Initial sales of Apple’s iPhone 16 in South Africa appear to be underwhelming. Despite having stock of various models, including some available on backorder, the iStore’s online website indicates a shortage of Pro models.
Read: Huawei Watch GT 5 Review: Style-forward, fitness-focused
While both MTN and Telkom reported comparable iPhone 16 sales to previous models, Telkom noted that iPhone 15 sales were stronger due to lower pricing. Customers may be finding value in purchasing the previous model while supplies last.
MTN reported the Pro and Pro Max as the most popular models among its customers, while Telkom favoured the standard model followed by the Plus and Pro variants. These trends align with global sales data, which shows that the iPhone 15 outsold the iPhone 16 during the initial pre-order period.
Apple’s supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, estimated that the company sold 37 million iPhone 16 units during the pre-order period, a 12% decline compared to the iPhone 15. The Pro models experienced the most significant sales drops, with decreases of 27% and 16% respectively.
The muted demand for the iPhone 16, particularly the higher-priced models, could impact Apple’s iPhone sales revenue for the third quarter of 2024. However, the company’s production orders for the iPhone 16 remain consistent with expectations.
The delay in the rollout of key artificial intelligence features, originally a major selling point for the iPhone 16, could further impact demand. Kuo anticipates total unit output for the fourth quarter to be slightly lower than the previous year.
Hardware-wise, the iPhone 16 offers minor improvements to the camera system and battery. However, the introduction of a USB-C port on the iPhone 15 was a more significant change.
High prices in South Africa may also be hindering iPhone 16 sales. Despite a slight price reduction compared to the previous year, the iPhone 16 remains relatively expensive, especially when compared to other flagship smartphones. The weak rand has contributed to the higher pricing, making the entry-level model less appealing to consumers.