The iPhone 16 was met with a dose of skepticism. Indeed, it was not delivered with Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s major new feature in 2024. On the other hand, not all of the AI functionalities presented in June are available. And for the moment, due to the additional rules it must comply with, Apple is blocking the deployment of Apple Intelligence on iPhones and iPads in the European Union. In addition, Apple faces tough competition in China, and analysts had cited lower demand than expected for the iPhone 16.
However, Apple has just defied predictions. The firm has just presented the results of its fourth fiscal quarter, which ended September 28. And as the Wall Street Journal explains, the firm presented its best results ever, for a September quarter. Apple reported revenue of $94.9 billion, up 6% year-over-year. The iPhone category, for its part, generated $46.2 billion, which also corresponds to an increase of 6% year-on-year.
Tim Cook has good news
It should be noted, however, that these figures do not yet make it possible to assess the success of the iPhone 16, since the fiscal quarter ended a week after the release of the new series. However, in an interview with a CNBC reporter, Tim Cook claimed that the sales of the iPhone 15 series are better than the iPhone 14 series, and the sales of the iPhone 16 series are better than the iPhone series. 15.
Cook also says users are adopting the iOS 18.1 update at twice the rate of iOS 17.1 a year ago. As a reminder, it is through this update that Apple is deploying the first Apple Intelligence features to the general public on compatible models, and in countries where Apple Intelligence is offered (which excludes the European Union).
Canalys mentions good performance of the iPhone 16
Apple’s financial results for the following quarter will provide a more precise picture of the success of the iPhone 16, even if the firm never presents the number of units sold. Otherwise, it should be noted that for its part, Canalys has also published a study which corroborates the declarations of Tim Cook on the sales of the iPhone 16. The analysis firm indicates that, during the months of August, September and October, Apple shipped 54.5 million iPhones, an increase of 9% year-over-year.
And according to this, the iPhone 16 series would have contributed to Apple’s good performance. “Apple retained its second place with a record 54.5 million units, thanks to the strong debut of the iPhone 16 series in emerging markets and the narrowing hardware gap between the base and Pro models ”we read in the Canalys press release. Furthermore, now that Apple Intelligence is available (but not in Europe), Apple could further increase its sales by highlighting its new products based on artificial intelligence. In addition, Apple is already preparing the arrival of other AI-based features. The iOS 18.2 update, which is currently being tested in beta, will for example include a feature that allows ChatGPT to be integrated into the Siri interface.
- Apple has raised doubts among some analysts and observers, because the iPhone 16 did not ship with Apple Intelligence and certain features announced in June are not yet available
- In addition, the firm faces tough competition in China
- But ultimately, Apple presents good financial results, with record income
- Tim Cook also indicated that the iPhone 16 series is selling better than its predecessor
- And independent analysis from Canalys says iPhone 16 sales are good
