Apple's iPhone Shipments Decline 9.6% in First Quarter

All the deals on iPhone 15 make sense now

Apple's global iPhone shipments declined 9.6% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Samsung overtook Apple as the leading global smartphone supplier during this time. Overall, global smartphone shipments increased 7.8% year-over-year, indicating an industry recovery. Apple has faced a slump in iPhone sales in China, where it is seeing increased competition from Huawei and restrictions on government use of its devices. The data suggests a shift in the global smartphone market, with Samsung gaining ground on the previously dominant Apple.

Sources:
1. IDC
2. Bloomberg

Comments

    • +15

      Thats talking about OS market share, not shipments/sales which is what this is clearly about. Irrelevant and a bit of a fanboyish attempt to 'defend' a brand against a factual piece of information? Weird

      • -2

        fanboyish attempt
        factual piece of information?

        you mean like selectively cherry picking one stat which is obviously seasonal…

        • +5

          Haha why are you even getting defensive about what is literally just a statistic? Just because you don't like the inference that Apple isn't selling as many iPhones as it has previously? Weirddddddd

          • +5

            @User889344:

            Haha why are you even getting defensive about what is literally just a statistic?

            I'm not being defensive, just pointing out it can be misleading… Weirddddddd

            • @jv: JV , "You've done it again".

            • @jv: yeh @jay889344 u r being weird now

      • You lost me.
        As some would ask here…
        Where is your empirical evidence ?????

      • Irrelevant and a bit of a fanboyish attempt

        As opposed to this entire topic being posted in the first place…

      • -1

        OS market share does seem like a relevant piece of information to better understand the 9.6% decline in shipments.

    • +1

      Maccas are the biggest takeaway chain. Shows how gullible us Aussies are.

    • How could Dan do this!!!

      • How could Dan do this!!!

        Bad blood, because of this…

  • +2

    How does it compare to other years before 2023?

    • Good question, unfortunately the IDC report only compares 2023 and 2024 in the table

    • -5

      How does it compare to other years before 2023?

      and also seasonal variations.

      • +8

        No it isn't, they are comparing same quarter from previous year. it would be seasonal if they were comparing last quarter.

    • +5

      https://www.idc.com/promo/smartphone-market-share/market-sha…

      2023 was the first time since 2010 that Apple outsold Samsung. This looks more like a correction. Apple is struggling a bit but it's not really a big collapse.

      And the main reason is probably China. Apple sales have slumped there, whereas Samsung never really had any sales there (they're about 1% of the market). The global market grew but China is shrinking and Apple is collapsing there with Xiaomi doing well and Huawei making it's comeback - https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/05/tech/apple-iphones-sales-…

  • +5

    Lol, somehow i think they're going to start discounting their phones.

    • +3

      They just need to make an SE that people will want to buy and can afford to buy. The rest of the prices, people will just pay. iPhone Pro just needs a better camera and it'll sell out on launch.

  • +1

    Cool

  • +31

    They've priced themselves out of the market. Base model iPhone 15 starts at $1500

  • +4

    Bearish Signal

    • +3

      Bullish for property.

      • +3

        This is good for bitcoin.

        • +2

          🚀🚀🚀🚀

        • To the mooooooooooon!!!1

  • +1

    With the recent ruling of permitting sideloading on iOS in the EU, is that likely to trickle down to other countries without governing bodies taking up individual cases against Apple?

    There's been some great deals on iPhones throughout the years and that'd be something for me to make a change if so.

    • If we can get emulation running I'd be onboard. The iPhone Max should be able to brute force it's way to at least PS Vita emulation. Any higher, and it's Xbox 360 level which I doubt it could muster. That's more of a SteamDeck or RoG Ally level.

      But the iPads do get much faster M-chipsets. So they may be able to, or even push higher to PS3, WiiU, or NSwitch Emulation. Not saying it would, but saying it could. And if the next iPad Mini 7 does come with the M1 chipset, then I'll probably be onboard.

      • +1

        Yeah same here, mini with M1 would be sweet, looking forward to the next set of announcements, though I fear they'd stick in the A16 as not to cannibalise the Air/+ models.

        • Yeah, Apple updates the iPad Mini every 1.6 years or so. Unlike the iPad Air around every 1.2 years or so, and the iPad Pro which is closer to 0.9 yearly cycles.

          The current model is long overdue for an upgrade, and the rumours were it was going to be upgraded last year. Something happened internally and it looks like they cancelled it, and changed plans. Initial rumours were for a slightly larger screen and an M1 chipset.

          The latest rumours now go for a mid-2024 release, so coming up around 2.3 years from last model, way overdue. And also skipping the screen upgrade, but worst of all, downgrading from the M1 chipset (time tested) and going to a (problematic) A17 chipset instead. If that is the case, I will skip it. I don't like getting ripped off, but I have to admit I really prefer the size of the iPad Mini over the midsize Air, or the oversized Pro.

          My plan/hope was to get the 8.3inch larger iPad Mini, with the faster M1 chipset, and the more capable iOS (thanks EU). And have that as a portable device for entertainment. Great for watching content. Or slap the GameSir G8 controller on, and enjoy some gaming. Maybe even emulation like GameCube and lower, or maybe a bit of PS Vita in there, or NSwitch if it was possible. It'll have loads of battery life, as opposed to say the ASUS ROG Ally.

          • @Kangal: I don't see many people with the mini out in the wild, also don't see as many people selling them on FBM, initially just thought the market is too small but just had a look and 9to5mac reports a 16% piece of the pie in 2023 on par with the non Air/Pro so not an insignificant number, certainly hope Apple will continue to trickle down the M chips to eventually saturate the entire line.

            Were you gonna fork out the asking price for a new come next announcement if it's what you wanted? I've been looking at iPads for the past 30mins (you bloody bastard!) and saw a few 2nd hand M1 Air with pen+keyboard combo and have been reconsidering, yet once again. The difference in screen isn't reeeally that much(?) and I don't know if I'm just being too stubborn to make a good financial choice now.

            Definitely a big big fan of the emulator possibilities and suspect when the flood gate opens it'd be a terrific choice.

            • @[Deactivated]: Yeah, actually biting for the asking price.

              The iPad is the best product that Apple makes. The alternative tablets from Windows used to suck. Too expensive, too heavy, too loud, too hot, too slow, too clunky, just an absolute mess. And from the Android side, they were more competitive during the Early 2011-Late 2012 era, but Google has largely abandoned that market. Both alternatives have made improvements to the overall products and experience. But none of them are as optimised and ubiquitous as the iPad.

              A couple years ago, a coworker asked for advice about getting the first-gen iPad Pro (M1) that he saw used on Facebook Marketplace. I told him to skip it, as the M1 variants don't do anything meaningful better than the other models (A14 or A12Z). But things have changed since then. We saw the growth of iOS into a more productive iPadOS, and developers targetting the M1/M2/M3 variants for performance. And those variants will either get longer software support, and/or, they will age better/less lag in future software. That's why it's important. The A17 is "too slow" for tablets, and it's "too inefficient" for phones…. all because they're built using a flawed TSMC-3nm node. They were supposed to be well over +30% more efficient but we haven't seen that at all, and Qualcomm and MediaTek have largely caught up.

              To me, there's very little point to consider an Android Tablet. The AYN Odin2 is somewhat the standout exception. But even then I only recommend that to people who are "stuck" with an iPhone/Ecosystem. So they have a decent Android experience without having to carry two phones.

              And I've been mulling over buying or not buying the SteamDeck. The new OLED model is fantastic. And the ASUS ROG Ally, wowza. And if I were rich, the GPD Win-Max-3. All those options work for someone who has either an Android or iPhone. But I shouldn't just block out Apple and it's ecosystem entirely, and so the iPad gets special consideration.

            • @[Deactivated]: If you do NOT want the Mini Size, like I do. I do recommend you try to get yourself an Air/Pro with the M1 chipset. Yeah, going used you can get an excellent condition, with the Pen and the Keyboard cover for much cheaper. The original M1 Pro is better than the new M1 Air, it has much better cameras and display. Not sure who is a fan of the 13inch model, because that seems a little less of a tablet and more of an Ultrabook replacement. But yeah, even that 10inch size is a bit hefty. If the new iPad Mini 7 does release as a disappointment, I am on the fence about what to get. It might be used iPad Pro M1, or SteamDeck OLED, or ASUS ROG Ally.

              So then Apple isn't very consumer friendly, then why consider the iPad at all. Well hear me out:

              There's a dozen different corporations with their own ecosystems, and getting one over the other usually comes with drawbacks. But getting copies of the same product over and over again is too expensive, too cumbersome, and just not wise. So the better alternative is to get all of the ecosystems (get access to all those exclusive Apps and Features) but to differentiate them by form factor.

              The worst combination you can have:
              Phone - Microsoft - Windows Phone
              Tablet - Open-Source - Ubuntu
              Laptop - Google - Chromebook
              Desktop - Proprietary - IBM Z-Station
              TV - Apple - AppleTV as a gaming console

              The best combination you can have:
              Phone - Google - AndroidOS
              Tablet - Apple - iOS
              Laptop - Microsoft - WindowsOS
              Desktop - Open-Source - Linux/Dualboot
              TV - Proprietary - Sony

              For myself personally it goes:
              - Pixel 8 Pro, EvoX ROM with Razer JungleCat
              - iPad Mini 7, EU Sideloading, with GameSir G8 controller
              - Frameworks 16 AMD, with Logitech Mouse
              - Custom Desktop PC, running ZorinOS and WindowsOS
              - TV, gaming with the upcoming PS5-Pro
              ……I get to hit every single ecosystem, and get to enjoy a refined experience at every level, and it scratches all my gaming needs (pocket, backpack, office, home, living room).

              • @Kangal: Jeez Louise on a stick you're way more committed and kitted out than myself many times over!

                When/how will you divide your time with each one of your devices? That seems like such a choice overload, do all of your gaming have cross-save… Umm I can't remember what it's called you know all progress synced so you can fluidly move from one platform to another seamlessly?

                Bought a used Switch a long while ago to part the games for a friend, tried it for a week and was playing BotW only but now just emulating it on PC, so sold that.

                Bought a SteamDeck (thought about it for myself as well) for a friend and was setting it up for them and tried it for few times but never found any time where the mobility was paramount so reverted back to PC on a bigger screen.

                The iPad mini would be a fantastic EDC as it's so light and compact, not that fussed with the keyboard but a pencil makes it so easy to edit photos, which will be a big use case.

                I've currently only 2x PCs with Note10 which the face unlock has stopped working, and the fingerprint is intermittent despite adding same finger multiple times in every which orientation. Chewing over the Pixel 8 Pro…

                By the way have I misunderstood the definition of the sideloading ruling, it's only for "official" alternative stores, and not grab any (modded) ipa from anywhere and install? I do end up buying some apps after testing out the unrestricted full versions + alternatives.

                • @[Deactivated]: I don't have any of them.
                  I am working towards acquiring these slowly and as best as possible. I know these because I am a big nerd.

                  The thing with Game Saves, you don't have to worry about it. Your phone won't be playing any of the Console games, whilst your tablet won't be playing any of the PC Games. The only cross-save you would have would be through a Cloud Streaming service. The Microsoft xCloud was the best for the longest, but apparently the latest PlayStation Streaming seems to be better.

                  If you WANTED to play those big games on as many form-factors as possible, well, it's going to be a different strategy. You're going to have to compromise. So for a tablet you'll have to go with the ASUS ROG Ally, same as WindowsOS for Laptop, PC, and maybe HDTV Unit. And for your phone, you'll have to set-up your own Home Server, and use 5G to tap into it as a Virtual Machine. You'll then play PC Games on your Android Phone (harder on iPhone), and it will be clunky, but it can work. If you want to sync your Retro Games, you can do that with RetroArch and other means. The lower titles and Mobile Games are easy/possible, it is the higher and harder titles that will be difficult or impossible.

                  Otherwise, do what I said, and just play your games based on where you are with your different form-factor.

                  For example:
                  Outdoors: retro and mobile games
                  Away with backpack/bedroom: retro, mobile, and exclusive Apple Games
                  Office and Cafe: Windows games on Laptop. With option to also play the previously mentioned ones.
                  Home Office: Windows with all of those mentioned above, all that much higher fidelity.
                  Living Room/TV: Playing exclusive console games, or backwards compatibility titles.

      • Emulating anything GameCube or beyond on iOS/iPad OS won’t happen as long as Apple disallows JIT compilation for security reasons - it’s the missing piece that allows faster processing for emulators. You can workaround this by using AltJIT or other JIT enabling service, but it’s annoying since it’s temporary.

  • +20

    I recently 'upgraded' (I use this term loosely) from a janky-ass Samsung S10E to an iPhone 14.

    Jesus christ - the user experience on an iPhone is trashhhhhhhh.
    There are so many little things that androids have that an iPhone does not.

    Only things that are good so far are the battery life and the camera. Everything else about it makes me want to hurl it off a cliff.

    The iPhone was once an innovative product, I don't feel like that's the case any more - people are probably starting to realize that.

    That + the pricing + the current state of the economy = bad times for Apple.

    • +17

      Everything else about it makes me want to hurl it off a cliff.

      Many people feel the same way about Androids.
      It depends what you're used to.

      • +1

        The cheaper ones maybe, but that isn't a fair comparison.

    • +4

      Everything else about it makes me want to hurl it off a cliff.

      Like what?

      • +1

        Couple of examples that I can think of.

        If you want to use Apple Pay you have to double click the side button, then face ID to use Apple Pay, even though the phone is already unlocked.
        An android would process payment as long as its unlocked.
        More effort for no reason.

        The fact that you have to double click the side button, then face ID to download a free app.
        More effort for no reason.

        Lack of fingerprint recognition is annoying when its dark OR in my case, when I am wearing a motorcycle helmet.
        Whilst I do like facial recognition, I would expect a phone that costs so much to also have fingerprint ID.

        The fact that it does not display numbers on the keyboard, you have to click at the bottom and go into the other keyboard screen.
        I'm used to this now, but whenever I use an android I re-remember how much better it is to have numbers at the top of the keyboard.

        • Hmm fair enough. I personally don’t mind those things, although I’ve only used iPhones before so I’m used to it.

          I’m still using an iPhone 8 because I really like Touch ID over Face ID, I wish Apple would bring it back somehow (either on the power button or under the screen).

        • +20

          @ rambutann

          Hi Ram, some of you points may well be wuite valid, however…

          Apple Pay you have to double click the side button, then face ID
          More effort for no reason.

          This is absolutely intentional and for a good reason.

          Apple were blasted pillar-to-post early in their foray into the smartphone market, ostly regarding the security, or lack thereof, of their devices. They subsequently made a deliberate effort to make their phones as secure as reasonably possible.

          In this case, imagine a scneario: Someone is about to pay with their Apple Pay at a checkout. The phone is grabbed from their hand by a 14 year-old, who skates (or scooters) off. Without the extra layer of Face ID the phone could then be used (almost) limitlessly at any terminal.

          Consider the other side: Android permitting payment without the extra layer of security. To be honest, most people I see barely have their screen lock turned on. Maybe it's just too inconvenient, you know, that 2 seconds to unlock. But even if locked, people can choose the length of time before 'auto-locking' occurs. This may be 30 seconds, or it may be hours on an Android.

          So, again, theft, or loss of the device leaves it vulnerable to Google Pay, or whatever, being drained.

          Lack of fingerprint recognition is annoying when its dark

          Face ID works for me in the dark. I think it relies on IR, not visible light.

          OR in my case, when I am wearing a motorcycle helmet.

          I'm trying to think of legitimate circumstances where one would want to unlock a phone while wearing a helmet… I suppose there are some. I guess. But then, what about those thick leather motorcycle gloves? Perhaps removing them would be equally as inconvenient?

          Anyway… sure, I'll grant you that having Touch ID in addition to Face ID would be a nice convenience. But regardless, I definitely want that extra layer of security of requiring that ID to enable payment. I'm happy to give up those 1-2 seconds of my life for a little extra comfort.

          • -8

            @Roman Sandstorm: I think its important to give the end user the choice as to whether they want that level of security. The only way to reduce that level of security on an iPhone is to remove face ID all together, which is way less secure than the android situation which is somewhere in between.

            • +7

              @rambutann: Ram,

              You can actually turn off Face ID for Apple Pay, which:
              a) gives the choice you just wanted, and
              b) makes it just like Android in its level of security. (or, as you say, already logged on to phone, no need for 'extra' step for payments.)

            • +4

              @rambutann: Oh, also Ram… There are many alternate keyboards available which give numbers on top by default. Takes about 60 seconds searching in App Store, and 30 seconds to enable.

              BTW, I'm no fanboy. I'm perfectly happy to criticise what is not ideal, or point out where improvements could be made with iPhones.

              And I agree just about the biggest flaw is that lack of Touch ID. Surely… surely… it can be implemented 'under' the normal screen? Geez… They've had ten years to do it!

              • @Roman Sandstorm: to be clear, those keyboards were only added(/allowed) after Apple was dragged kicking and screaming by its userbase

        • An android would process payment as long as its unlocked.

          Sounds nice and secure.

          • +2

            @smartazz104: Correction - on my Pixel 7 Pro and only relatively recently if I unlocked it with face unlock it will NOT process NFC it will specifically ask me for fingerprint at the machine.

            If I unlocked using my fingerprint, it indeed does not ask again at the machine.

            Before, yes, as long as it was unlocked by any method it would work so they have changed something.

            • +1

              @Ramrunner: Oh yes, thanks for pointing this out. I've been noticing more fingerprint unlock requests when paying. This makes a lot of sense.

        • +1

          More effort for no reason.

          The reason is security. It means even if someone takes your phone and has it unlocked they can't make payments using apple pay. This is a good thing. Same with making app store purchases.

          Lack of fingerprint recognition is annoying when its dark

          Face ID works best in the dark. It doesn't use the camera, it uses the infrared sensors.

          The fact that it does not display numbers on the keyboard, you have to click at the bottom and go into the other keyboard screen.

          Install Swiftkey and you can have a dedicated number row at the top. Also Gboard lets you have a kind of permanent number row - it's on the top keys, but you just press a letter and swipe up to select the number.

          • @MrFunSocks: you should be able to toggle such thing on/off.

            if I purposely making my phone less secure, it's on me. instead there's absolutely no way to toggle it off.

          1. ApplePay It's called security but coming from android you probably don't understand as much.
          2. App downloading - fair. I find it annoying as well.

          You sound like someone who hates changes which is absolutely fine, it's human nature.

        • It is literally not face recognition, it is depth mapping of your face and it works on infra red so it does not matter whether it is dark or not.

          Second, asking for face id again before paying through Apple is a failsafe. I am surprised that android allows you to process payment merely because it is unlocked - i should try with a square reader in a crowded area, i am sure someone would have left their phone unlocked in which case if the square reader is close enough, the payment will go through.

    • +4

      Hey , you dont want your iPhone?
      Ill take it of your hands ✋️

    • +1

      almost same I had felt moving from Android to iOS. iOS feels like a toy compared to Android be it software features and the super smooth and fluid UI especially on high refresh rate Android screens.

    • +1

      Like what? I moved from the latest Samsung flagship to a 15 Pro and I quite like it after 10 years of android.

    • We get it, new things are hard for you

  • +3

    Colesworth price gouging on Apple’s is to blame.

    • -1

      They actually don't get money from the phone itself, its residuals on the phone plan

      • +6

        I was making a joke about the fruit apple

  • +10

    I agree with other commenters that the iPhone is not really an innovative product anymore. But there are't really any other innovative phones either. Apple phones are the solid, premium, fuss-free model of choice for people who just want something reliable and of reasonable quality. That's the game they are playing now. How well that will stack up as other options gain in reliability and quality is anyone's guess. My guess is they need to find an innovative edge again. Can Tim pull that off. I don't know, but I guess we will see.

    • +13

      Well, there are flip and folding phones and it'll be a great innovation when Apple invents theirs.

      • +3

        lol

      • +1

        Maybe they can make one that doesn't have a crease or a plastic screen.

        • +1

          Those would be nice. I think the Android devices will get creaseless very soon. The oppo fold n3/oneplus open are supposedly very close.

          Come to think of it, Apple has had folding phones, but only foldable once haha

      • Except that if at all Apple comes out with a folding phone, it will have none of the disadvantages that the current foldables have - aka doing it properly.

        • Like how the Apple Vision Pro doesn't have any issues?

          • @Caped Baldy: What issues?

            • @dealsucker: There is lack of content (which will be resolved with time), poor FOV, battery is a bit cumbersome and short life (not an issue if you've got a work station set up), multiple virtual monitors. It's an extremely good product but it's so pricey.

              I'd like to see how far along Apple is with their foldable and if it'll actually innovate or copy the other devices that have been around for 5+ years.

              • @Caped Baldy: But you already know it before you buy the product. So how is it an issue?

    • Weird just casualling dropping a 'Tim' like you personally know them. Assume Tim is like the current CEO…

      Facebook used to exclusively dominate the social media landscape, lets see if Mark can bring the people back.

    • I don't think anyone denies that iPhones are solid, it's more that they are way overpriced for what they are, particularly the standard models.

  • +2

    Samsung make more money selling components to Apple than what they make on their own phones must likely anyway.

    • And how do you know that? Logically speaking, putting the same components in their phone and selling them at multiples of profit would be nicer right?

  • +2

    With them releasing new the iPhones mid to late in the year, wouldn't it always be low at this time of the year?

    The other thing that's different this year is that they didn't release a new iPhone colour in Jan/Feb, something that usually happens each year.

  • +3

    It's probably not surprising. Infinite growth is impossible and a stupid goal many companies have.

    And it's a cost of living crisis. If you're struggling for money you're not going to be buying an iPhone any more as they're completely overpriced. Just paying for a brand as opposed to any features.

    • +1

      If you're struggling for money you're not going to be buying an iPhone any more as they're completely overpriced. Just paying for a brand as opposed to any features.

      I'd say it also depends on what a person needs a phone for/how they use their phone. I consider myself an average user and use my phone for the standard things (e.g. messaging, calling, email, video calls, googling, social media, taking photos) and I'm still using an iPhone 8 and it works absolutely great still. A bit slow at times but I still love the form factor and Touch ID.

      I personally don't see the point in upgrading each year or even every two years unless you absolutely need the extra compute power or specific features like LIDAR, and part of it is also because I don't want to consume more than I need. The iPhone peaked a long time ago for my requirements.

      There seems to be a growing trend of people moving to dumb phones these days too, I would love to go back to using my old K800i again if 3G networks weren't going to be turned off.

    • Infinite growth is impossible and a stupid goal many companies have.

      It's not a goal that the companies make, it's the reality of being a publicly traded company. People want their investments to constantly be increasing in value, and that only happens when the company they're invested in grows. Companies also hate the "infinite growth" requirement because the owners/shareholders can lose money if they post a massive record profit that wasn't as high as the investors wanted.

  • Meh, I’ll wait and see where they are in five years time. Things fluctuate. Personally my phone is a support system for my iPad and watch and, also, a camera. Nowadays I only tend to upgrade when my current technology is about to run out of iOS support.

  • +2

    You think Apple is discounting in Australia because iPhone sales are tanking? Go and look at the data by country. In Australia and the USA iOS and iPhones dominate, yet countries like India & China choose Android.

    • Australia actually has Android ahead not IOS. As an individual Phone manufacturer yes Apple leads here and the US. In other countries yes Android trounces Apple easily. Many people however look at garbage sites like Statcounter which unsuprisingly give highly misleading numbers.

      • +1

        I'm going with Kantar Smartphone OS Market Share M/E Dec 2023 iOS 50.3% Australia has experienced a strong 20% uplift in sales volumes. iPhone sales have increased +29% year-on-year, the greatest increase of any market. Conversely, Samsung and Google Pixel have lost sales share.

        • hard to tell exactly how accurate they are given it is a select segment of users rather than actual sales data and specifically excludes enterprise sales, would take that with a hefty handful of salt. Even so that does not show Apple dominating, it shows it with a very marginal lead.

            • @sumyungguy: yes that agrees 100% with what I said, IOS does not dominate which your initial post claimed. Apple though is the number one Brand. Android is the number 1 OS. For the record I hate Android for its horrible inconsistent implementation, I only use it as at least it is more flexible and powerful than IOS even though Apple does interfaces better.

              • @gromit: Don't forget to post your source for Australia actually has Android ahead not IOS

        • And this is with samsung's cheaper model phones and deep discounting of their so called flagships.

    • +1

      yet countries like India & China choose Android.

      For India at least that's because the overwhelmingly large majority of phone sales are super low end budget devices, a market that apple doesn't play in.

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