will attract the same broad audience.
Historically, the iPhone SE served as an entry point for first-time iOS users, particularly those switching from Android. However, with the iPhone 16e’s higher price and more premium positioning, Apple might be targeting a different demographic.
US iPhone SE share of total iPhone sales. Image credit: CIRP
The comparison to the iPhone 5c from 2013 is also worth noting. The 5c initially garnered over 25% of sales but quickly faded as Apple expanded its model range.
With a bigger selection of iPhones on the market, the iPhone 16e might avoid the pitfalls of the 5c by maintaining a stronger, more defined position in Apple’s lineup.
Apple seems committed to this new “e” series, with CIRP claiming the company will release an iPhone 17e in 2026. Whether this strategy will boost the company’s market share remains to be seen.
Consumer sentiment toward the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e’s introduction has sparked discussions about its intended audience and market positioning. Priced at $599, it sits between the more affordable iPhone SE — which is discontinued — and the iPhone 16.
Some potential buyers express hesitation due to the price point. Amber Neely at AppleInsider expressed her thoughts.
“I was severely disappointed that the price was $599, rather than the $499 I’d expected” she remarked. “That puts it in a weird spot in the iPhone lineup.”
The iPhone 16e is an odd one, to be sure. It might be aimed at consumers who want a balance between performance and cost. But for just $100 more, the regular iPhone 16 offers more value with MagSafe accessories.
However, at least one person plans to buy an iPhone 16e. On Reddit, one user shared how they used their iPhone SE (original, mind you) and the brutal conditions it has gone through. For example, somehow surviving a plunge into a Yellowstone hot spring.
In the end, the iPhone SE and iPhone 16e were — and are — for people who just want an iPhone. They don’t care how fast the chips are, or about taking a 48-megapixel Ultra Pro Max High Resolution photo.
The iPhone 16e does seem weird to tech enthusiasts but we remain a niche audience. Like Craig Federighi quipped in his Apple Intelligence announcement, perhaps the iPhone 16e is “The iPhone for the rest of us,” and would make a great gift under the Festivus pole.
