Apple Again Tops Holiday Sales With 44% of All New Mobile Device Activations

[Michael Scrip]

BAHAHAHHAa, do you really think Apple outsold Samsung Galaxy S8 April 21-May 21, 2017? If so, I have some oceanfront property in North Dakota to sell you.

And you do realize that Samsung has been releasing two flagships a year, compared to Apple's one, if you'd even consider Apple doing one a year (I'd really call it once every other year at this point, but let's go with once a year for giggles)

I hate to get involved in the bickering here... but I found this:

Headline: Samsung’s Galaxy S8 isn’t selling as fast as the Galaxy S7

While Samsung was undoubtedly raking in the cash last quarter, sales of its flagship Galaxy S8 checked in a bit lower than many were anticipating. In fact, a new report from The Korea Herald reveals that S8 sales during the first 60 days following its launch are tracking markedly lower than S7 sales during a similar time frame. Whereas the S7 saw approximately 12 million in unit sales in the first two months after launch, S8 sales are believed to be in the 9.8 million range, representing a 20% drop.

If this report is true... Galaxy S8 sales were less than 10 million units for its first 2 months after launch.

That averages 5 million a month. (though its first month should be a little higher... let's say 6 million first month and 4 million 2nd month)

Are those good numbers for a flagship after launch? I'm not so sure.

I saw a report that said Apple sold 6 million iPhone X over Black Friday weekend alone... with a total of 15 million iPhone X in its first 3 weeks after launch.

So... we've got Galaxy S8 selling 6 million in its first month after launch...

But we've got iPhone X selling 15 million in just 3 weeks after launch. (probably 20 million in the first whole month)

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[falainber]

No, it’s for worldwide activations, not sales, which are close but markedly distinct. The data may be skewed slightly, but they wouldn’t call it worldwide if it weren’t at least somewhat representative. (Otherwise, any statistical analysis at all would be inherently invalid.)

What's the difference between activations and sales? Sure there might be phones purchased and not activated but that must be rare. Besides, Flurry probably has no idea about the activations in terms of wireless providers. They just collect information from all devices that come online. First such registration (in their database) for a given device is probably treated as "activation".

 

[Michael Scrip]

Read the whole sentence, it explains everything:

Oh I know.

I was just wondering which exact countries were activating all those iPhone 6

It's not Norway... for instance...

 

[sinsin07]

Oh I know.

I was just wondering which exact countries were activating all those iPhone 6

It's not Norway... for instance...

My bad.
And thanks for post #76.

 

[Sasparilla]

The iPhone 6 is getting the most activations? Oh man, I would not want to be activating iPhone 6's at this point. Even a 6s is going to have a shorter supported life.

But if you include both sizes then the 6 and 6s are not getting the most activations - its the 8, 8 Plus and X, next in line are the 7 and 7 Plus. So not so worrisome as the headline implies.

Samsung ≠ Android.

While very true literally, at least here in the U.S., Samsung is Android in the marketplace.

 

[MacBebe]

You’re one to talk about cherrypicking data.

This guy (chriscrowlee) is really not a very happy camper for Apple to be the top of the list of OEMs in terms of new device activations this holiday, LOL

 

[falainber]

I hate to get involved in the bickering here... but I found this:

Headline: Samsung’s Galaxy S8 isn’t selling as fast as the Galaxy S7

While Samsung was undoubtedly raking in the cash last quarter, sales of its flagship Galaxy S8 checked in a bit lower than many were anticipating. In fact, a new report from The Korea Herald reveals that S8 sales during the first 60 days following its launch are tracking markedly lower than S7 sales during a similar time frame. Whereas the S7 saw approximately 12 million in unit sales in the first two months after launch, S8 sales are believed to be in the 9.8 million range, representing a 20% drop.

If this report is true... Galaxy S8 sales were less than 10 million units for its first 2 months after launch.

That averages 5 million a month. (though its first month should be a little higher... let's say 6 million first month and 4 million 2nd month)

Are those good numbers for a flagship after launch? I'm not so sure.

I saw a report that said Apple sold 6 million iPhone X over Black Friday weekend alone... with a total of 15 million iPhone X in its 3 weeks after launch.

So... we've got Galaxy S8 selling 6 million in its first month after launch...

But we've got iPhone X selling 15 million in just 3 weeks after launch. (probably 20 million in the first whole month)

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The sale dynamic is totally different for Apple and other companies. It is a well known fact that iPhone sales spike right after launch and then drop significantly. Samsung sales obviously have a similar but much less pronounced dynamic. Samsung does not have the same type of cult-like followers as Apple does. Also Galaxy S is not Samsung flagship phone. Galaxy Note is (but Galaxy S does sell better).

 

[TheMacDaddy1]

Yep, this is typical Apple marketing spew (yeah I know it's a third party, but you can easily look at the way the data is presented and see who the bias is toward). If you look at actual sales, Android OS devices outsell Apple something like 19 to 1. It's not even a competition anymore like it was 5 years ago. LOL. The world has spoken and Android is the Windows and iOS is the Mac. It'll always be that way. Apple isn't going anywhere but Android is always going to be the dominant force by far.
[doublepost=1514390935][/doublepost]

Did I say anything to the contrary? It's the only way Apple can present data that doesn't make them look like a total nothingburger these days. Why do you think whenever Apple talks about Mac marketshare they compare to makers not OS... when in reality people buying PCs are buying windows computers, not for the brand of hardward. Mac vs PC Windows and iOS vs Android are the only comparisons that matter anymore. To compare based on anything else is just silly and trying to twist the numbers to support a position that's just not there.

"It's the only way Apple can present data that doesn't make them look like a total nothingburger these days."

They could use revenue and profit data....are they still a nothingburger? How about money made on apps? Money made by developers?

Android marketshare is but a single data point. That data point is weak when you look at the FACT that a large percentage of Android marketshare is made up by junk devices costing less than the iPhone SE. I would love to know that marketshare percentage of Android sets that actually compete price wise with iPhones.

During that big court battle between Apple and Samsung 3-4 years ago information came out that the average selling price of Samsung Android phones was something like $85 telling us all that they sell lots and lots and lots of junk.

in 2017

https://www.androidauthority.com/price-gap-samsung-apple-smartphones-769772/

 

[DNichter]

Can you imagine how bummed must be those who just got iPhone 6 (and newer models) and then learned about the power management flaw in it? Let's hope Apple does the right thing and comes up with a plan for free battery replacements for extended period of time (they may be forced to do this by courts).

I wouldn't be bummed at all. Apple implements a feature that prolongs the life of my device after the battery degrades past it's expected life cycle? I am in.

 

[DakotaGuy]

Apple failed. iPhone 7 or 6 is sold more than X. It's not because people like them but X is overpriced.

Actually the X isn’t doing “that bad” when you consider the price and availability at launch. The 8s appear to be the poor sellers considering Apple introduced them as their flagship to appeal to the masses.

 

[ipponrg]

I'm shocked that iPhone 6 is #2 on the list... with its 2014-era A8 processor and 1GB of RAM.

One thing I find common here in the U.S. is the bubble that we live in.

In other countries, one should also realize that iPhones are also status symbols. Why else would Apple hire Burberry's former CEO to head their retail stores?

I would say it's naive to assume that because the iPhone sells well internationally, then that means Apple makes an arguably better technical product. If you took into account Apple's entire breadth of identification (i.e. marketing/branding, reach, status, features), it's probably the entire package that allows them to be successful globally.

IMO, Apple's branding/marketing strategies are very underrated.

 

[WannaGoMac]

I wouldn't be bummed at all. Apple implements a feature that prolongs the life of my device after the battery degrades past it's expected life cycle? I am in.

Enjoy your speedy X, those of us with older iPhones dont appreciate the 50% CPU speed reduction on iOS 10/11./. I can always replace the battery, just tell me it needs it and I will do it... dont slow the thing down.

In old days my iPhones would shut down as they got older and I actually liked it because it indicated it was time for a battery replacement.

 

[TheMacDaddy1]

Apple failed. iPhone 7 or 6 is sold more than X. It's not because people like them but X is overpriced.

Price matters but the X did not fail at all. It was the 3rd highest selling phone behind two phones that cost less than half of the iPhone X. Had it only gotten 5% or less then yes fail. We picked my son up a new iPhone 7 32gig for $549, which is quite a bit cheaper than my and my wife iPhone X.

 

[Michael Scrip]

The sale dynamic is totally different for Apple and other companies. It is a well known fact that iPhone sales spike right after launch and then drop significantly. Samsung sales obviously have a similar but much less pronounced dynamic.

Sure... it's tough to make a *cough* apples-to-apples comparison between anything Samsung does and anything Apple does (even though some commentors here fight vigorously to attempt it)

I still think this data was interesting.

For all the talk about Galaxy S8... you'd think it would be a sales monster.

It doesn't appear to be though... at least at launch. 10 million in its first 2 months? If that report is true... that doesn't sound so hot.

Maybe S8 sales have picked up since then.

 

[mi7chy]

Only Google, carriers and Apple have activation numbers. This Yahoo subsidiary is just a paid marketing company to influence the minds of consumers.

 

[sinsin07]

The sale dynamic is totally different for Apple and other companies.

This is meaningless without further elaboration on your part.

It is a well known fact that iPhone sales spike right after launch and then drop significantly. Samsung sales obviously have a similar but much less pronounced dynamic.

Without data to support claim the above is just a floating statement.

Samsung does not have the same type of cult-like followers as Apple does.

Irrelevant.

Also Galaxy S is not Samsung flagship phone. Galaxy Note is (but Galaxy S does sell better).

Says who?
Flagship smartphones: Specs, benchmarks and prices for iPhone, Samsung, Huawei and more
Samsung Galaxy S series
"The Samsung Galaxy S series is a line of high-end Android smartphones and tablets by Samsung Electronics. The first device in the series, the Samsung Galaxy S smartphone, was announced by Samsung in March 2010 and released in June of that year.

Since the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone in 2011, the Galaxy S line has co-existed with the

Galaxy Note line as being Samsung's flagship smartphones."

 

[78Bandit]

As a device family (regular and plus models combined) the iPhone 7 was the big winner with a total of 25.5% followed by the iPhone 6 with 19.2%, the iPhone 6S with 17.9%, the iPhone 8 with 16.8%, the iPhone X with 14.7%, and finally the iPhone SE with 6.0%.

EDIT:

But if you include both sizes then the 6 and 6s are not getting the most activations - its the 8, 8 Plus and X, next in line are the 7 and 7 Plus. So not so worrisome as the headline implies.

The 8 is behind the 7, 6s, and 6 in total activations. Even if you just look at plus devices the 7 Plus is outselling the 8 Plus based on activations.

You must be lumping sales of the X in with sales of the 8. In that case the newest generations of devices (the 8 AND the X) take the top spot with 31.5%. That would be very worrying to me if I was Apple as the new devices are making up less than a third of total activations.

 

[npmacuser5]

Can't help but notice again the way the numbers are presented look good for Apple. But in reality, it shows Android activations surpassed Apple if you look at the actual numbers. Does Apple know they can't just manipulate stats into becoming number 1?

Apple does not license their IOS, like Google. The fair comparrison, use the customized Android and hardware, like Samsung’s implementation. In reality there are no one Android and hardware configurations, manufacture specific. Thus, Apple to Samsung a fair comparison of unique devices.

 

[Cosmosent]

Based-upon the numbers / breakdown, Apple will NOT beat the $618 ASP number of the previous Qtr !

Crunch your own numbers, and you'll (very-likely) come to the same conclusion.

The 8 and 8+ aren't doing well (in fact, much worse than I even though), and the X has a limited (potential) customer base because of it's price.

When the 7 and (years old) 6 lead Sales, things aren't going as planned at Apple, AND there is NO way they can spin it as such !

 

[falainber]

Read the whole sentence, it explains everything:

The original report (from Flurry) says this:
The prominence of the iPhone 6 is particularly interesting, as Apple only relaunched that model to resellers in select international markets in the spring of 2017. It’s apparent that the consumer concern for cost is still significant, as the iPhone 6 is often marketed as the most affordable option in the regions where it is available.

 

[Martyimac]

I hate to get involved in the bickering here... but I found this:

Headline: Samsung’s Galaxy S8 isn’t selling as fast as the Galaxy S7

While Samsung was undoubtedly raking in the cash last quarter, sales of its flagship Galaxy S8 checked in a bit lower than many were anticipating. In fact, a new report from The Korea Herald reveals that S8 sales during the first 60 days following its launch are tracking markedly lower than S7 sales during a similar time frame. Whereas the S7 saw approximately 12 million in unit sales in the first two months after launch, S8 sales are believed to be in the 9.8 million range, representing a 20% drop.

If this report is true... Galaxy S8 sales were less than 10 million units for its first 2 months after launch.

That averages 5 million a month. (though its first month should be a little higher... let's say 6 million first month and 4 million 2nd month)

Are those good numbers for a flagship after launch? I'm not so sure.

I saw a report that said Apple sold 6 million iPhone X over Black Friday weekend alone... with a total of 15 million iPhone X in its first 3 weeks after launch.

So... we've got Galaxy S8 selling 6 million in its first month after launch...

But we've got iPhone X selling 15 million in just 3 weeks after launch. (probably 20 million in the first whole month)

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I am not debating the Samsung/Android vs iPhone/iOS details. What I found interesting was the highlighted portion. As has been discussed right here on MR, there is the very real possibility that cell phone sales/ownership has reached maturity/saturation. I suspect, but don't know for certain, that ALL sales, iphone AND Android, are going to plateau over the next year or so.
Only time will tell.

 

[sinsin07]

The original report (from Flurry) says this:
The prominence of the iPhone 6 is particularly interesting, as Apple only relaunched that model to resellers in select international markets in the spring of 2017. It’s apparent that the consumer concern for cost is still significant, as the iPhone 6 is often marketed as the most affordable option in the regions where it is available.

Ok I give up.
Show me where I disputed that.

 

[Michael Scrip]

When the 7 and (years old) 6 lead Sales, things aren't going as planned at Apple, AND there is NO way they can spin it as such !

The good news is... those iPhone 6 were sold in countries where current-generation iPhones are very expensive and thus unreachable.

The fact that they bought an Apple phone instead of some other Android phone is still a good thing.

I think some people here are getting the wrong impression about this iPhone 6 news though.

iPhone 6 isn't stealing sales from the iPhone X. No one is ready to buy an iPhone X but they decide to buy an iPhone 6 instead. The iPhone 6 is its own thing.

iPhone 7? That's a whole other story.

EDIT: I'm not concerned about the iPhone 7 news either.

There are probably tons of people who still have iPhone 6 today and thus an iPhone 7 would be a hell of an upgrade. Remember... that's still two generations newer: 6 --> 6S --> 7

[doublepost=1514397886][/doublepost]

I am not debating the Samsung/Android vs iPhone/iOS details. What I found interesting was the highlighted portion. As has been discussed right here on MR, there is the very real possibility that cell phone sales/ownership has reached maturity/saturation. I suspect, but don't know for certain, that ALL sales, iphone AND Android, are going to plateau over the next year or so.
Only time will tell.

Yep... though if we're in the slowdown now... we won't know until after it happens.

I agree though... maturity and saturation will happen at some point.

Instead of an 2 year average refresh cycle... it might go to 3 years.

People will still buy new phones though... just not as often.

Someone will always be ready to buy a new phone every day.

 

[KPOM]

Can't help but notice again the way the numbers are presented look good for Apple. But in reality, it shows Android activations surpassed Apple if you look at the actual numbers. Does Apple know they can't just manipulate stats into becoming number 1?

Obviously “Android” tops iOS but Apple dominated as far as individual companies are concerned.
[doublepost=1514398045][/doublepost]

The good news is... those iPhone 6 were sold in countries where current-generation iPhones are very expensive and thus unreachable.

The fact that they bought an Apple phone instead of some other Android phone is still a good thing.

I think some people here are getting the wrong impression about this iPhone 6 news though.

iPhone 6 isn't stealing sales from the iPhone X. No one is ready to buy an iPhone X but they decide to buy an iPhone 6 instead. The iPhone 6 is its own thing.

iPhone 7? That's a whole other story.
[doublepost=1514397886][/doublepost]

Yep... though if we're in the slowdown now... we won't know until after it happens.

I agree though... maturity and saturation will happen at some point.

Instead of an 2 year average refresh cycle... it might go to 3 years.

People will still buy new phones... just not as often.

Someone will still be ready to buy a new phone every day.

Agreed about the iPhone 6. That suggests a healthy resale market.

 

[deanthedev]

Based-upon the numbers / breakdown, Apple will NOT beat the $618 ASP number of the previous Qtr !

Crunch your own numbers, and you'll (very-likely) come to the same conclusion.

The 8 and 8+ aren't doing well (in fact, much worse than I even though), and the X has a limited (potential) customer base because of it's price.

When the 7 and (years old) 6 lead Sales, things aren't going as planned at Apple, AND there is NO way they can spin it as such !

Yet Apple has guidance for $84-87 billion this quarter. You think those numbers are coming from Macs or iPads?

How do you suppose Apple intends to hit those numbers without selling a TON of iPhones? And not the cheaper models.
[doublepost=1514398801][/doublepost]

The sale dynamic is totally different for Apple and other companies. It is a well known fact that iPhone sales spike right after launch and then drop significantly. Samsung sales obviously have a similar but much less pronounced dynamic. Samsung does not have the same type of cult-like followers as Apple does. Also Galaxy S is not Samsung flagship phone. Galaxy Note is (but Galaxy S does sell better).

Which is why you need to look at total sales over an entire year (or multiple years). This is where you see the iPhone destroying Samsung.

Cult like followers? Why do people assume Apples success is because of “fanboys” or “cult like followers” instead of the most logical reason - that they make great products that people want to buy?