While tech fans may be disappointed with the iPhone 16e, its practical features and reasonable price are exactly what many users need. The iPhone 16e was initially considered the new iPhone SE, but now it has become a new highlight among Apple’s economical products. The iPhone 16e is priced at US$599 (higher than the US$429 of the previous iPhone SE), and Apple positions it as a product closer to mainstream models.
The company's move fills the gap left by the now-decommissioned iPhone 14 and prompts users to consider upgrading to more expensive models. The 16e offers most of the features of the flagship iPhone 16, including Apple Intelligence and a similar camera, but lacks MagSafe charging and accessories.
While the iPhone SE has traditionally held a modest market share, averaging about 7% and peaking at 12% in 2020, the 16e's pricing and features suggest it could surpass its predecessor. According to a report released on Wednesday by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), iPhone 16e will attract a similarly broad audience.
Historically, iPhone SE has been the entry-level product for first-time iOS users, especially those switching from Android. However, due to the higher price and higher-end positioning of the iPhone 16e, Apple may be targeting a different group of people.
The comparison with the 2013 iPhone 5c is also worth noting. The 5c initially captured more than 25% of sales, but sales declined rapidly as Apple expanded its model range. With more iPhones to choose from on the market, the iPhone 16e may avoid the shortcomings of the 5c and maintain a stronger and clearer position in Apple's product line.
Apple seems committed to the new "e" series, with CIRP claiming the company will release the iPhone 17e in 2026. Whether this strategy can boost the company's market share remains to be seen.
The launch of iPhone 16e triggered discussions about its target audience and market positioning. At $599, it sits between the more affordable iPhone SE (which has been discontinued) and the iPhone 16.
Some potential buyers expressed hesitation about its price, such as Amber Neely who expressed her thoughts during the interview. "I was very disappointed that the price was $599 instead of the $499 I expected," she said. "It puts it in a weird spot in the iPhone lineup."
iPhone16e is indeed a strange product. It's likely aimed at consumers looking to strike a balance between performance and cost. But for just $100 more, the standard iPhone 16 offers more valuable MagSafe accessories.
Ultimately, the iPhone SE and iPhone 16e were and are for people who just want an iPhone. They don't care how fast the chip is or whether it can take 48-megapixel UltraProMax high-resolution photos.
The iPhone 16e is indeed strange to tech enthusiasts, and as Craig Federighi teased at his Apple Intelligence event, maybe the iPhone 16e is "an iPhone for the rest of us."