Apple Doesn’t Increase iPhone 16 Orders, Despite New Features
Category: Apple, Apple Intelligence, Featured, iOS, iPhone, News, Rumor, Siri
Date: 20/07/2024
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has not increased orders for the iPhone 16. According to recent performance reports from suppliers TSMC and Largan, orders remain consistent with last year.
TSMC has not witnessed an increase in orders, echoing Largan’s findings that Apple’s 2024 high-end orders are similar to last year. iPhone 16 orders in the second half of 2024 are projected to be around 87 million units, slightly lower than the 91 million units shipped in 2023.
However, some suppliers may experience increased production orders due to the new iPhones’ reliance on specialized components.
While hopes remain high for Apple Intelligence to boost iPhone 16 sales, this expectation might be overly optimistic. The feature is currently limited to US English and will only be available as a beta for US users in the second half of this year. This limits both Siri and Apple Intelligence to English, potentially hindering consumer interest in the iPhone 16 for users in other countries.
Although iOS 18 introduces new features that have the potential to increase Apple shipments by more than 10%, Apple Intelligence will require an iPhone 15 Pro or above for operation. While this might incentivize users to upgrade to the iPhone 16 to leverage these features, the enhanced Siri experience, which includes features like Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji, will not be released until 2025.
Until then, we’ll have to wait for further rumors.
Apple iPhone 16 Orders Remain Stable Despite Rumored “Apple Intelligence” Feature
According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s iPhone 16 orders haven’t seen an increase compared to last year’s iPhone 15 series. This insight comes from Kuo’s analysis of key suppliers like TSMC and Largan, both of whom haven’t reported any significant upswing in orders for Apple’s upcoming flagship.
Projected iPhone 16 Shipments and Potential for Growth
Kuo predicts that iPhone 16 orders for the second half of 2024 will hover around 87 million units, slightly lower than the 91 million units shipped for the iPhone 15 series in 2023. While this may initially sound like a setback, it’s important to note that Apple continues to prioritize component quality, which can sometimes lead to adjusted production numbers.
Internal Components Influence Production Growth
Despite the overall stability in orders, some suppliers are seeing increased production requests, primarily due to the iPhone 16’s more complex internal components. It’s likely that Apple is focusing on innovative features that require particular expertise from specific suppliers, potentially contributing to localized increases in production.
Apple Intelligence: Hype vs. Reality
One area generating significant buzz is Apple’s rumored “Apple Intelligence” feature. This AI-powered tool, initially expected to drive significant iPhone 16 sales, is currently facing some challenges.
Limited Availability and Potential Impact on Sales
The biggest obstacle for Apple Intelligence is its restricted availability. Currently, the feature is only supported in US English and will be in beta for US users in the second half of 2024. This limited rollout might dampen consumer enthusiasm, particularly in international markets where English is not the primary language, making it difficult to gauge the feature’s true potential for driving sales.
The Role of iOS 18 and Potential for Upgrade Motivation
While Apple Intelligence’s limited availability might dampen sales, the upcoming iOS 18 update offers a glimmer of hope. The new operating system introduces several exciting features, many of which require an iPhone 15 Pro or higher, potentially boosting users’ desire to upgrade to the iPhone 16.
iOS 18 Features That Could Drive Upgrades
- Writing Tools: This innovative feature helps summarize text, making it easier to understand and consume information.
- Image Playground: This feature allows users to create images from scratch, offering creative opportunities for everyone.
- Genmoji: Genmoji lets users create personalized emojis, adding another layer of personalization to communication.
- Siri Enhancements: While the full potential of the upgraded Siri won’t be realized until 2025, iOS 18 introduces significant improvements that might make the iPhone 16 more appealing, particularly to users who rely heavily on voice assistants.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16’s success hinges on a combination of factors beyond just the “Apple Intelligence” feature. The overall user experience, innovative features across all models, and the availability of exciting new iOS 18 features are all likely to play a significant role in determining whether Apple can achieve its shipment goals.
