iPhone 16E debuts modestly in Europe, ranking in top 10 despite pricing concerns

After facing months of regulatory scrutiny in Europe, Apple has some positive news to share: the iPhone 16E has entered Europe’s top 10 smartphone list. According to a new report by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16E reached ninth place overall in the continent’s smartphone rankings for March 2025, its first full month on the market. It represented 8% of Apple’s regional iPhone sales and 2% of the broader smartphone market. In Western Europe, its performance was slightly better, taking seventh place.

However, the iPhone 16E’s launch figures fell short when compared to previous mid-tier iPhones like the iPhone SE 2022 and SE 2020. Sales were down 17% and 20%, respectively, from those earlier models’ debut months. Those devices also had stronger starts, making up a greater share of Apple’s regional sales and ranking higher in the top 10.

Analyst Jan Stryjak pointed to pricing as the main reason for the relatively muted performance. With a launch price of €699, the iPhone 16E is significantly more expensive than earlier SE models. In some regions, it’s priced similarly to the iPhone 15, which many consumers see as a better value. Despite these challenges, the 16E’s appearance on the top 10 list is still a welcome development for Apple in an otherwise difficult season in Europe.