Apple continues to make merry in India with the iPhone 16 sales showing strong demand for the premium models while the iPhone 16E faces a fight to be relevant. The report from Canalys quoted by Moneycontrol says the company has now become the sixth brand in the country’s smartphone market. Apple has managed to grab 55 percent of shipment in this quarter with the iPhone 16 lineup, the report adds. 

More importantly, the older iPhone 15 and even iPhone 13 variants have found buyers, even though you have the latest iPhone 16E available in the market. It is interesting that the non-Apple AI supported devices are doing well after the 16E launch in the country. 

iPhone 15 Sells, But 16E Not: Here’s Why 

So Apple is able to sell the older iPhone 15 in India but not the iPhone 16E, why? The report quotes analysts saying that people have not been appealed by the single camera at the back and the lack of functional Apple AI features that could tempt them into splurging on the new model. It is clear that India as a market views brand value with brands like Apple but specs are equally critical to match with their spending. 

The iPhone 16E costs Rs 59,900 in the country, and for that price, you have plenty of Android phones with better features, more camera and flagship performance. When you compare that to the iPhone 15, you get a full-fledged 2023 flagship device that still has one of the best hardware that money can get you in the market. It is obvious that the value of iPhone 16 and 15 has enticed people to ignore the 16E and get themselves a better deal. 

We could see the trends change once the festive period kicks in and you have a window to offer these iPhones at special prices and get them across to more people in the country.