Apple’s iPhone SE sells a ‘bright spot’ in Q2 2020 thanks to Android switches and those upgrading from iPhone 6s or earlier

Apple’s iPhone sales in the United States fell 23 percent in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019, according to new estimates of sales shared today by Counterpoint Research. Although sales fell, the iPhone SE was seen as a kind of “bright spot”, selling above expectations.

Total smartphone sales in the US were down 25 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2020, but Apple and Samsung were able to maintain sales somewhat better than other brands due to a strong online presence. In Apple’s case, the new iPhone SE 2020, released in April, also helped Apple’s sales volumes throughout the quarter.

Priced at $ 399, the PiPhone SE‌ has sold well on postpaid and prepaid channels. More than 30 percent of ‌iPhone SE‌ buyers were updating from an ‌iPhone‌ 6s or earlier, and more than 26 percent of ‌iPhone SE‌ users came from an Android device, which Counterpoint says is an exchange rate from Android to iOS higher than normal.

Apple’s volumes grew during the quarter and were especially helped by the “iPhone SE” volumes. It wasn’t a typical Apple launch with much fanfare and a launch event at the Steve Jobs theater, which typically also includes a series of television commercials. However, the device has been successful and has sold above expectations on both postpaid and prepaid channels. Since the launch of the ‌iPhone SE‌, carrier stores and national retail have reopened. Some channels saw huge promotions to attract shoppers to stores. This was especially true at Walmart, Metro by T-Mobile, and Boost.

Apple’s ‌iPhone SE‌ sales unlikely to cannibalize sales of iPhone 12 2020 models because PiPhone SE‌ buyers are “more pragmatic” in price, less concerned with 5G connectivity, and smaller screen ” it’s not considered an obstacle. “

According to Counterpoint Research, weaker sales in the overall smartphone market were recorded from mid-March to mid-April, but things started to pick up again in the second half of April after consumers received stimulus checks and retail stores began to reopen. Smartphone sales from May to the end of June grew week-on-week, and June 2020 sales were ultimately stronger than June 2019 sales.