Apple is not able to sell its iPhone 16 as well as in other years. The delay in starting Apple Intelligence could be a first explanation for these (slightly) disappointing figures. The American colossus has been offering its iPhone 16 (and derivatives) for more than a month. Launched on September 20, they are the start of a new era for Apple.
But commercially, the apple brand would be in difficulty. Specialist analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that Apple produced 84 million iPhones for this second half. That may sound like a lot, but it’s actually a 4% drop from initial estimates.
If we take into account the start of 2025, the gap would be even more significant. Apple reportedly intends to produce 164 million units in total (until next June). Last year with the iPhone 15 it managed to sell 173 million devices.
Apple Intelligence to save the iPhone 16?
In several analyst reports, we find the same argument to explain Apple’s current poor shape. The absence of Apple Intelligence would be a brake on consumption. Ming-Chi Kuo for his part does not specifically advocate this hypothesis.
He assures that it will take more than the arrival of Apple Intelligence in the coming months to give a boost to iPhone sales. Above all, Apple Intelligence is not a feature that, for the moment, interests everyone. Apple will first have to demonstrate the usefulness of this functionality, in order to encourage part of the general public to purchase.
If these analyzes are carried out by surveying Apple’s subcontractors and the various companies that work more or less closely with the Apple brand, real figures should appear on October 31. On this date, Apple must hold its quarterly meeting with its investors.
The apple brand historically sets this appointment for October 31. The opportunity to talk about the first weeks of the iPhone 16. The market in any case seems to be expecting bad news from Cupertino.
Apple, finally like the others?
Apple’s difficulties could also be seen through a broader prism, that of the smartphone market in general. Sales are increasingly weak and all manufacturers have already experienced a difficult period.
Everyone except Apple. The Californian giant seemed immune to this evil that hits smartphone manufacturers. Finally, wouldn’t the Apple brand also be experiencing initial difficulties, linked to a drop in demand for smartphones.
Regardless, Apple must rectify the situation quickly. The Cupertino company depends more than 50% on iPhone sales for its turnover. A drop in these could have significant economic consequences for Apple.
