As Smartphone Industry Sputters, the iPhone Expands Its Dominance

[dalton99a]

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/business/apple-iphone-17.html
https://archive.ph/NXPmv

As Smartphone Industry Sputters, the iPhone Expands Its Dominance
Apple, which is set to release a new iPhone on Tuesday, has increased its share of smartphone sales by converting Android customers and adding teenagers.
By Tripp Mickle
Sept. 11, 2023

...

In the United States, the iPhone’s largest market, the device now accounts for more than 50 percent of smartphones sold, up from 41 percent in 2018, according to Counterpoint Research, a technology firm. The gains have helped it claim about a fifth of the world’s smartphone sales, up from a low of 13 percent in 2019.

Apple has expanded its smartphone empire as the broader industry has faltered. Over the past two years, sales of Android smartphones have plummeted, but the iPhone has suffered only modest declines because it’s been winning new customers. It has done so despite being the industry’s priciest device.

Apple has overcome price sensitivity by creating a business that is reminiscent of U.S. car sales. Like a car, iPhones last for years and can be resold to offset the purchase of a new one. Wireless providers, much like auto dealers, offer discounts and monthly payment plans that make it more affordable to buy the latest model. And customers, like brand-loyal car buyers, are more likely to buy another iPhone than switch to Google’s Android operating system.

In the United States, the iPhone’s popularity is expected to widen in the years ahead. Nearly 90 percent of teenagers own an iPhone, according to Piper Sandler, an investment bank.

...

[snowybirdie]

1. Cost too much

For those of us that don't live our lives on the phone, the IPhone is very expensive and not worth it. My Samsung smart android works just fine for what I use it for daily.

[dalton99a]

2. True. Even the budget phones have what most people need

make calls, send texts, browse the Internet, and take photos

[jimfields33]

4. Quality must be first decision which is why the iPhone is perfect

Although, I pay mine out right every 4 years, you can pay 30 bucks a months for 3 years to pay it off. Everyone can swing that.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

8. I agree they cost too much.

Which is partly why I have an android. Plus, I long ago lost all respect for Apple. Nor do I live my life on my phone. I use it to make actual phone calls or text. On rare occasions I might google something.

Did they ever solve that problem of putting in crappy batteries and then forcing people to buy a new phone rather than replace the battery?

[dlk]

3. After three disastrous Samsung phones in a row

Including challenges even successfully making phone calls, I am a very happy and satisfied iPhone user. They work.

[dalton99a]

6. iPhones are far more reliable and durable - across the entire product lineup

They are well designed and well built

[dlk]

13. Yes, there's a world of difference, in my view

I can’t imagine ever going back.

[usonian]

5. Writing this in an iPhone8 that is easily 8 years old.

And the simple camera has taken some of my nicest pictures. There's something about stuff that's well put together and lasts that appeals to me in this throw-away world.

My stereo gear is from the 80's and the 70's camera gear still works great.

Best thing is that Google doesn't write the software for it. Nobody's perfect but Google is the spy master.

For example:
https://theconversation.com/google-chrome-just-rolled-out-a-new-way-to-track-you-and-serve-ads-heres-what-you-need-to-know-213150

The new suite of features represents a fundamental shift in how Chrome will track user data for the benefit of advertisers. Instead of third-party cookies, Chrome can now tap directly into your browsing history to gather information on advertising “topics”

[dalton99a]

7. Google created Android and the Android ecosystem for data collection purposes.

Every Android device sends personal data including your location to Google (and not many people know how to turn it off)

[brush]

9. I'm an Apple guy and have been for years...but not for phones.

Why pay over a grand for a phone when you can get an android device for a couple hundred or less that does the same thing?

[justaprogressive]

10. You're not wrong!

Galaxy phones are fine electronics.

[brush]

11. I have an AT&T android that works just fine too.

[sl8]

12. The article says "more than 50% of smartphone sales" AND "a fifth of the world's smartphone sales"?

Judging by the Counterpoint site, I think that the "more than 50%" applies to 5G sales, and the "about a fifth of the world’s smartphone sales" applies to all smartphone sales. The NYT article seems pretty confusing to me.


https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insights/asp-rise-10-yoy-limits-q3-2022-global-handset-revenue-fall-3-yoy/

https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insights/global-smartphone-shipments-share-last-eight-years/