Apple Dominates Top Ten Best-Selling Smartphones List for 2022

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People are happy with 2021 iPhone 13 series even today which means most are not buying latest Apple tech at wallet destroying prices. People are looking at deals on previous models like iPhone 13 and 12 which are at significant discounted prices. This is not a good trend for Apple if people start waiting for next year to buy previous model for cheap in fire sales.

The “Dufus island” on 14 Pro series is not attracting enough people.

The reason the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro Max ranked highest for the year is because they were available for the entire year while the 14 models were only available less than four months. If you look at October, November and December, iPhone 14 models had the top three spots for each of those months.

These rankings are similar to last year in that 12 and 12 Pro Max were higher ranked FOR THE YEAR than any 13 model. However, that didn't mean 13 models were a dud and the chart for 2022 doesn't show 14 models being a dud either. Again, 14 models captured the top three spots for October, November and December when they were actually available.

 

[okkibs]

What I wonder is who will buy the iPhone 15 series (with yet another series of lackluster non-pro models that have no LTPO screen, no ProMotion...) in masses when there's now three very solid series, 12, 13 and 14, being sold simultaneously. They really leave little to be desired. Sure there are always early adopters, trade-in offers and so on, but there's gotta be a point where a majority of people decide that their camera and other hardware are good enough for the foreseeable future.

Personally, I have always upgraded a lot in the past, on average I have bought more than one Apple device per year and added three more to my inventory just last year. But at this point all my devices are already faster and come with more functions than I'll probably ever need, and I literally have a drawer with a 2020 Intel and a 2020 M1 Macbook that I don't have a use for and keep as a backup, as well as an older iPhone. There are only so many family members to hand down devices to.

How many millions of iPhone 12, 13 and 14 devices can people possibly want to replace with a 15 series iPhone already?

 

[ian87w]

What I wonder is who will buy the iPhone 15 series (with yet another series of lackluster non-pro models that have no LTPO screen, no ProMotion...) in masses when there's now three very solid series, 12, 13 and 14, being sold simultaneously.

A lot of people. You can see the monthly rank for the iPhone 14 in the graph. It became number 1 in December 2022. The same story will be repeated with the iPhone 15.

 

[ian87w]

With statistics like this, you have to wonder why the Chinese OEMs are screwing themselves by releasing dozens of models every 6 months, flooding the market with overlapping models with very tiny price differences. Consumers become confused.

Take Xiaomi in my country. At the low end, they have:
- Redmi A1 at $73
- Redmi 10A at $88
- Redmi 10C at $117
- Redmi 10 2022 at $120
- Redmi Note 11 at $149
- Redmi 10 5G at $153
I mean geez, talk about confusing your own potential customer...

 

[webkit]

What I wonder is who will buy the iPhone 15 series (with yet another series of lackluster non-pro models that have no LTPO screen, no ProMotion...) in masses when there's now three very solid series, 12, 13 and 14, being sold simultaneously. They really leave little to be desired.

Time will tell but many on here were saying that about the iPhone 14 compared to 13 and 12 models yet iPhone 14 models still managed to take the top three spots in October, November and December (months when they were available). Smartphone annual sales overall have been declining recently but Apple seems to still be doing better than competitors.

 

[NT1440]

They really managed to convince the masses to spend much more than necessary on a smartphone. Imagine Mercedes was the car brand with the most sales. People became so addicted to their phones that they spend irrational amounts of money on it. Most people only have a few hundred dollar or less left every month after all expensive. So a $999 phone means spending the money of several months. I have seen unemployed people with the latest iPhone. Some even go into debt to buy one. And after two years they already feel the need to replace it.

Or as most people do it, $25 or so on their monthly phone bill…

 

[compwiz1202]

Interesting there is no iPhone 14 Plus...

I'd be interested to see all the iPhone rankings and the non-Apple down to the worst selling iPhone. How badly did Plus and Mini do compared to Androids?

 

[okkibs]

A lot of people. You can see the monthly rank for the iPhone 14 in the graph. It became number 1 in December 2022. The same story will be repeated with the iPhone 15.

Sure, I just don't understand how so many people can keep buying them year after year when the wealth gap keeps widening and the economic crisis worldwide but especially in the States since the pandemic is decimating the middle class and pulling more and more people into poverty. With how well the iPhones sell you'd think finances would be the last thing on the minds of millions of Americans when it's really the opposite. It can of course all be explained away somehow.

 

[fourthtunz]

What I wonder is who will buy the iPhone 15 series (with yet another series of lackluster non-pro models that have no LTPO screen, no ProMotion...) in masses when there's now three very solid series, 12, 13 and 14, being sold simultaneously. They really leave little to be desired. Sure there are always early adopters, trade-in offers and so on, but there's gotta be a point where a majority of people decide that their camera and other hardware are good enough for the foreseeable future.

Personally, I have always upgraded a lot in the past, on average I have bought more than one Apple device per year and added three more to my inventory just last year. But at this point all my devices are already faster and come with more functions than I'll probably ever need, and I literally have a drawer with a 2020 Intel and a 2020 M1 Macbook that I don't have a use for and keep as a backup, as well as an older iPhone. There are only so many family members to hand down devices to.

How many millions of iPhone 12, 13 and 14 devices can people possibly want to replace with a 15 series iPhone already?

Good question. I upgrade almost every year to the last years pro max, so I’ll probably wait for a used 15 ultra or pro max and upgrade next year from my 13 pro max, which as you say is already damn good.
I wouldn’t mind a better telephoto camera but not a. burning need. This fall will be interesting for sure.

 

[fourthtunz]

Sure, I just don't understand how so many people can keep buying them year after year when the wealth gap keeps widening and the economic crisis worldwide but especially in the States since the pandemic is decimating the middle class and pulling more and more people into poverty. With how well the iPhones sell you'd think finances would be the last thing on the minds of millions of Americans when it's really the opposite. It can of course all be explained away somehow.

Yeah most Americans are way in debt. Goes way beyond the phone though.
I consider myself very lucky. I can understand, many people do not want to wait for something
they will not Be able to afford for a long time.

 

[ian87w]

Sure, I just don't understand how so many people can keep buying them year after year when the wealth gap keeps widening and the economic crisis worldwide but especially in the States since the pandemic is decimating the middle class and pulling more and more people into poverty. With how well the iPhones sell you'd think finances would be the last thing on the minds of millions of Americans when it's really the opposite. It can of course all be explained away somehow.

For every people thinking it's not worth upgrading their iphone 14 to iphone 15, there will be dozens more people using older iphone 7, 8, XR, etc who are looking for an upgrade. There will always be people looking for an upgrade at any given time.

Most people buy iphones through contracts or financing. Even a $1000 iphone is surprisingly affordable when the amount is spread over a year or two.

Also, Apple is a really highly desirable brand. In my country, Apple prices are highly marked up, yet every iphone pre orders always sold out year over year.

I'm not sure how people buying iphones have any correlation with poverty. Luxury brands like Apple tend to not be severely affected by economic events.

 

[mannyvel]

This is a pretty crazy statistic, in that Apple is generally has highest profit share of any mobile manufacturer as well.

The thing about iPhones being a luxury good: you don't have to buy the newest iPhone. There are plenty of previous-gen iPhones around. One thing about Apple's form factors is that you generally can't tell which one is current gen anymore. That's probably been a boon for the secondary market.

But in any case monthly payments make iPhones relatively affordable.

 

[compwiz1202]

This is a pretty crazy statistic, in that Apple is generally has highest profit share of any mobile manufacturer as well.

The thing about iPhones being a luxury good: you don't have to buy the newest iPhone. There are plenty of previous-gen iPhones around. One thing about Apple's form factors is that you generally can't tell which one is current gen anymore. That's probably been a boon for the secondary market.

But in any case monthly payments make iPhones relatively affordable.

Yea with the carrier deals, I don't see iPhone being luxury, but the Macbooks can be especially Pro.

 

[azentropy]

Just added a new 13 mini

I've had both minis and will continue to rock the 13 mini for some time. My nephew's girlfriend recently wanted to replace her long used 7 with a mini and the carrier didn't have a good subsidy for it. It was basically get a 14 for free or have to pay $400 for the 13 mini. She decided to try the 14 but so far doesn't like it. She is very tiny herself (probably 5ft < 100 lbs).

 

[StoneJack]

I've had both minis and will continue to rock the 13 mini for some time. My nephew's girlfriend recently wanted to replace her long used 7 with a mini and the carrier didn't have a good subsidy for it. It was basically get a 14 for free or have to pay $400 for the 13 mini. She decided to try the 14 but so far doesn't like it. She is very tiny herself (probably 5ft < 100 lbs).

Tiny phones for tiny people lol

 

[BigMcGuire]

I've had both minis and will continue to rock the 13 mini for some time. My nephew's girlfriend recently wanted to replace her long used 7 with a mini and the carrier didn't have a good subsidy for it. It was basically get a 14 for free or have to pay $400 for the 13 mini. She decided to try the 14 but so far doesn't like it. She is very tiny herself (probably 5ft < 100 lbs).

My wife is 5'1 and has been using the Plus/Pro Max phones since the 6+. And she uses it all day long.

Me? I am much much bigger (wider and taller) and I prefer the Pro. lol. I held the mini and thought it would be a perfect phone. lol.

 

[CarAnalogy]

That A13 costs $250 and has a 90Hz display…

Calling it “ProMotion” and limiting anything above 60Hz to “pro” devices was a mistake. This is getting ridiculous.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

Or as most people do it, $25 or so on their monthly phone bill…

For how many months do you have to pay $25 to get a $999 or even more expensive iPhone? It also means that you are basically going into debt, unless you can cancel that $25 per month contract at any time and give back the phone.

 

[jntdroid]

For how many months do you have to pay $25 to get a $999 or even more expensive iPhone? It also means that you are basically going into debt, unless you can cancel that $25 per month contract at any time and give back the phone.

The main US carriers allow you to spread the cost over 2-3 years, so you're looking at anywhere from $27 to $42 per month. The carriers normally allow you to turn it back in and restart your payment agreement on the new ones each year as well. This cost is at 0% and is not on your credit record. If you leave the carrier, the balance of the phone goes on your last bill.

In addition, Apple let's you do their iPhone Upgrade program, which is basically a leasing option to keep the latest/greatest each year if you utilize it. Otherwise, it's just 0% financing through a 3rd party bank that, I'm pretty sure, does go on your credit record.

Edit: In addition to that, Apple lets you finance through your Apple Card at 0% over 24 months as well - but this is basically a credit card, so it also adds to your credit balance.

Honestly, if you know with certainty you're going to switch every 1-2 years anyway, spreading the payments out at 0% is cheaper than buying outright for the new flagships - or heck, even the year old flagships with iPhones. Principally speaking I still prefer buying outright. But it's not necessarily the most cost effective way unless you keep your devices for awhile.

 

[NT1440]

For how many months do you have to pay $25 to get a $999 or even more expensive iPhone? It also means that you are basically going into debt, unless you can cancel that $25 per month contract at any time and give back the phone.

Don’t ask me, that’s what it costs right now if you don’t pay for it outright at T-Mobile or Verizon. That’s how it’s been for quite a while in the US, I don’t buy my phones that way though.

 

[mannyvel]

For how many months do you have to pay $25 to get a $999 or even more expensive iPhone? It also means that you are basically going into debt, unless you can cancel that $25 per month contract at any time and give back the phone.

Debt in and of itself isn't bad. It's a trade between tomorrow and today. In fact, in a high-inflation economy debt is your friend, because you're paying your purchase off with money that's worth less than it was worth today.

One difference betwen the rich and everyone else is their relationship with debt. Debt is just a tool.

 

[Shanghaichica]

My wife is 5'1 and has been using the Plus/Pro Max phones since the 6+. And she uses it all day long.

Me? I am much much bigger (wider and taller) and I prefer the Pro. lol. I held the mini and thought it would be a perfect phone. lol.

Definitely think it’s a lady thing lol I am 5”3 and love the maxes/plus sized phones.

 

[nvmls]

Yes but those expensive phones employee lots of people. Maybe worry about yourself and not so much what others spend their money on.

Yea, Timmy will use his 80 million bonus to hire more people.

 

[gund1234]

They really managed to convince the masses to spend much more than necessary on a smartphone. Imagine Mercedes was the car brand with the most sales. People became so addicted to their phones that they spend irrational amounts of money on it. Most people only have a few hundred dollar or less left every month after all expensive. So a $999 phone means spending the money of several months. I have seen unemployed people with the latest iPhone. Some even go into debt to buy one. And after two years they already feel the need to replace it.

Welcome to capitalism, people have to make that decision.
i think it is the echo system they have created. I don't need expensive phone either, i don't use all the fancy features.

 

[gund1234]

With statistics like this, you have to wonder why the Chinese OEMs are screwing themselves by releasing dozens of models every 6 months, flooding the market with overlapping models with very tiny price differences. Consumers become confused.

Take Xiaomi in my country. At the low end, they have:
- Redmi A1 at $73
- Redmi 10A at $88
- Redmi 10C at $117
- Redmi 10 2022 at $120
- Redmi Note 11 at $149
- Redmi 10 5G at $153
I mean geez, talk about confusing your own potential customer...

Apple is getting there slowly with so many models.