Apple changed their strategy from cheap phones to the mid-range iPhone 16e during early 2025. The device brought many upgrades but also created problems that pushed away potential buyers. March sales data shows the phone reached ninth place among Europe's top smartphones. The model captured just 2 percent of total device sales across the region. Sales numbers fell short compared to older iPhone SE models from 2020 and 2022.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max dominated European sales charts during March. These premium models earned 6 percent and 5 percent market shares respectively. The basic iPhone 16 claimed third position with another 5 percent of monthly sales. Samsung fought back with Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S25 each taking 3 percent shares. Even last year's Galaxy S24 maintained strong performance against newer competitors.
Critics attacked the iPhone 16e starting price of 699 euros compared to previous models. The 2022 iPhone SE launched at 519 euros and the 2020 version cost just 479 euros. Some stores offered iPhone 15 devices for the same price as the newer 16e model. Many customers chose the older iPhone 15 because it provided better specifications. Economic pressures made buyers more careful about spending on expensive smartphones.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max dominated European sales charts during March. These premium models earned 6 percent and 5 percent market shares respectively. The basic iPhone 16 claimed third position with another 5 percent of monthly sales. Samsung fought back with Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S25 each taking 3 percent shares. Even last year's Galaxy S24 maintained strong performance against newer competitors.
Critics attacked the iPhone 16e starting price of 699 euros compared to previous models. The 2022 iPhone SE launched at 519 euros and the 2020 version cost just 479 euros. Some stores offered iPhone 15 devices for the same price as the newer 16e model. Many customers chose the older iPhone 15 because it provided better specifications. Economic pressures made buyers more careful about spending on expensive smartphones.
