Apple’s newly unveiled iPhone 16e, priced at $599 for the 128GB base model in the US, will retail in South Africa from R15,999. This pricing aligns with the established pricing structure for other iPhone models in the region, according to an analysis of iStore’s current offerings.
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A comparison of US and South African pricing reveals a consistent multiplier, reflecting the additional costs associated with importing and selling Apple products in South Africa. For instance, the base iPhone 16 Pro is priced at R25,999 in South Africa, a 26x increase from its US dollar price. Similarly, the iPhone 16 retails for R19,999, representing a 25x multiplier. The iPhone 16e’s base model exhibits a slightly higher ratio of 26.6x.
It’s important to note that US pricing excludes sales tax, which varies by state, while South African pricing includes import duties, ad valorem (luxury) taxes, and a 15% VAT.
South African consumers will be able to pre-order the iPhone 16e from Friday, February 21st, with in-store availability commencing on Friday, February 28th, mirroring the launch timeline in major markets like the US.
The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE, which was priced at $429 and currently retails for R11,999 in South Africa (28x US pricing). The 16e features a modernized design, eliminating the home button and incorporating a larger screen with Face ID. It also boasts a 48-megapixel rear camera, the A18 chip, USB-C charging, and Apple Intelligence AI software.
This launch is the first in a series of planned iPhone design updates for the year, as Apple seeks to revitalize its smartphone sales, which experienced a slight decline in the previous quarter. The company faces particular challenges in China, where it’s losing market share to local competitors.
The iPhone 16e will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, and in white and black colour variants.
