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While it appears that Apple has elected not to share first weekend sales numbers for the iPhone SE, as it has done in the past for some flagship models, multiple analysts have forecasted that sales of the new 4-inch smartphone were "lackluster" during its first three to four days of availability.

iPhone-SE-gaming.jpg

In a research note issued today, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo questioned last week's CNBC report claiming that iPhone SE orders topped 3.4 million in China, and added that demand for the iPhone SE "has been significantly lower than that of past new models" since launching on March 31.
Lackluster iPhone SE demand supports our view. Although there exists a market survey that indicates iPhone SE preorders top 3.4mn units in China, we couldn't find more evidence to support this. However, judging by the delivery time for iPhone SE preorders, we believe initial demand for the iPhone SE following the announcement has been significantly lower than that of past new models. We believe this is due in part to lackluster demand for smaller-size smartphones and, more importantly, that the product itself offers no significant upgrades to form factor or hardware specs.
Mobile analytics firm Localytics echoed Kuo, claiming that iPhone SE adoption was "lackluster" following the device's launch. According to the firm's research, the iPhone SE "managed to grab only 0.1% of the iPhone market" over its first weekend of sales, which marked lower adoption than the iPhone 5s and all of the "6" models.

iPhone-SE-Localytics.jpg

Apple launched the iPhone SE last Thursday on the same day as Tesla began accepting reservations for its lower-cost Model 3, and consumer excitement was unsurprisingly geared towards the highly-anticipated electric vehicle. In fact, many Tesla locations in the U.S. and Europe had longer lineups than nearby Apple retail stores.

Kuo forecasted that overall iPhone shipments will likely fall below 200 million units in 2016, indicating that the iPhone SE will not be enough for Apple to overcome "peak iPhone" until at least next year.
We forecast 1H16 and 2H16 iPhone shipments of 85-95mn units and 105-115mn units, respectively, implying full-year shipments of 190-210mn units (vs. 232mn in 2015), below market consensus of 210-230mn units.

In light of market feedback for iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and SE, we believe growth on replacement demand for larger display is slowing. We are therefore conservative about shipments of current iPhone models in 1Q-3Q16.
Nevertheless, considering that the iPhone SE is effectively an upgraded iPhone 5s, and based on a design first introduced in 2012, it is largely unsurprising that demand among early adopters may be lower than usual. Apple's flagship iPhone 7 series is also due in September, which many customers are likely holding out for.

The success of the iPhone SE in emerging markets such as China, India, and Pakistan is likely what Apple is more concerned about. The smartphone's lower starting price should help get the device in the hands of consumers in markets where premium smartphones are out of reach for some due to socioeconomic factors.

In those markets, there is at least anecdotal evidence to suggest that the iPhone SE may be off to a good start.

Article Link: iPhone SE Sales Forecasted as 'Lackluster' Over First Weekend
 
size is a preference, but people still want their phones to be cutting edge. the se doesn't have the same features as the flagship phone and to many i'm sure was obsolete from the start. this in part is why people are bothered by the rumors of the dual camera lens being only available in the larger model
 
And we're surprised in some way? The iPhone 5S's aren't exactly slow. Many people don't want to update from a device that isn't junk in any way, shape or form.

I did because I want to give my phone to my friend and want a new warranty. That's pretty much the only reasons.
 
Would of done better if they changed the chassis up a bit.. while it may be all new inside, consumers will view it as old. The average consumer will recognize this device as being outdated as the iPhone 6 has a larger screen and new form factor. They should of made it look "new".
 
Well, as noted in the article, it's a four-year old phone, thus not surprising the numbers aren't as anticipated. However, I think it will have low-volume but steady sales numbers over a long period of time.
 
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Umm.. not sure about other countries, but it's proving difficult to get hold of one in the UK.
Order online, it's a 2 week wait.
And no stock in stores at the moment.

I would be an SE customer, IF I could actually buy one!
 
Why would anyone buy a phone that has last year's technology, cheap (sort of) as it may be? I think it's highly likely that there will be a 4-inch 7 in September, leaving the lineup as 7+ (5.5"), 7 (4.7"), 7- (4") and 6S+, 6S, SE.
 
Apple launched the iPhone SE last Thursday on the same day as Tesla began accepting reservations for its lower-cost Model 3, and consumer excitement was unsurprisingly geared towards the highly-anticipated electric vehicle.

Can we stop acting like the Tesla announcement stole any of Apple's thunder? They're two completely separate products and each got a fair amount of coverage in the news. Consumers are smart enough to hear about two new things on the same day and not fixate on one.
 
Intersting stats, given you cannot buy the iPhone 5S from Apple directly. And the question is, how many retailers have the 5SE for sale......
 
You know, I get all the saving money on "spare parts" and all that - but they gotta know about the fact that there are millions and millions of people out there just aren't smart enough to understand what this phone can offer just because it looks the same as a couple of years ago. A few small design changes to place it more in line with the flagships would go a very long way I tink.

On another note, I'm selling my 6S and getting this on release. I miss the days of wearing light shorts without having a big heavy thing in my pocket punching my leg with every step. Summer is coming.
 
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