Apple Stopping Sales in Russia to Have Minimal Impact on New iPhone SE

Apple recently decided to stop selling products in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, and now that the company has launched a new iPhone SE model, many are wondering whether the sales of the device would be impacted or not.

Obviously, giving up on a market right before announcing a new production isn’t always the best way to go, but in the case of the iPhone SE, Apple suspending sales in Russia is likely to have little to no impact on the sales of this device.

This is because the 2022 version of the iPhone SE is all about 5G, and Russia isn’t yet prepared for 5G in the first place. This is according to GlobalData, with the research firm estimating Russia isn’t a major market for Apple, with the company relying exclusively on online sales in the country.

“Apple’s decision to stop sales in Russia will have minimal impact on the sales of the 5G iPhone SE. Russia’s 5G networks are not expected to go live until 2023, and although 5G phones are getting popular in the country as a novelty factor, Russia is not a major market for Apple, accounting for approximately 2% of Apple’s worldwide revenues. Apple also does not have any physical retail stores in the country; ceasing online phone sales in Russia will not affect Apple’s bottom-line significantly,” GlobalData explained.

New iPhone SE to start at $429

Moving forward, the iPhone SE is likely to continue the push for 5G, and given its lower price point, it should help Apple complete the supercycle.

“At $429, the price for the base iPhone SE 5G is slightly more expensive than the 2020 iPhone SE as well as phones from rivals Samsung and Xiaomi. But Apple has a huge installed base of legacy iPhone users still waiting to upgrade. With carrier promotions and discounts, the iPhone SE 5G is all set to carry on Apple’s 5G supercycle,” the company explained.

The new iPhone SE will go on pre-order this upcoming Friday.