Why is the iPhone no longer as popular as before?

A report by this technology market research company said the main cause of this decline is a sharp decline in iPhone sales in the Chinese market.

In recent months, Apple has lost revenue growth momentum in the Chinese market amid rising nationalism, a slowing economy, and increasingly fierce competition.

'This is a sharp decline for Apple, but if you look back over the past four years, you can see that Apple is probably the most stable brand. They have overcome supply chain issues and macro challenges better than other brands,' IDC Research Director Nabila Popal told CNN.

Samsung has held the position of smartphone manufacturer with the largest sales in the world for the past 12 years. Last year, Apple overtook its Korean rival, but only for one quarter. Samsung regained the number 1 position in the first quarter of 2024 - according to IDC.

'Another very important thing is that Samsung has returned to the top. This year, we think phones using the Android operating system will grow at a rate twice as fast as phones using the iOS operating system,' Ms. Popal said.

Smartphones from Samsung and many other brands use Android, while iPhones run on iOS.

According to IDC, Android phones have seen a sharp decline in sales over the past few years, so now there is greater room for growth.

IDC's report estimates that global smartphone market sales grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, reaching 289 million product units. This growth reflects that the smartphone market is 'reviving' after 2 years of struggling due to macroeconomic challenges.

Also according to the report, Samsung held a market share of about 20.8% in the global smartphone market in the first quarter, with sales of 60.1 million product units. Next is Apple with 50.1 million product units and a market share of 17.3%. Chinese phone company Xiaomi ranked third, with sales of 40.8 million product units and a market share of 14.1%.

In December last year, Apple surpassed Samsung in smartphone sales, ending Samsung's 12-year streak at No. 1. At that time, Apple reached a market share of 20%, compared to 19.4%. by Samsung.

In its recently released report, IDC said that Apple and Samsung will continue to maintain their leading position in the global smartphone market, but the strong rise of Huawei and other Chinese companies such as Xiaomi and Oppo/OnePlus will continue. continue to take place. Chinese consumers who favor Apple are now switching to buying phones from domestic brands.

China remains an important market for Apple, with the second largest revenue after the US market. Faced with the fact that iPhones are no longer selling as well in China as before, Apple has recently reduced prices in this market to stimulate sales.

Last year, Huawei's Mate 60 smartphone made a big splash when it launched. The Pro version of this phone has made the US Government worried because it uses an advanced chip. Mate 60 Pro is considered shocking because observers do not understand how Huawei can manufacture such a chip after Washington launched a series of measures to limit Huawei's access in particular and Chinese companies generally with US chip technology on the basis of national security concerns.

Ms. Popal also noted that Apple has not sent a strong message about artificial intelligence (AI), at a time when many other technology companies are stepping up efforts in this field.

'We hope to hear a message from Apple at its developers conference in June this year. If they bring something new to consumers, they will attract greater interest,' said Ms. Popal.

Unlike Apple, Samsung has invested heavily in AI. In the latest generation S24 of the Galaxy flagship product line launched in January, Samsung emphasized bringing AI advances to messaging, photo and game features.

"As the overall smartphone market recovers this year, with a focus on AI, Samsung will be well positioned for stronger growth," Ms. Popal said.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 19 April 2024