The iPhone 16e is off to a faster start than the 2022 iPhone SE 3 managed, giving Apple a boost in the competitive mid-range phone market.
Apple’s latest budget-friendly model is making an immediate impact, according to new sales data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP). The iPhone 16e accounted for seven percent of total U.S. iPhone sales in the first quarter, outperforming the iPhone SE’s performance in 2024.
Combined, the five iPhone 16 models made up 74 percent of iPhone sales in the U.S., up from 68 percent for the iPhone 15 lineup during the same quarter in 2024.
CIRP doesn’t mention a specific iPhone SE model, but it’s clear which model they’re talking about. The last version released was the third-generation iPhone SE in 2022, which remained current throughout 2024.
The iPhone SE fades as Apple simplifies its lineup
The early traction suggests the iPhone 16e is pulling in buyers who previously gravitated toward older or discounted models. Legacy iPhones, defined as models more than a year old, fell to 26 percent of U.S. sales, down from 32 percent the year before.
That marks a key change. The iPhone SE’s appeal largely rested on its familiarity — a Home button, small display, and a design dating back to the iPhone 6.
The iPhone 16e, by contrast, offers a modern form factor while still hitting a lower price point. That likely makes it more appealing to buyers who want affordability without feeling behind the curve.
It shares key specs with the standard iPhone 16, including the A18 chip and 6.1-inch OLED display, but it cuts back in a few areas. It lacks the Dynamic Island, MagSafe support, and ultra-wide camera, and uses slower wireless charging.
The base iPhone 16 also saw gains, rising to 20 percent of sales compared to 14 percent for the iPhone 15 last year. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max accounted for 38 percent of sales, a decline from 45 percent for their iPhone 15 equivalents.
These shifts suggest that interest is growing in Apple’s lower and mid-tier options.
Future plans remain unclear
It’s unclear whether Apple will refresh the “e” model annually or stick with the iPhone SE’s slower update cycle. If an iPhone 17e arrives in 2026, the iPhone 16e may remain available at a lower price.
The iPhone 16e’s early success points to a smart move by Apple. It fills a gap in the mid-range market that Android manufacturers have traditionally dominated.
At the same time, it helps streamline the lineup by offering modern hardware across the full price range.
