Apple's Pro Series Sales Surge, While iPhone 16 Standard Models Face Cooling Demand?

Apple's Pro Series Sales Surge, While iPhone 16 Standard Models Face Cooling Demand?In recent years, Apple has been widening the gap in features between its standard iPhone models and its Pro models to incentivize consumers to purchase the higher-priced Pro series. This strategy seems to be yielding significant results, with market data showing that Apple's Pro models are becoming increasingly popular among consumers

Apple's Pro Series Sales Surge, While iPhone 16 Standard Models Face Cooling Demand?

In recent years, Apple has been widening the gap in features between its standard iPhone models and its Pro models to incentivize consumers to purchase the higher-priced Pro series. This strategy seems to be yielding significant results, with market data showing that Apple's Pro models are becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

According to a report by market research firm CIRP, the average retail price (US-WARP) of iPhones in the US market reached a record high of $1,018 in September 2024. This increase is primarily attributed to strong sales of the Pro and Pro Max series, with consumers showing a strong preference for models with larger storage capacities. Data reveals that Pro and Pro Max versions account for 47% of all iPhone sales, a significant increase from 38% in the same period last year.

However, Apple's strategy has also raised some concerns. A recent analysis report by renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple is expected to reduce iPhone 16 series orders starting in the fourth quarter, with a total reduction of about 10 million units. Most of these cuts are targeting the two standard models. This adjustment will bring the overall production capacity of the iPhone 16 series to 84 million units.

Kuo also pointed out that the initial sales performance of the iPhone 16 series is not ideal, with pre-orders for the first weekend reaching approximately 37 million units, a 12.7% decline compared to the iPhone 15 series in the same period last year. This data also supports Apple's decision to reduce orders for standard models.

Apple's continuous expansion of the feature gap between standard and Pro models has undoubtedly boosted Pro series sales but may also lead to a decline in consumer interest in standard models. Market reactions suggest that sales of iPhone 16 series standard models are underperforming, reflecting this trend.

While Apple's Pro series models have achieved market success, the declining sales of standard models are a cause for concern. Apple needs to balance the appeal of its Pro series with the competitiveness of its standard models to ensure steady growth of the entire iPhone product line. Whether Apple will adjust its product strategy in the future is something we will continue to observe.