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Highlights:
- iPhone 16 sees strong demand in China: Sales surged 20% compared to the iPhone 15's launch.
- Competition with Huawei remains intense: Apple faces pressure from domestic rivals despite the positive response.
- Criticism of an unfinished product: Some key AI features are still being rolled out post-launch.
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) has seen a positive response to its latest iPhone 16 model in China, with sales up 20% compared to the iPhone 15 launch period. According to data from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16 outpaced its predecessor in the first three weeks following its release, signaling a strong start for the tech giant in one of its key markets.
This sales boost offers some relief for Apple, which has faced increasing competition from domestic rival Huawei. Global concerns about demand for Apple’s new flagship device had emerged ahead of the September release, with analysts noting shorter wait times for the iPhone 16 as an indicator of potentially weak consumer interest.
The iPhone 16 has also drawn criticism for being released in what some describe as an "unfinished" state. The Verge, for instance, noted that much-anticipated artificial intelligence features, such as the ChatGPT-powered Siri and an AI-driven writing assistant, are still being rolled out as software updates. Despite these concerns, the iPhone 16’s smooth production process and consistent pricing strategy have helped drive early sales, according to Counterpoint analyst Ivan Lam.
Looking ahead, Apple is expected to maintain momentum in China, bolstered by loyal iPhone users upgrading to the new model. Early market signals point to Apple shares potentially rising by 1.5% when U.S. markets open on Friday.