Apple recently introduced a new mid-range smartphone, the iPhone 16e, which costs $599 and replaces the SE model line. According to the analytical company Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), such a model may appear every year in the future.
According to CIRP, the company may introduce the iPhone 17e around this time next year. The "e" version will become a permanent part of the iPhone lineup and will be an analogue of the "a" version of the Pixel from Google, the presentation of which also takes place some time after the release of the "adult" versions.
CIRP notes that the decision to abandon the separate SE model in favor of a version with the "e" prefix was made because the SE failed to gain a large market share. In addition, the iPhone 5c model in 2013-2014 was much more popular than the SE ever was. The highest share of the iPhone SE among all Apple smartphone sales was 12% with the release of the 2nd generation in 2020, while the 5c in 2013-2014 was responsible for about 25%.
The main reasons for this difference are the slow update cycle of the SE, coupled with the outdated form factor. However, with the advent of new numbered iPhones, the relevance of the SE has fallen sharply. The release of the "e" model some time after the release of the adult versions could positively change this dynamic.
The success of the 5c was also somewhat controversial, as Apple offered far fewer smartphone models at the time than it does now. In addition, carriers offered the 5c on contract starting at $99, while the premium 5S sold for $199. However, with the advent of subsequent generations, the 5c's share also fell, and a similar model was never introduced again.
CIRP notes that if the iPhone 16e goes the way of the iPhone SE or iPhone 5c, it would be a disappointment for Apple. However, the analyst firm believes that the new smartphone will not repeat the fate of its predecessors. Thanks to a higher price, approaching the more expensive models in terms of features and specifications, as well as a possible annual release, the “iPhone e” could become an important player in Apple’s model line.