iPhone X Apple is losing its mainstream, non-fan core with the X

[Michael Scrip]

In my experience the first month after a release is where I used to see the flurry of people upgrading. When the iPhone 6 came out my office was full of them and people actually discussed it. Probably because it was the first big iPhone. I didn’t see much of a buzz last year with the 7 and this year is perhaps more muted again. Since the size increase I think people are perhaps keeping phones longer. I think i’ll see a few more 8’s around the office over the next 6 months rather than the X. It reminds me of the Apple Watch in that it sells well, but not everybody needs it.

The only reason I asked was because Apple sells WAAAY more iPhones in the other 11 months than they do in the first month.

It's just funny to hear "I haven't seen any iPhone X yet" when it's only been around for literally a month.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The only reason I asked was because Apple sells WAAAY more iPhones in the other 11 months than they do in the first month.

It's just funny to hear "I haven't seen any iPhone X yet" when it's only been around for literally a month.

As most people I know upgrade between September and December due to previous release dates and 24 month cycles, it’s been historic to see more of the newer devices at this time of year. The first quarter of any release is usually the spike in popularity so whether it’s ‘funny’ this year is different I wouldn’t know?

They’ve had some supply issues so maybe we’ll see more about after Christmas.

 

[44267547]

It's just funny to hear "I haven't seen any iPhone X yet" when it's only been around for literally a month.

I just used a comparison in a prior post in this thread based on how one user was saying they never see the iPhone X in their workplace in an unrelated tech field and another user was saying how half their employees use the iPhone X in a tech related field. It Just shows that It can be completely dependent based on someone's job, location, and overall people that are surrounded that are either in to tech or not.

And you're correct, iPhone X has been available just a month and Some are saying that they if they don't see it, it must be a failure or nobody likes it. And there is no real Metric to define the iPhone X just based on what somebody see's in the public because of where they work or where they go. It doesn't work like that at all. The real Metric for the iPhone X is the actual numbers when released when Apple reports them when in comparison to other sales/iPhones.

 

[Ollé]

The waning enthusiasm is to be expected as the smartphone market nears saturation point. There's only so much you can change before they all start looking the same.

Remember how mobile phones looked pre-iPhone compared to now? I'd say we're getting close to the same point in market saturation with smartphones as we were when the original iPhone was introduced. We're just waiting for the next big game changer, where that will come from who knows? Apple? Google? An unknown?

 

[aevan]

The X seems to be appealing to the core fan base, but so many people I know are either sticking with their current iPhone or going to another phone vendor. In our office not a single person out of 30 is remotely interested in the X. Of these, about 3/4 are iPhone users. Five of those (including me) have switched to an S8 or Note 8. In past years, there was a palpable excitement about the new phones. This round has fallen very flat. Where does Apple go from here? Yes, the X is selling well overall, but Apple is losing its mojo and edge as they slowly run out of ideas. Are the exciting days gone? Is the iPhone just another phone to most people outside of the fan base?

Well, it’s selling like crazy. And, anecdotally, in my office, a lot of people are getting it because it really seems like something special, and a lot of them wouldn’t be upgrading if there was just the 8.

I just think everything you wrote is not true. What does “run out of ideas” even mean?

 

[Michael Scrip]

The first quarter of any release is usually the spike in popularity so whether it’s ‘funny’ this year is different I wouldn’t know?

Correct... the first quarter is the biggest quarter.

But there are even more iPhones sold throughout the rest of the year.

Apple sold 78 million iPhones in the last Holiday quarter. But the next 3 quarters totaled 138 million.

So my point was... if someone doesn't see very many iPhone X out in the world now (a month after launch)... they should see more of them over the next year.

Basically... I think it's a little premature to make ANY sort of commentary about the iPhone X when it's only been on the market for literally one month. Let's give it some time.

Then we can get out the pitchforks.

 

[waquzy]

I work in a furniture company, I talk daily to about 30-40 ppl, none of them have the X, I am the only one and i actually like it that way. It makes the phone more special, if that makes sense. About 40% of them have older iPhones, 30% have Samsungs and the rest have HTC, Xperia, Huawei etc.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I just used a comparison in a prior post in this thread based on how one user was saying they never see the iPhone X in their workplace in an unrelated tech field and another user was saying how half their employees use the iPhone X in a tech related field. It Just shows that It can be completely dependent based on someone's job, location, and overall people that are surrounded that are either in to tech or not.

And you're correct, iPhone X has been available just a month and Some are saying that they if they don't see it, it must be a failure or nobody likes it. And there is no real Metric to define the iPhone X just based on what somebody see's in the public because of where they work or where they go. It doesn't work like that at all. The real Metric for the iPhone X is the actual numbers when released when Apple reports them when in comparison to other sales/iPhones.

Even professions where technology is key doesn’t necessarily mean those people are interested in mobile tech. I work in R&D in the automotive industry yet my previous post displays that even tech minded people can be immune to the latest phone handsets. The lowest wage where I work is about £25k a year and we are located 25 miles from the capital city.

Nobody has suggested the X is a flop, but the days of one iPhone model dominating are over so long as there is other similar options and higher prices. I’m positive the reason we are not seeing so many in our daily lives compared to previous releases is testament to this. The business model has changed.

 

[Earth45]

We have about 800 in my office, and we’ve had more than 550 order the X.

So, you actually went out and counted how many ordered one?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Correct... the first quarter is the biggest quarter.

But there are even more iPhones sold throughout the rest of the year.

Apple sold 78 million iPhones in the last Holiday quarter. But the next 3 quarters totaled 138 million.

So my point was... if someone doesn't see very many iPhone X out in the world now (a month after launch)... they should see more of them over the next year.

Basically... I think it's a little premature to make ANY sort of commentary about the iPhone X when it's only been on the market for literally one month. Let's give it some time.

Then we can get out the pitchforks.

I think you’ve misunderstood what I was saying. I have never suggested the X is a flop.

This year we had 3 iPhones released at the same time and Android offerings are more attractive than ever. I don’t doubt i’ll see my first iPhone X in the near future but the days of many of our friends and colleagues all having the same phone is over. There’s more choice in the market even from Apple. It’s all shared.

 

[iapplelove]

Smartphone craze ia waning. Most of the features are really gimmicks.

New way to unlock your phone
Taller display
Curved display
Bezel-less display
Animoji
Dual lens

I totally agree and have been saying smartphone tech has been stale for some time now. I’ve held onto my 6 Plus for 3 years, broken screen and all because I was so bored with what was new.

Unfortunitly my Plus was getting really slow and the screen was getting worse and worse so I caved and upgraded. I only chose the iPhone X because it had some newer tech,but nothing that makes my life any better than the 6 plus.

 

[ex android dan]

So, you actually went out and counted how many ordered one?

Yep. I surveyed everyone in the lunch line one day.

NO! Of course I didn’t. When mine showed up I went to grab it from our mobility person (girl at our office who handles all of our phones) and I saw her looking through tons of boxes to find mine. I inquired as to whether it was a popular request or not, to which she said yes. It then sparked her curiosity so she logged in to our help desk ticketing system and looked at how many tickets had been submitted requesting one. She said “already more than 550...I’m guessing by the end of the week it will be more than 600”.

 

[DNichter]

It's really just a matter of time. What I have found is that we (people on macrumors) are a very small subset that typically upgrades often. The masses don't really care, but they'll eventually need a new phone and they will go get the latest iPhone when it makes sense for them. Either way, Apple is selling a ton of the X and will continue to do so into 2018. Easily the highest volume seller this year and likely next until it's successor. They definitely aren't losing their customer base, it just takes longer for someone to need a new phone.

 

[Martyimac]

It's really just a matter of time. What I have found is that we (people on macrumors) are a very small subset that typically upgrades often. The masses don't really care, but they'll eventually need a new phone and they will go get the latest iPhone when it makes sense for them. Either way, Apple is selling a ton of the X and will continue to do so into 2018. Easily the highest volume seller this year and likely next until it's successor. They definitely aren't losing their customer base, it just takes longer for someone to need a new phone.

THIS!!! Well said.

 

[AustinIllini]

So, you actually went out and counted how many ordered one?

People are dedicated AF

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It's really just a matter of time. What I have found is that we (people on macrumors) are a very small subset that typically upgrades often. The masses don't really care, but they'll eventually need a new phone and they will go get the latest iPhone when it makes sense for them. Either way, Apple is selling a ton of the X and will continue to do so into 2018. Easily the highest volume seller this year and likely next until it's successor. They definitely aren't losing their customer base, it just takes longer for someone to need a new phone.

From the reports I’ve read the iPhone 8 Plus is the biggest selling new iPhone of the year so far with a rumoured 23m units sold to the X’s 20m. I know it’s been on sale a month longer but Apple now have three new iPhones released into the market all competing for iPhone users with upgrades and first adopters. The iPhone 7 is stealing a section of the market too.

This year is different to others and demand is very different in each country. I don’t think the iPhones user base is shrinking either, but it’s no longer one single device getting all the attention and sales.

 

[DNichter]

From the reports I’ve read the iPhone 8 Plus is the biggest selling new iPhone of the year so far with a rumoured 23m units sold to the X’s 20m. I know it’s been on sale a month longer but Apple now have three new iPhones released into the market all competing for iPhone users with upgrades and first adopters. The iPhone 7 is stealing a section of the market too.

This year is different to others and demand is very different in each country. I don’t think the iPhones user base is shrinking either, but it’s no longer one single device getting all the attention and sales.

Yea I haven't seen any sales figures, but reports have shown that demand continues to be very high. Ultimately I don't think it matters a ton to Apple as they are in this for the long term. Buy into the ecosystem with an SE and you will likely give them your money for years to come.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

I wonder how many more people will be seen with the iPhone X after Christmas?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Yea I haven't seen any sales figures, but reports have shown that demand continues to be very high. Ultimately I don't think it matters a ton to Apple as they are in this for the long term. Buy into the ecosystem with an SE and you will likely give them your money for years to come.

We are only really told that demand is high for the X because it’s the more exciting release of the three. It’s all guesswork but analysts get access to retailer info and the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are selling just as well according to reports. Neither are selling in the same volume as predecessors as independents apparently, but it’s because of the multiple release. If the rumours are true Apple have sold over 65m iPhones since October which means demand is as high as ever. However all three are included in this figure so it’s difficult to claim at present which is in more demand.

I’ve said since the start I don’t expect the X to sell more than any other iPhone outright because it’s market is limited to those who can afford and justify its premium price. I think right now it’s selling as expected.

 

[gahig ulo]

i have a huge family living together and everyone has an iphone maybe 99% has the 7plus and only i have the X.the X is pretty new and they usually upgrade after their att next plan due so probably 6 months from now everyday will have X.same thing happen last year and the year before it,not alot if people will buy it outright so this is why we dont see alot of people carrrying it for now.and by the time they have their X’s mine is already old and scratchedup

 

[Applejuiced]

Um ok. Maximizing screen size is unrelated to the aesthetics of the notch or the aspect ratio. But since you're reaching for things to hate on, I don't think it's pointless to have more screen real estate regardless of aspect ratio. I personally don't watch movies often on my phone, I use it for content, like reading emails, news, etc. The more info you can put on a screen is quite useful and hardly pointless. When I do watch a movie, I don't have a conniption fit when the notch is visible. The fact that the notch is there is a necessary evil, but only the most symmetrical minded people let it bother them for more than a day. There's a point to taller and thinner, more screen yet still fits in most people's single hand. I'd say this is all ergonomically reasonable and purposeful. This is why I have never owned a plus phone, but I don't go around telling the world that the plus is the worst phone in history, or that it's a indication that Apple has lost it's way. Don't know why it's hard to believe that this actually suits some people like me. For those that it doesn't, good thing you have 14 days and so many other choices.

You personally might not watch videos on your phone but many of us do and dislike a screen that unlike the plus models its just long and asymmetrical. Stretching the screen just longer up is not a good option. And I dont like the "Necessary Evil" of the notch just because now we're all supposed to hate the bezel because Apple said so.

 

[Earth45]

I will like to see these numbers below:

1. How many iPhone X were sold
How many have been return and exchange for the iPhone 8+ or 8/7

And vice a versa. Now that would be interesting, but I don’t believe Tim Cook will do this

 

[D.T.]

Maximizing screen size in as little physical space isn’t a gimmick, it’s the holy grail for smartphones.

No kidding, that whole line of reasoning is counter-logical to everything in mobile computing.

 

[allthingsapple!]

The X seems to be appealing to the core fan base, but so many people I know are either sticking with their current iPhone or going to another phone vendor. In our office not a single person out of 30 is remotely interested in the X. Of these, about 3/4 are iPhone users. Five of those (including me) have switched to an S8 or Note 8. In past years, there was a palpable excitement about the new phones. This round has fallen very flat. Where does Apple go from here? Yes, the X is selling well overall, but Apple is losing its mojo and edge as they slowly run out of ideas. Are the exciting days gone? Is the iPhone just another phone to most people outside of the fan base?

I think it is because of the price tag. No average person is going to pay over 1k for an iPhone when the average person doesn't see any difference from 1 iPhone to the next.

Just to clarify I am referring to the people I have come across in my own personal life whether that be at work, school, or just talking in the store. I know several people are going to start hooping and hollering about what I just said. Most people on this forum, including myself, are not "average" people. I like to have the latest iPhone simply because I like Apple products. The X was perfect for me because it had all of the things I loved about the plus but in a smaller device. Even that was still not enough for me to justify my purchase so I understand why others are not interested in purchasing the X.

 

[ex android dan]

I realize the example I shared with is not a good one. We all got it, but guess what...it’s company issue so the price tag is $0. Everyone really likes it though.