The iPhone SE was a "bright spot" for Apple in a quarter that otherwise saw a drop in sales for every smartphone manufacturer, a new report claims.
According to new sales estimates data from Counterpoint Research on Monday, smartphone sales volume in the U.S. declined 25% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2020. Apple's U.S. iPhone sales were down 23% in the same period.
Among smartphone brands in the U.S., Apple and Samsung were better able to maintain their sales volume better than other manufacturers. For Apple, that's largely because of the success of the iPhone SE, Counterpoint Research's data suggests.
"Apple volumes grew through the quarter and were especially helped by iPhone SE volumes. The device has been successful and selling above expectations in both postpaid and prepaid channels," said Jeff Field Hack, Counterpoint's North American Research Director.
A number of factors helped the iPhone SE drive Apple sales throughout the quarter, including the re-opening of retail channels in the U.S. and subsequent promotional offers from stores like as Walmart, Metro and Boost.
The device also appears to be attracting Android switchers, since Counterpoint estimates that 26% of iPhone SE users moved from an Android device. According to Fieldhack, that's higher than the normal rate of Android-to-iOS switching.
Buyers upgrading from an older device also represent a significant portion of iPhone SE buyers, since 30% of customers upgraded from an iPhone 6s or older.
Similarly, Counterpoint's checks indicate that iPhone SE sales aren't likely to cannibalize the fall "iPhone 12" lineup, due to the fact that "iPhone SE buyers are more pragmatic about price, less concerned with 5G, and the smaller display is not considered a hindrance."
The research firm also notes that smartphone sales for May through June actually grew week-over-week, and that June 2020 sales were higher than the same month last year. According to Counterpoint, that suggests that the smartphone market is starting to recover from the impacts of coronavirus.
Earlier on Monday, data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners indicated that the iPhone SE made up nearly one-fifth of all iPhone purchases in the first quarter that it was available.
5 Comments
Our family bought one, great “little” phone. I plan to get the 5.4 inch iPhone 12 for myself.
anyway
I would have thought it would be a higher proportion if iPhone sales overall were down a quarter.
I bought an SE a couple weeks ago for my sister on her milestone birthday. Absolutely loves it. She came from an Android phone which she (and her family) hated. It's a really nice phone. I have an iPhoneX, and I was really admiring the elegance of it. I'm sure it will be a big seller for many.
I love SE, and I recommend this iPhone for those who don't care about latest tech, biggest size or more features that they would hardly use. If simple, minimalist, easy, cheaper and work wonderfully is what you are looking for, then you will be happy with SE.
I’m thinking about ditching my Xs Max for the SE or an older 7 for numerous reasons. 1. I’ve never been a big fan of FaceID and a HUGE fan of TouchID. And now with these stupid masks, try unlocking your phone with one of those on. 2. Over the years I’ve become less and less concerned about having the latest and greatest phone. The main difference anymore between models is the cameras and I use that the least out of all the features. I’m not a picture taker, never have been. 3. I miss the $400 and $500 phone days haha! 4. This screen is massive (inch and a half smaller than an iPad Mini and weighs almost as much) The phone is heavy with a case on and doesn’t fit in my pockets comfortably. I liked the aluminum bodies better. Much lighter than the glass. I actually miss the 5s but can’t find one I’m looking for on eBay. Otherwise, I’d go back to that one.
Most carriers won't let you activate a 5s on their networks any longer, since it is not Voice Over LTE capable.