Apple’s iPhone 16e makes it into Europe’s top 10 smartphones list in March 2025, despite a slower start than previous SE models. Here’s what the numbers say.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- iPhone 16e ranked 9th in Europe’s top 10 smartphones list in March 2025.
- Accounted for 8% of Apple’s iPhone sales in the region during its launch month.
- Performed slightly better in Western Europe, landing in 7th place.
- Sales lagged behind previous SE models: down 17–20% compared to iPhone SE 2022 and SE 2020.
- Pricing concerns cited as main reason: launched at €699, higher than earlier mid-tier iPhones.
- Consumers are opting for the iPhone 15, available at similar or lower prices with better specs.
iPhone 16e is Now One of the Top 10 Most Sold Smartphones In Europe, But It’s Not All Good News
Apple is finally seeing some positive news out of Europe, and it’s thanks to the new iPhone 16e. According to fresh data from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16e ranked ninth among the best-selling smartphones in Europe in March 2025 in its first full month on sale.
The 16e accounted for 8% of Apple’s iPhone sales in Europe and 2% of the overall smartphone market. In Western Europe, it did slightly better, landing in seventh place.
A Win, But Not a Home Run
While that may sound like a solid debut, it’s a bit underwhelming when compared to previous mid-range iPhones. Both the iPhone SE 2020 and SE 2022 had stronger openings, grabbing 19% and 12% of Apple’s European sales during their first months, respectively.
They also ranked higher on the bestseller list; third for the 2020 SE and sixth for the 2022 model.
What’s Holding Back the iPhone 16e?
The main issue? Pricing.
The iPhone 16e launched at €699 in Europe which is a noticeable jump from the SE 2022 (€529) and SE 2020 (€479) models.
According to Counterpoint:
“The relatively high price of the iPhone 16e has limited sales in Europe… In some regions, the iPhone 15 is available for the same price, and many consumers are choosing the better-specced older device.”
Related: iPhone 16 Leads Q1 2025 Smartphone Sales as Apple Dominates Top 10
That choice has clearly impacted the 16e’s early numbers. The iPhone 15 even made Europe’s top 10 list for April.
The Bottom Line
Yes, the iPhone 16e made it onto the leaderboard and that too in a tough market, that’s still a win. But Apple may need to rethink its mid-range strategy in Europe if it wants to match past success.
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