Apple’s iPhone 16 Demand: A Roller Coaster of Disappointment!
Summary
Apple shares took a nosedive, plummeting 3.6% faster than you can say “iPhone 16,” after analysts reported that demand for this latest gadget isn’t quite cutting it. We’re talking a hefty 12% drop from last year’s iPhone 15 launch. That’s like showing up to a party, only to find out everyone brought their own pizza and forgot to invite the pepperoni—awkward, right? TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo dished out the scoop, stating that the primary culprit in this demand downturn is the underwhelming interest in the iPhone 16 Pro series. Apparently, the excitement was misplaced in the Apple orchard, and the ‘big cheese’—Apple Intelligence—decided to play hard to get by launching only next month. Can you blame consumers for not rushing to grab a phone that’s more ‘coming soon!’ than ‘brand new’? And let’s be real, the fierce competition in the Chinese market is making it feel more like a UFC match than a product launch. It’s all elbows and body slams as other brands take their swings at Apple’s shine. Last week, in a dazzling freak show at Cupertino, Apple unveiled a bunch of shiny new toys—iPhones, AirPods, and even a spiffy new Apple Watch. Everybody was on the edge of their seats, pre-orders kicked off with much fanfare, but with the iPhone hitting stores on September 20, Apple left an awkward pumpkin-spice latte waiting for its first taste of Apple Intelligence. Jump scare or a creative cliffhanger? You decide. The analyst gang at Barclays, JPMorgan, and Bank of America chimed in, suggesting that shipping times could signal that the newest Pro models might not be as hot as last year’s models. Barclays even claimed that pro-unit pre-orders had nosedived into double-digits compared to last year, while the more basic models are enjoying a surprising growth spurt—kind of like the kid in class who suddenly hits a growth spurt right before basketball season. And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, Barclays pointed out that all those fancy Apple Intelligence features won’t be ready until 2025 in Chinese. That’s right, folks – two years from now before Apple speaks your language! How’s that for a global rollout? JPMorgan also noted that early indicators for the basic models are par for the course with last year’s triumph, but the Pro models are feeling rather shy. BofA chimed in, saying that while delivery times for the Pro and Pro Max are extended, it’s not exactly breaking records—the clock isn’t tick-tocking as fast as it did last year. Oh, and if you’re in Australia or India, don’t worry—Apple’s got a sweet little price reduction just for you. It’s like a clearance sale but without the crazy crowds and questionable deals on flamingo lawn ornaments. The fanciest models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, starting at a cool $999 and $1,199, come packed with the “thinnest borders” Apple has ever graced upon the masses, and fancy titanium that weighs less than your last diet soda. Add in the claim of the best battery life ever, and it sounds like they’re selling dreams wrapped in shiny packages—just don’t forget the big reveal comes with a little patience (and maybe a sprinkle of fairy dust). So, there you have it! The iPhone 16 saga unfolds, and while Apple apples aren’t shining as bright as before, the excitement continues, proving that even the tech giants have their ups and downs—just like your favorite roller coaster!
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
