New Delhi: Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a strategic move aimed at sustaining its growth in India while reviving demand in developed markets, according to industry experts. The new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup offers advanced capabilities at a more affordable price, featuring the highly efficient A18 chip and the Apple C1, the company’s first in-house cellular modem, ensuring fast performance and extended battery life.
The premium smartphone segment in India recorded a strong 36 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth, as per CyberMedia Research (CMR). The super-premium category (Rs 50,000–Rs 1,00,000) grew by 10 percent YoY, while the uber-premium segment (above Rs 1,00,000) saw a 25 percent increase. Consumer demand for cutting-edge technology and lifestyle-driven choices has propelled premium smartphones to constitute nearly one in every five devices shipped.
Apple made a significant breakthrough in Q4 2024, entering the top five smartphone brands in India for the first time. The company achieved an impressive 72 percent YoY growth, securing an 11 percent market share.
Industry experts see the launch of the iPhone 16e as a milestone in Apple's strategy to gain full control over its hardware and software ecosystem. Prabhu Ram, Vice President of Industry Research Group at CMR, highlighted that the inclusion of Apple’s in-house modem marks the beginning of a broader shift to proprietary modem technology, setting the stage for future iPhone models, including the upcoming iPhone 17 series.
India continues to play a pivotal role in Apple’s long-term growth strategy, similar to how China did in the previous decade. Although Apple’s journey in India is still in its early stages, its expansion in retail, marketing, and affordability initiatives is expected to drive significant growth in urban and aspirational markets, Ram told IANS.
Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, described the iPhone 16e as an impressive addition to Apple's lineup. He noted that in key purchasing decisions such as camera performance, the base iPhone 16 remains an attractive option. The premium smartphone segment in India is largely driven by EMI purchases, with five out of ten buyers opting for financing options.
The iPhone 16e will be available in two matte finishes, black and white with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, starting at Rs 59,900. Pre-orders will open on Friday, and the device will be available for purchase starting February 28.
With IANS inputs