Despite scathing reviews, Apple iPhone 16e sells up to 60% better
Those who read the first reviews of the Apple iPhone 16e cannot ignore it; the majority are quite negative. What's hot, scathing at times. But that doesn't deter consumers from buying one. What's going on?
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Feb. 19, 2025, as the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE. Like the SE, the 16e consists of a collection of old iPhone parts, some many even years old. And despite a modern A18 processor with Apple Intelligence support, typical Apple perks such as MagSafe, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and Face ID were missing. Oh and the price also went up significantly compared to the SE.
We sum up some reviews on the Apple iPhone 16e;
- The 'e' stands for 'tremendously bad deal' - Tweakers
- Worst Phone Of 2025 - Tech Spurt
- Overpriced midrange phone that will evoke raised eyebrows and chuckle - GSMarena
- Apple's latest $599 iPhone isn't the best bang for your buck - Wired
60% increase in sales
Not exactly recommended you might think, but clearly some people think otherwise. Initial sales figures are positive, even better than those of the last iPhone SE. For example, Bloomberg reports an increase in sales of 60% compared to the iPhone SE 2022 in the first three days of sales.
Do people all not care, as long as it says Apple on it? Are they all iSheeps Or is there something else going on?
Target group buyers iPhone 16th
First of all, it has to do with the target audience for the Apple iPhone 16e. These are people who just want an iPhone because they are used to it. Mostly older people. Who go for the cheapest model because they don't need all the fuss. And despite the price increase of the 16e, it is still the cheapest iPhone in the range.
The other category of buyers are businesses. Those buy iPhones in bulk for employes and then you only pay attention to price. Even then, you end up with the iPhone 16e. That their employes can't find Air Tags properly due to the lack of UWB, and that they can't magnetically charge it, companies aren't too bothered about that.
For all those other people who are considering an iPhone 16e; a refurbished iPhone 15 is a (much) better deal.
The right time for an upgrade
But why now? These target groups haven't had a successor since the last iPhone SE came out in 2022. That was three years ago and thus either written off or worn out to the point (think battery) that a successor was needed. And then this is the time.
