Sales of the iPhone 16e, Apple’s most affordable smartphone, fell short of expectations. Positioned as an entry-level model, it reportedly experienced a similar decline in demand to the iPhone Air, which was previously discontinued and known for its low sales figures. Although the iPhone 16e is currently the cheapest iPhone officially sold in Apple stores, demand for the device has recently declined significantly.

iPhone 16e sales are not satisfactory

The iPhone 16e was launched in Turkey earlier this year with a price tag of 47,999 TL, replacing the iPhone SE series. It is currently available in Apple stores for 50,000 TL.

In terms of technical specifications, the iPhone 16e, which features an A18 chip, an OLED display, an Apple C1 modem, and a 48-megapixel camera, has received very little reporting on its sales performance. However, a source from Fixed Focus Digital stated that the phone didn’t sell well, adding that Apple’s attempt to offer a popular and affordable iPhone was unsuccessful for this model.

Despite this poor sales performance, the same source indicates that Apple will continue this effort. Fixed Focus Digital says that despite the iPhone 16e’s low sales, the next model, the iPhone 17e, will be released as planned. It also reported that the iPhone Air, which has been experiencing sales issues, will be updated as planned.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that iPhone Air orders have been reduced to near-end production levels. The latest information from Fixed Focus Digital indicates that production of the iPhone Air has been completely discontinued.

The iPhone Air, known for its slim design, launched with significant shortcomings such as a single camera, low battery capacity, and a single mono speaker, yet it still carried a high price tag. It is not yet clear whether this decision constitutes a permanent production halt.