Analysts are saying that iPhone 8 sales are in trouble, and Apple only has the previous-generation iPhone 7 and the upcoming iPhone X to blame.
Traditionally, new models of the iPhone sell quickly as soon as they are released to the market. That does not seem to be the case for the iPhone 8,
iPhone 8 vs iPhone 7 vs iPhone X
According to John Vinh, an analyst for KeyBanc Capital Markets, many carriers said that a significant number of customers are buying the iPhone 7 instead of the iPhone 8, because there are no important upgrades applied between the two models.
Vinh added that stores also said customers were holding out for the iPhone X, as they were either decided to purchase the iPhone X instead or wanted to compare it with the iPhone 8 before making the decision.
Brian White, an analyst for Drexel Hamilton, wrote in a note to clients that demand for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have been in line with expectations. However, demand for the models has been muted, as supported by his sources from the tech industry of China and Taiwan.
Like Vinh, White said that customers were choosing to purchase the iPhone 7, especially as the starting price of the previous-generation iPhone was dropped to $549. In comparison, the iPhone 8 starting price is $699. White added that for customers who chose to buy the iPhone 8, most went with the larger iPhone 8 Plus, which has been the subject of controversy due to a few units cracking open from swelling batteries.
Also like the findings of Vinh, White's contacts in Asia told him that many experts in the tech industry believe customers are waiting for the iPhone X, which has a starting price of $999. The premium smartphone features a nearly bezel-less display and the Face ID facial recognition technology, presenting a more considerable upgrade compared to the iPhone 8.
Looking Forward To The iPhone X?
Apple fans who are looking forward to buying the iPhone X instead of the iPhone 8, however, might have to wait a while before they are able to get their hands on the device.
Along with recent reports of the iPhone X being spotted in the wild, there have been renewed claims that the smartphone is suffering from production issues. This means that the supply of the device will be severely limited from its upcoming Nov. 3 launch and into 2018.
It is believed that the production issues will sort themselves out to get supply back to normal levels within the first quarter. The question is whether customers think that the iPhone X is worth the wait, or if they will instead purchase one of the flagship smartphones of rival brands.
