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Good news for Apple has been rare in Europe lately. Between regulatory debates, legal disputes, and critical market analyses, the company has frequently been under pressure. This makes what the latest report from Counterpoint Research reveals all the more remarkable: The new iPhone 16e made it into the top ten best-selling smartphones in Europe in March 2025. A small but significant achievement.
Apple has been struggling in Europe recently. The headwinds from Brussels and fierce competition from Android manufacturers have left their mark. This makes every glimmer of hope all the more important – even if it turns out to be smaller than hoped. The iPhone 16e is just such a glimmer of hope. It brings Apple back into the sales charts, albeit with limitations.
iPhone 16e launches at number nine in Europe
According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16e reached ninth place in the European smartphone market in March 2025. This was the first full month of sales for the new model. The 16e accounted for 8 percent of all iPhone sales in Europe and had a 2 percent share of the overall smartphone market. In Western Europe, things fared even better, reaching seventh place. This shows that the new model is certainly finding buyers. The sales figures demonstrate a certain level of interest, even if unit sales lag behind previous mid-range iPhones.
Comparison with previous SE models is weaker
Compared to previous mid-range devices from Apple, the iPhone 16e is having a tougher start. The SE 2022 and especially the SE 2020 performed significantly better in their first 30 days. Sales of the iPhone 16e are 17 percent lower than those of the SE 2022 and even 20 percent lower than those of the SE 2020. The new model also lags behind in terms of share of iPhone sales. The SE 2022 accounted for 12 percent of iPhone sales at the time, and the SE 2020 even 19 percent. By comparison, the iPhone 16e only achieved 8 percent in its first month. The SE models also performed better in the European sales charts: sixth place for the SE 2022 and third place for the SE 2020.
Price as the main factor for reluctance
According to Jan Stryjak of Counterpoint, the main reason for the subdued demand is the price. The iPhone 16e starts at €699. By comparison, the SE 2022 was available for €479 at launch, and the SE 2020 for €429. For many, this is a relevant difference in the current economic climate.
- In addition, at some retail outlets, the iPhone 15 is now offered at the same price as the 16e. For many buyers, the iPhone 15 is the more attractive choice—it has better technical features, even though it's almost two years old. Accordingly, the iPhone 15 will also appear in the top 10 sales charts in April 2025.
A small step forward for Apple in Europe
Even though the iPhone 16e performs less well than its predecessors, its placement in the European top 10 is a respectable achievement. Especially given the many negative headlines surrounding Apple in Europe, any positive development is a sign. The European market remains challenging, but Apple is showing that it can still compete there – even if it currently requires more effort than before. (Image: Apple)
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