Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE series and introduced the iPhone 16e model instead. However, this new model was launched with a significant price increase instead of continuing the affordable tradition of the SE series. According to sources close to Apple, the reason for this price increase is neither the upcoming trade tariffs nor inflation. The company made this decision to offset the low iPhone 16 sales.

Apple is officially discontinuing the iPhone SE series

Apple, while concerned about the slowdown in iPhone 16 sales, has directly passed the costs on to the consumer. The problems the company is facing are not due to inevitable economic factors, but directly to its own marketing and product management strategies. Despite this, Apple’s additional cost to consumers is drawing reaction.

Although the iPhone 16e technically replaces the iPhone SE, it is seen as a completely different model in terms of its pricing policy and positioning. Instead of allowing more users to enter the iOS ecosystem, Apple has made this model a $170 more expensive option. If the company had continued to offer the SE series at a lower price, it could have attracted more users to its ecosystem.

Keeping the SE model could have provided an affordable entry point for customers in low-income areas. The company could have maintained this advantage by updating the iPhone SE and making it more affordable. Instead, it has opted to increase prices to maintain high profit margins.

It is unclear how much the company is taking consumer expectations into account. Judging by the current reactions, the iPhone 16e’s high pricing and lack of features seem likely to shake users’ trust in Apple. What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.