Following the launch of Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025, there has been a notable surge in online interest for the standard iPhone 16 model. Google Trends data indicates that searches for “iPhone 16” have surpassed those for “iPhone 16e,” “iPhone 15,” and “iPhone 15 Pro” in the past week. This trend suggests that consumers are increasingly considering the iPhone 16, possibly due to its advanced features and perceived value compared to the 16e variant.
The iPhone 16e, priced starting at ₹59,900, offers features like the A18 chip and Apple’s first in-house modem, C1. However, its pricing has sparked debates, with some consumers viewing it as less cost-effective compared to the standard iPhone 16.
Industry experts note that Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 16e aims to sustain growth in markets like India, where the premium smartphone segment has seen a 36% year-over-year increase. Despite this, the heightened interest in the iPhone 16 indicates a strong consumer preference for more feature-rich models.
This shift in consumer interest highlights the importance of balancing affordability with advanced features in the competitive smartphone market.