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Ming-Chi Kuo: There’s no Apple iPhone 16 ‘supercycle’
Apple should be unhappy with iPhone 16 sales numbers. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo compiled data from a supply chain survey and pre-order results from official websites. It suggests the new iPhones are not selling as expected.
According to the report, pre-orders for the Apple iPhone 16 series in the first weekend are estimated to be about 37 million units. This is approximately down 12.7% year-on-year compared to the iPhone 15 line’s first-weekend sales.
In addition, the demand for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is lower than expected. It comes as quite a surprising move as Apple debuted an even more powerful chipset, expanded the Telephoto camera to the Pro model, and fueled AI capabilities.
Has Apple Intelligence failed?
Apple partnered with OpenAI to bring AI capabilities to the iPhone. The iOS 18 introduces AI features on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Apple Intelligence suite is coming across the iPhone 16 models.
Lower than-expected sales suggest Apple Intelligence made no impact on sales. The non-Pro models also bring AI capabilities and have a dedicated Camera Control button too. However, consumers don’t consider them a reason to upgrade.
It is also possible that the sales may be boosted in the next couple of weeks. The reason is, that AI features won’t be available in the iPhone 16 series when they start to deliver. Rather, Apple planned to roll out in batches starting in October.
In addition, intense competition from Huawei in China is impacting iPhone demand over there. Well, Kuo says the US tech giant would not reduce its production, and it’s expected to go on as previously decided.
Samsung confirmed One UI 7 Beta coming by the end of this year for developers. We were guessing a short and limited Beta availability this year. In a shocking development, the company announced One UI 7 rollout will start next year.
We observed a major reshuffle in Samsung’s software strategy this year. The company fueled many features in the One UI 6.1 update. The One UI 6.1.1 is also a big update, which expanded in much time as compared to previous versions.
One UI 7 Beta was not announced in August, its usual release month. September was also left waiting and seemingly October will also change nothing. Samsung says, One UI 7 Beta will release for developers by the end of this year.
Previous Beta activities still had wider availability among users. However, we don’t expect the same to repeat this year with One UI 7. With “developers” the company might have meant to a limited audience for a limited period.
The Beta release is scheduled for later this year, quite close to January’s Stable debut. So, flagship Galaxy users have to be satisfied with One UI 6.1.1 features. The next big thing would arrive when you would have guessed the 7.1 release.
At SDC24, the company also teased core design elements of the One UI 7. The firmware will bring a new user experience focused on simple, impactful, and emotive design. The home screen layout will also add intuitive grid functionality for better UX.
Apple and Samsung’s mobile software bring their own set of features and innovations, but the question remains: does iOS 18 set a new standard that One UI 7 can’t meet? Let’s explore the strengths of both OSs and see how they compare.
iOS 18 is available on compatible Apple iPhone models internationally. Samsung is paying the price of reliance on the Android operating system. The delay in Android 15 seemingly caused One UI 7 Beta to be delayed and delayed.
Apple’s software is well known for its fluid animations and reliable functioning. Samsung is trying hard to challenge iOS reign but lags behind. Galaxy phones are literally unable to make sensible use of cutting-edge hardware specifications.
iOS 18 comes with many design enhancements, including updated widgets and improved notification management. These changes make a major impact on everyday usage, providing a more seamless and visually appealing user experience.
Apple Intelligence’s inclusion will help iOS lead further. The company has collaborated with OpenAI for AI capabilities on the iPhone. The software is deeply integrated with AI to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience.
It doesn’t mean iOS 18 is unbeatable.
iOS 18 is difficult to defeat but not impossible for Samsung’s One UI 7. The Galaxy AI suite is far ahead in terms of usability against Apple Intelligence. Galaxy phones have countless AI tricks that Apple would be able to adopt in years.
Samsung has to work on system stability and performance. The software always shines with its customization capabilities. The Galaxy’s hardware should be optimized for Android, so the processor, display, and camera would offer the most.
Whether you pick iOS or One UI, depends on your priorities. If you love the customization and openness of Android, One UI will be your first choice. Meanwhile, if you aren’t a power user and prefer reliable + stable UX, iOS would attract you.
One UI and iOS have their strengths. Samsung is expected to introduce the One UI 7 at the SDC24 event today. We are guessing the Stable rollout could be promised without the commencement of Beta testing activity as it’s already delayed.
Google clarified after Epic Games sued Samsung over One UI’s Auto Blocker feature. The company disclaims involvement in the creation or functioning of Auto Blocker. Meanwhile, Samsung said it is ready to contest a legal battle with Epic Games.
Recently, Google’s Head of Android Security and Privacy, David Kleidermacher, called Epic’s latest lawsuit a “meritless and dangerous” move. The executive clarified that Google did not request Samsung to “create” the Auto Blocker feature.
🧵Epic’s latest lawsuit is a meritless and dangerous move. Google did not request that Samsung create their Auto Blocker feature. (1/5) https://t.co/WFrPXAje9Z
— David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024
Following David’s clarification, MishaalRahman asked him about the functioning of Auto Blocker. He, then, explained that Google has no role in Samsung shipping Auto Blocker enabled by default in new Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1 and later.
TheVerge reached out to Samsung for a follow-up on the recent controversy. The company would not confirm or deny whether it worked with Google on Auto Blocker, but said “ready to contest” with Epic. Here is the full statement of a Samsung spokesperson:
- Contrary to Epic Game’s assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.
- The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users’ personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time.
- We plan to vigorously contest Epic Game’s baseless claims.
Epic Games, in its lawsuit, claimed that Samsung intentionally crafted Auto Blocker to benefit Google. Epic highlighted that Samsung first debuted Auto Blocker and started shipping it enabled by default after a few months.
Samsung launched Auto Blocker in late 2023, which started arriving enabled by default in newer One UI versions. The feature disables app sideloading to secure your device against any unauthorized app installation.