Apple's iPhone 15 orders are expected to be lower this year. As global smartphone demand faces continued weakness in the latter half of 2023, the Cupertino firm, like its industry peers, is adapting its strategy for the forthcoming iPhone 15 series.
Apple to Reduce Orders For iPhone 15
Apple's outlook for iPhone shipments in the second half of 2023 has taken a conservative turn. According to DIGITIMES Research senior analyst Luke Lin, the tech giant has scaled back its orders from the supply chain compared to the previous year.
In August, Apple placed orders for a total of 80 to 90 million iPhone 15 series smartphones, down from the 90 to 100 million units ordered in the same period for the iPhone 14 series in 2022.
What Changes Have Been Made For iPhone 15 Order Adjustments?
In a noteworthy shift, Apple has diversified its allocation of iPhone 15 series orders among its assembly partners. Unlike previous years, where Foxconn received all the iPhone Pro series volumes, Apple has now allocated a portion of iPhone 15 Pro Max orders to China-based Luxshare.
Additionally, orders for the iPhone 15 Pro at Pegatron have increased. Nevertheless, Foxconn remains the primary manufacturer for the two high-end models in the latter half of 2023.
To balance this shift, Apple has increased its orders with Foxconn for other iPhone 15 models.
iPhone 15 Features You Should See
The iPhone 15 series maintains continuity in its product lineup compared to its predecessor. Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro feature a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max sport a 6.7-inch screen. However, sources from the upstream supply chain hint at a larger display for all next-generation iPhones in 2024.
All four models in the iPhone 15 series come equipped with Dynamic Island technology. The Pro series, in particular, benefits from a newly designed processor crafted using TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus retain the same CPU found in the existing iPhone 14 Pro series.
Will We See a Cheap iPhone 15 Soon?
While the pricing for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is anticipated to remain relatively stable compared to their predecessors, the Pro series may see a significant price increase, per AppleInsider.
This price adjustment is attributed to chassis upgrades from stainless steel to titanium and the introduction of a periscope lens, exclusive to the Pro Max model, enabling 5-6x optical zoom.
Global Smartphone Slowdown
With a challenging global economic landscape, persistent inflation, and shifting consumer spending preferences towards outdoor activities, the smartphone market is poised to remain stagnant in the second half of 2023 compared to previous years.
Nevertheless, driven by holiday seasons and robust promotional campaigns in China, global smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter of 2023 are expected to show growth compared to the preceding quarter, according to Lin.
Still, iPhones are forecasted to have an upward trend in the market share as Android phones face a decline, per Tech Times.
Related Article: iPhone 15 Pro Max Rumored to Be More Expensive Than Previous Models
