In just the first 3 days of sales, demand for the iPhone 16e increased by more than 60% compared to the iPhone SE 2022 in the same period.
However, analysts at the International Data Corporation (IDC) warn that this
may not be enough to stem the overall decline in demand for Apple products in China. Apple's sales in the mar
ket fell 11% during last year's holiday season, and IDC predicts Apple's sales will fall by about 2% by the end of 2025.
The iPhone 16e's appeal is good, except in the Chinese market.
The iPhone 16e's appeal is good, except in the Chinese market.
One of the main factors affecting Apple's situation is the Chinese government's subsidy program, with more than $41 billion allocat
ed to support domestic smartphone manufacturers, which has given brands like
Xiaomi and Vivo an advantage over Apple, said IDC senior director Nabila Popal.
Although the iPhone 16e is the successor to the iPhone SE 2022, its price has increased significantly from $429 to $599. In China, where
consumers increasingly prefer affordable and technologically advanced
Android devices, this higher price point poses an additional challenge for Apple.
Watch More Image Part 2 >>>
Additionally, the iPhone 16e falls behind its Android rivals in some technical
aspects, such as having only one main camera, limited storage, and lacking advanced AI features — something that Chinese consumers increasingly value.
Having only one main camera is a huge weakness of the iPhone 16e.
Having only one main camera is a huge weakness of the iPhone 16e.
While brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo are actively developing AI technology and multi-camera systems, Apple has not introduced any
notable new features on this model. To improve its position, Apple plans to adapt its software solutions to the Chinese market, including plans to introduce Apple Intelligence in China in mid-2025. However, the reception of Chinese users is still a big question mark due to the country's strict government restrictions on cloud services and personal data processing.
Many Chinese consumers care not only about functionality but also about prestige, according to IDC analyst Bryan Ma. Low-cost iPhones are often not seen as attractive options because they lack the luxury of high-end versions, which could limit the potential of the iPhone 16e in the Chinese market. Despite the difficulties, Apple still expects revenue growth in the current quarter.
Unlike China, the iPhone 16e could be appealing to Indian consumers.
Unlike China, the iPhone 16e could be appealing to Indian consumers.
While the iPhone 16e’s prospects in China look bleak, the model could play a more important role in Apple’s strategy in India. IDC predicts that by the second half of 2025, the iPhone 16e could account for as much as 20% of total iPhone sales in the world’s most populous country.
Unlike China, the Indian market is witnessing steady demand for affordable iPhones. Apple is aggressively expanding its presence in India by opening branded stores and increasing local manufacturing, which helps the company avoid high import duties and offer products at more competitive prices.
