Apple's Decision to Slash iPhone X Production Volume in Q1 2018 Could Delay Future OLED Models

[WannaGoMac]

I have an iPhone X, bought new just 4 weeks ago. Already it has given me problems that I have never experienced with my previous iPhones (3G, 4, 5, 6 Plus, 6s Plus). The device is completely dependent upon swiping up and Touch, and already the Touch sensors have gone bonkers on mine.

It basically behaves like it's possessed - the screens suddenly start moving/jittering back and forth, letters get typed into input fields when I haven't even touched the device, auto-selecting things at the bottom of screens (like e.g. in Mail, the lowest-most folder you can see on the screen gets selected and moved into), etc. At this point I basically can't even swipe up to get to Face ID/passphrase. The sensors are completely non-functional. I tried Siri input and anything after the first word or two doesn't get 'heard'. Something is very, very wrong with this phone - and I've seen posts on the Apple Discussion Boards from others with the exact same issue.

I'm thinking maybe I should exchange it for an 8 Plus because the X is completely unusable in its present state. Very disappointing to have both this single point of failure in the X as well as having it suffer "crib death" so early in its cycle (but of course, naturally it happened after AT&T's initial 2 week exchange period). At least an 8 Plus would probably have a working Home button ...

Come on. Just bring to Apple support and ask for replacement
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What killed the the iPhone X for me.
The Face ID. Demo failed.
Software issues causing lack of faith.
Crazy prices compared to other phone makers that provide way more for the buck.
Leaks about a stylus based iPhone like the note next year.

I love Apple products, I just feel they have lost the drive, need to start listening to what their customers want and improve quality support for software.

The primium price model can’t apply any more and needs too change until Apple recovers from this.

I always try to buy American, my company of 20 years was bought out buy Samsung last year and moved off shore.

Everyone lost their jobs.

I will keep using my iPhone 6 and other Apple products.

In the mean time I have purchased a Surface laptop and Xbox 1X.

I hope this will be the year for Apple again, maybe more cooperation between Apple and other US companies to keep US #1, other wise Samsung will win this Game and we will loose more American companies.

Lol all you people who complain never even used the phone for an extended period of time. I'm on day 10 and face id works great. I'm actually shocked that it actually works this well. In fact it works as well if not a bit better than Touch ID did for me. I really don't understand how people can complain who never even use the phone it must be people trying to just be bitter about things in life or something I don't know

 

[shareef777]

Suspect its that, the aluminum frame, the improved camera, Face ID technology being new, borderless screen, and yes making more money on the device. As a Plus user I viewed it as $200 more than a plus so it's not as high a jump but I get that an 8/7/6 series user would balk.

Usability wise, it's comparable to the 8, not the plus version. Simply open Mail or the Phone apps and you'll see that you get more on-screen data on the plus, then you do the X. So compared to the 8, it's a $300 premium. I'm not saying you don't get $300 worth of features. To some, the added battery over the 8, or the higher screen quality, or FaceID vs TouchID is worth the $300 premium. It's a personal preference, but you'll be damned to find people paying that type of premium for those features outside the hardcore Apple fans and those that are into technology that have disposable income.

 

[jonnysods]

I hope the insane pricing burned their fingers a little.

 

[I7guy]

I hope the insane pricing burned their fingers a little.

Don’t think so. This is the new norm for mobile phone pricing.

 

[JGRE]

I’ve similarly doubled my expected upgrade cycle but for me it was every two years and now it’ll be 3-4 years for iPhone X if my carrier doesn’t make me an offer I can’t refuse. $1450 in European moneys for the 64GB Version is iPad or Mac money. I expect appropriate product life and I won’t sell my X to buy me in again earlier as I plan on keeping the “jubilee iPhone”.

I would never buy an iPad for that kind of money (similar as to an iPhone) and only paid eur 1.000 for my MBP (smuggled it from the US, pssss, don't tell anybody). It is a 13" early 2011, increased RAM and swapped the hard drive for an SSD some time ago and I am still happy (besides the battery that will not last longer then an hour. But hey, what can you expect after 7 years). I never expect to have an iPhone for this period of time.

 

[Soccertess]

what are you even basing this on? there are no facts that he is driving people to android at all. Those who are on android now have been for a while. Sales wise people are still with apple and enjoying their iphone wether thats a new one or old one. People stay with apple for a reason. The sales fiqures on thursday will prove that

Data supports me

 

[The Game 161]

Data supports me
View attachment 749186

Not it really doesn’t

Millions and millions wouldn’t still be buying iPhones if this were the case. Those buying android are buying more low market devices than anything else. Due to price

 

[WannaGoMac]

Usability wise, it's comparable to the 8, not the plus version. Simply open Mail or the Phone apps and you'll see that you get more on-screen data on the plus, then you do the X. So compared to the 8, it's a $300 premium. I'm not saying you don't get $300 worth of features. To some, the added battery over the 8, or the higher screen quality, or FaceID vs TouchID is worth the $300 premium. It's a personal preference, but you'll be damned to find people paying that type of premium for those features outside the hardcore Apple fans and those that are into technology that have disposable income.

According to the sales figures leaked today, the X is doing fine. https://www.macrumors.com/2018/01/30/iphone-x-top-three-best-selling/

The big reason I didnt get the 8/8+ as I have written here, I just like something new when I finally upgrade (I am on long upgrade cycles). My 6+ was just boring, and updates of the mostly the same thing never move me to buy until what I am using breaks..

 

[Baymowe335]

Data supports me
View attachment 749186

These numbers are so fluid and generally so extrapolated that they are meaningless. Did you see the last one for November? It was completely different and made Apple look even worse.

Sales on Thursday will clear this up and should be the only numbers you really pay any attention.

 

[Voidmoji]

Data supports me
View attachment 749186

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

--Mark Twain

 

[shareef777]

According to the sales figures leaked today, the X is doing fine. https://www.macrumors.com/2018/01/30/iphone-x-top-three-best-selling/

The big reason I didnt get the 8/8+ as I have written here, I just like something new when I finally upgrade (I am on long upgrade cycles). My 6+ was just boring, and updates of the mostly the same thing never move me to buy until what I am using breaks..

Same here, but most people purchase with their wallet and don't want to pay for gimmicks. Usability wise, they're both the same so people will go for the cheaper option. I upgraded myself from the 7+ to the X (only cause I'm a tech nerd). But my wife/daughter both went to the 8 as they just laughed at the faceID feature and didn't see any other difference with the 8.

 

[Radon87000]

Are you going to feel smug at the earnings announcement? You think the next round of iPhone X will be less expensive?

Well the earnings would also include sales of older iPhones. Apple are anyways forcing users into the higher priced segment next year. The iPhone 8 Plus does everything the X does, just has bezels and lacks FaceID and that beautiful screen. With the 6.1 iPhones Apple's going to remove so many features from it the iPhone X is the only model worth considering if on an 8 Plus. The 6.1 iPhones is a noticeable downgrade from an 8 Plus in so many ways.

 

[I7guy]

Well the earnings would also include sales of older iPhones. Apple are anyways forcing users into the higher priced segment next year. The iPhone 8 Plus does everything the X does, just has bezels and lacks FaceID and that beautiful screen. With the 6.1 iPhones Apple's going to remove so many features from it the iPhone X is the only model worth considering if on an 8 Plus. The 6.1 iPhones is a noticeable downgrade from an 8 Plus in so many ways.

The 8+ does not do everything the X does, to be accurate. I could say my 6s does everything the 8+ does and be 90% right.

With the 6.1 pay less, get less. It’s an option for people. I might even take the plunge, even though no 3dt.

And of course earnings include older phones; been that way for several years.

 

[dampfnudel]

No they aren't. You're speculating and have no numbers to back your theory. They are about to report records across the business.

I expect the numbers to be very good, but like I said, I’m not “speculating” about the near future. One of those headwinds was just posted this morning here on MR, Apple deciding to focus on fixing iOS this year (iOS 12) while pushing a refresh of the homescreen UI which was planned for this year out to iOS 13 next year (hopefully not unlucky iOS 13). For years, Apple heavily touted iOS as the better, higher quality option to Android. “It just works” was the mantra and that’s been a major fail for many users with iOS 11. It’s also not some new development, previous versions had their major headaches. I’m definitely not speculating on that. When you charge an arm and a leg, make sure your software “works”. I’m “okay” at the moment with my X and iOS 11, no regrets. However, I know some others who have become irritated with their iOS experience.

 

[johnnygee]

Nikkei, unnamed source...Yeah, I believe it. As far as the price is concerned, the X isn't priced much higher than comparable flagship phones from other vendors.

This is just an opportunity for put options sellers and short sellers to make some quick dough.

 

[Baymowe335]

I expect the numbers to be very good, but like I said, I’m not “speculating” about the near future. One of those headwinds was just posted this morning here on MR, Apple deciding to focus on fixing iOS this year (iOS 12) while pushing a refresh of the homescreen UI which was planned for this year out to iOS 13 next year (hopefully not unlucky iOS 13). For years, Apple heavily touted iOS as the better, higher quality option to Android. “It just works” was the mantra and that’s been a major fail for many users with iOS 11. It’s also not some new development, previous versions had their major headaches. I’m definitely not speculating on that. When you charge an arm and a leg, make sure your software “works”. I’m “okay” at the moment with my X and iOS 11, no regrets. However, I know some others who have become irritated with their iOS experience.

You don’t have a good sense of Apple. Their headwinds are not internal, if they have any. Any business has external threats and risks. This is not unique to Apple. Apple has terrific management and will have a record breaking quarter. How can you argue with that? You can always doom and gloom and say the software had a bug so they are headed for oblivion, but absolutely nothing in the health of the company’s financials indicate you have a point.

You are absolutely speculating and suffering from confirmation bias.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Same here, but most people purchase with their wallet and don't want to pay for gimmicks. Usability wise, they're both the same so people will go for the cheaper option. I upgraded myself from the 7+ to the X (only cause I'm a tech nerd). But my wife/daughter both went to the 8 as they just laughed at the faceID feature and didn't see any other difference with the 8.

First blush Face ID is a gimmick. But at day 10 i am finding it is MUCH better than Touch ID for how i use the phone. I love how it makes unlocking the phone something I don't really think about anymore.

Touch ID fails EVERY freaking time I lift weights and my fingers are slightly distorted from the exercise (and fails for couple hours post workout), it also fails a LOT in cold weather, and lastly older people whose fingerprints have started to fade also have touch ID issues. Frankly, Touch ID works, but I think it's just not that good and Face ID represents a great improvement (which will get better as it evolves).

 

[1498032]

This might have been answered already in the prior 19 pages, but can someone explain to me why cutting X production now would delay future OLED models? My first instinct after reading that was that cutting X production would allow Apple/their suppliers to stockpile OLED displays and thus release the next OLED models at greater scale/lower cost.

 

[Populus]

Just give me a 7 with an A11 or A12 and I'll be happy.

That is the iPhone 8. You just want the new processor at the old price.

@somethingelsefl @chabig
Nope, I just want an iPhone 7 (you know, with its aluminum body), with an A11 or A12, as I said in my post.
I'm a big fan of Jet Black iPhone 7... ¿is that an iPhone 8?

If there is something that refrains me form purchasing an iPhone 8, it's not its price -It is a bit overpriced in my opinion, though- but the glass back. So yes, I meant iPhone 7, just like it is, but with a SoC that trully makes a difference

And THAT would be my idea of the next low-cost iPhone, if they follow the same path as the SE and the 5S design...

 

[shareef777]

First blush Face ID is a gimmick. But at day 10 i am finding it is MUCH better than Touch ID for how i use the phone. I love how it makes unlocking the phone something I don't really think about anymore.

Touch ID fails EVERY freaking time I lift weights and my fingers are slightly distorted from the exercise (and fails for couple hours post workout), it also fails a LOT in cold weather, and lastly older people whose fingerprints have started to fade also have touch ID issues. Frankly, Touch ID works, but I think it's just not that good and Face ID represents a great improvement (which will get better as it evolves).

I don't deny that there are nice use cases for faceID. I myself like the fact that I can keep my gloves on during the winter (the ones that pass thru capacitive touch so that a touch works, but not touchID). But on a day to day basis, I have my phone sitting down on my desk. I get a pop-up/message and I'd usually just use touchID to unlock my phone which shows my message. Now I have to physically pickup the phone (yes, first world problem, which is what faceID is looking to solve anyway). The use cases I have for touchID far outnumber those for faceID.

 

[WannaGoMac]

I don't deny that there are nice use cases for faceID. I myself like the fact that I can keep my gloves on during the winter (the ones that pass thru capacitive touch so that a touch works, but not touchID). But on a day to day basis, I have my phone sitting down on my desk. I get a pop-up/message and I'd usually just use touchID to unlock my phone which shows my message. Now I have to physically pickup the phone (yes, first world problem, which is what faceID is looking to solve anyway). The use cases I have for touchID far outnumber those for faceID.

I guess, i just usually pick up my iphone when i get a message to respond. Otherwise i ignore it

 

[SystemHasFailed]

You can't spin this as a positive.

Or you could spin this as ********..

http://appleinsider.com/articles/18...phone-x-production-cut-story-add-new-fictions

 

[Wide opeN]

Plain and simple... The phone is too high!!!

 

[class77]

Every analyst has said this for years... The iPhone X costs more because its tech is more expensive – most 'bill of costs' estimates show Apple makes approximately equal margins on an iPhone 8 as an iPhone X. In Sydney I'm seeing a lot of iPhone Xs, Apple Watches, and AirPods in the street.
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Except for the dual camera with OIS. And the individually colour-calibrated screens. And the processor that is 2x faster allowing 4K video @ 60 fps. And Face ID with a 30,000 infra-red dot projector. Yep, basically the same smartphones...

I said the OLED panel was the same size. That is all I said. Never said it was the same phone. Not even close

 

[Nieval]

Everything... every single Apple move, can be easily explained if you view it from the perspective of Tim Cook, keeping in mind his extensive history as COO.

Tim is and always will be an "operations" man, meaning his approach will always prioritize maximizing the value of existing operational management.

It's the main reason the iPhone SE still exists: to maximize profit from an old, pre-established supply chain that the COO inside of him simply can't put to rest. And please none of this BS that it's for customer choice, Corporations like Apple only care about the financial bottomline which may or may not align with your personal preferences (be that phone size, colour, capabilities, etc.)

It's the reason why the once fresh and subsequently industry leading design of the iPhone was allowed to stagnate and eventually become outdated following reiteration after reiteration after reiteration (6/6+, 6S/6S+, 7/7+, 8/8+) while competitors like Samsung caught up to (and arguably surpassed them): Why mess with a production line that you painstakingly created, optimized how to cheaply maintain it, and that has already paid for itself in terms of recuperating all R&D plus initial set-up costs.

It's the reason why the first generation "low-tier" & "high-tier" Apple watch only differed in casing material but nothing else (no difference in functionality, design, etc.): why invest so much time, money and effort in the trial & error process of setting up a new production line/plant/process when you maximize profit by just switching out a few materials.

The examples are numerous and I could honestly go on.

Tim Cook will always be an excellent COO with a great understanding of business operations but at it's core Apple wasn't successful because Tim figured out a practical way of producing a million units of 'Product X'. It became successful because it thought up of those crazy products to begin with, everything else (design, supply chain, etc. ) just helped.

It's why Apple, whether you are willing to accept it or not, is ultimately doomed. And the saddest part is, every time Tim Cook tried to step out of his comfort zone and attempt to innovate it back-fired massively: see the lukewarm reception of the apple watch, the soon-to-be discontinued mac "trash-can" pro, new touch-bar MacBook laptops, so on.

Once the cash cow that Steve jobs created dries out (and it already, has starting with the iPad) Apple will go down quickly, not bankrupt of course but rather think IBM or SUN microchips.

I hope I'm wrong but in the 7 or so years since TC took over the CEO mantle I've seen nothing to convince me otherwise.