For years, Apple enthusiasts eagerly awaited the iPhone SE series as the go-to option for an affordable entry into the iOS ecosystem. Historically priced around ₹40,000-₹47,000 in India, the SE lineup offered a budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s flagship models.
However, with the launch of the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025, priced at ₹59,900 for the 128GB base model, many are left wondering: Is the affordable iPhone dead? Let’s dive into what this shift means for consumers and Apple’s strategy.
The iPhone 16e replaces the SE branding with a sleek, modern design and impressive specs. Powered by the A18 chip, it supports Apple Intelligence, boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, and features a 48MP Fusion camera. It’s a significant upgrade from the iPhone SE 3 (2022), which launched at ₹43,900 with dated aesthetics and a smaller 4.7-inch LCD screen.
The 16e also ditches the home button for Face ID and swaps Lightning for USB-C, aligning it closer to the iPhone 16 series. But at ₹59,900—rising to ₹69,900 for 256GB and ₹89,900 for 512GB—it’s a far cry from the budget phone Apple fans once adored.
This pricing shift has sparked debate. In India, where mid-range Android devices from brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus dominate the ₹30,000-₹50,000 segment, ₹60,000 feels steep for an “affordable” iPhone.
Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users calling it “poor pricing strategy” and suggesting the iPhone 15 (now around ₹61,000-₹62,000 with discounts) as a better value proposition. Critics argue that Apple has abandoned the budget-conscious consumer, pushing its entry-level offering into premium territory.
So, why the price hike? Apple seems to be repositioning the iPhone 16e as a premium yet accessible device, prioritizing advanced features like AI and camera upgrades over affordability. Assembled in India for local sales and exports, it also reflects rising production costs and Apple’s focus on profit margins.
While the SE’s sub-₹50,000 era may be over, the 16e targets aspirational buyers willing to stretch their budgets for a modern iPhone experience. But, in conclusion, the affordable iPhone as we knew it might indeed be dead.
