Very light and disappointing new features, WiFi 7 voluntarily limited by Apple, photo quality which is lowered on social networks in comparisons with the main competing smartphones… The new iPhone 16s are having a lot of trouble convincing Apple customers, but also those who were considering an Android to iOS migration. After indiscretions around pre-orders falling compared to 2023, we learned today in a new report that Apple has decided to reduce orders from one of its most important suppliers for the iPhone 16!
A painful start
Apple appears to be taking steps to adjust production of its new iPhone 16s, reducing orders from one of its key suppliers. According to a recent report, Barclays analysts claim that the Cupertino firm has reduced the quantity of essential components for the production of its iPhone 16, which would lead to a reduction of 3 million units initially planned. This drop specifically concerns a key component of the semiconductors used in the iPhone 16.
This reduction in orders does not happen without reason. iPhone 16 sales are reportedly seeing a worrying decline in shipments, with a 15% drop compared to the previous year. Traditionally, Apple achieves its best iPhone sales from the pre-order phase until the Christmas period. However, the current performance of the iPhone 16 is lower than expected and even weaker than that of its predecessor the iPhone 15.
Analysts estimate that for the September quarter, Apple could reach 51 million units shipped, but they also point out that the December quarter could be more difficult.
The reasons behind the decline in interest in the iPhone 16
Several factors explain this decrease in demand for the latest iPhone model. Barclays cites in particular the delayed launch of Apple Intelligence in the United States, which appears to play a significant role in consumer adoption of the technology. Additionally, AI features will not be available in France and other European countries until 2025, with no clear indication of the launch schedule, whether at the beginning, middle or end of the year.
Another point raised by analysts concerns the lack of hardware differentiation between different iPhone models. Many consumers are beginning to express fatigue with the design of the iPhone 16, which is too similar to that of the iPhone 15, 14, and even 13. This repetition in appearance and the absence of real hardware innovations are detrimental clearly to the attractiveness of the new models, which is reflected in the lower than expected sales figures.
Apple therefore finds itself in a delicate situation with its iPhone 16. The drop in demand combined with elements such as the delay of Apple Intelligence and the lack of new hardware developments risks leading to a less successful end to the year than expected. . Analysts remain vigilant about the December quarter results, which could confirm this downward trend if Apple fails to turn the tide.
