iPhone Base Models Remain Best-Sellers Despite Pro Max Appeal

[MacRumors]

Apple's base model iPhones have collectively accounted for 42% of its smartphone sales this year, but iPhone Pro Max devices stand as the best-selling individual model, according to new data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).

The report reveals an interesting sales distribution across Apple's iPhone lineup, but the data needs to be interpreted carefully owing to Apple's tiered product strategy. That's because the company sells several generations of base model iPhones simultaneously at different price points, but it only ever offers a single (current) generation of Pro and Pro Max models.

In effect, this means the base model's 42% share represents combined sales across multiple iPhone generations.

Looking at individual models, the iPhone Pro Max captures 26% of sales, followed by the Pro at 19% and Plus models at 13%. The Plus model's performance is particularly notable given that it replaced the smaller iPhone mini in 2022 and has since exceeded its predecessor's market share.

Also notable is that the findings demonstrate a clear shift in consumer preferences toward larger displays. When Apple introduced its first Plus-sized iPhone in 2014, the iPhone 6 Plus, many questioned whether consumers would embrace larger phones. And yet today, the combined share of Plus and Pro Max models accounts for 39% of iPhone sales.

CIRP's analysis also highlights the financial impact of larger models. Both Plus and Pro Max variants contribute significantly to iPhone's average selling price and gross margins, commanding higher prices than their standard-sized counterparts despite sharing similar internal components. Note that these figures exclude sales of Apple's entry-level iPhone SE.

The findings suggest Apple has successfully diversified its iPhone lineup to appeal to different user preferences and price points, while maintaining strong sales across all size categories. As CIRP puts it, Apple's "jumbo phone experiment" has turned out to be a success. However, where Apple's rumored slimmer but not necessarily bigger iPhone 17 "Air" model will fit into this strategy next year remains to be seen.

Article Link: iPhone Base Models Remain Best-Sellers Despite Pro Max Appeal

 

[Seanm87]

Not a surprise really. Most non tech people I know just have the base phone.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Why should anyone be surprised by this? Is it because we have reached Smartphone innovation and everything now are pretty much incremental upgrades or that the base models are generations better than what they are currently using? Could it be that the consumer is cash strapped and are buying the cheapest they could get by with? It's no different in our current economic environment where shoppers are buying more store and generic brands vs the national brands.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

My iPhone 13 does all I need it to do. I don't feel the need to upgrade yet and when I do it's going to be another base model iPhone.

 

[Alwaysfindsaway]

Not surprising as most people I know don’t really care about the pro features. Being a tech guy I always want the newest stuff. This is the first year I’m going for the Pro Max, have always had the Pro before. Can’t wait to be honest. I think Apple Intelligence with image playgrounds and image recognition will look really good on the bigger display!! Also getting the 13in iPad Pro this year! It’s going to be an expensive Christmas. 😂

 

[sunapple]

Sure, lower priced base models remain king, but it’s impressive how many people still opt for the expensive options seeing how close in features they are these days.

The “Air” model remains a big question mark, strategy-wise.

 

[snipr125]

Next year when the base models get 120 hz Promotion displays, sales for the base models will be boosted further.

 

[Matthew.H]

Next year when the base models get 120 hz Promotion displays, sales for the base models will be boosted further.

I'd be surprised if that happens but I'd go to the base models from my current Pro if it does.

 

[bigjnyc]

Cheaper option sells more, than significantly more expensive option of same product!! More at 11

 

[abdullamac77]

Apple's base model iPhones have collectively accounted for 42% of its smartphone sales this year, but iPhone Pro Max devices stand as the best-selling individual model, according to new data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).

The report reveals an interesting sales distribution across Apple's iPhone lineup, but the data needs to be interpreted carefully owing to Apple's tiered product strategy. That's because the company sells several generations of base model iPhones simultaneously at different price points, but it only ever offers a single (current) generation of Pro and Pro Max models.

In effect, this means the base model's 42% share represents combined sales across multiple iPhone generations.

Looking at individual models, the iPhone Pro Max captures 26% of sales, followed by the Pro at 19% and Plus models at 13%. The Plus model's performance is particularly notable given that it replaced the smaller iPhone mini in 2022 and has since exceeded its predecessor's market share.

Also notable is that the findings demonstrate a clear shift in consumer preferences toward larger displays. When Apple introduced its first Plus-sized iPhone in 2014, the iPhone 6 Plus, many questioned whether consumers would embrace larger phones. And yet today, the combined share of Plus and Pro Max models accounts for 39% of iPhone sales.

CIRP's analysis also highlights the financial impact of larger models. Both Plus and Pro Max variants contribute significantly to iPhone's average selling price and gross margins, commanding higher prices than their standard-sized counterparts despite sharing similar internal components. Note that these figures exclude sales of Apple's entry-level iPhone SE.

The findings suggest Apple has successfully diversified its iPhone lineup to appeal to different user preferences and price points, while maintaining strong sales across all size categories. As CIRP puts it, Apple's "jumbo phone experiment" has turned out to be a success. However, where Apple's rumored slimmer but not necessarily bigger iPhone 17 "Air" model will fit into this strategy next year remains to be seen.

Article Link: iPhone Base Models Remain Best-Sellers Despite Pro Max Appeal

I carry both the 16 Plus as my work phone and the 16 Pro Max as my personal. Honestly, the Plus is so much practical and lighter to use. The battery is just phenomenal. The Pro Max in the other hand I primarily use for photography.

 

[iZac]

So in 2022 when the mini was a viable option, 1 in 14 people bought it? And how many million iPhones did they sell that year?

EDIT: apparently it was estimated at 232 million, so that's like 16 million iPhone minis in 2022. I know these are guesses on top of guesses but *ahhh* it just makes me sad.

 

[applepotato666]

Sure, lower priced base models remain king, but it’s impressive how many people still opt for the expensive options seeing how close in features they are these days.

The “Air” model remains a big question mark, strategy-wise.

Most Pro buyers I know don’t buy the Pro for the features but for the moniker and appearance. The most the regular customer cares about is that it has the 3 cameras on the back, they don’t know what the third one does though. I prefer the design of the regular ones and especially the weight so they’ve always been my pick.

 

[tonmischa]

Please dont forget, that the 12 Mini sales were cannibalized by the SE 2 that was released 6 months before.

After 4 years without a "smaller phone" a lot of people jumped on the SE 2 and therefore did not buy the Mini six months later.

 

[sparkie7]

Most people that try the Max, won’t want to go back to a smaller screen

 

[Ctrlos]

Most people that try the Max, won’t want to go back to a smaller screen

The Max serves its users well but ergonomically its not for everyone. I still drive a Fiat 500 even after testing an SUV because it fits through my city streets and its easier to park.

 

[AppleTO]

Please dont forget, that the 12 Mini sales were cannibalized by the SE 2 that was released 6 months before.

After 4 years without a "smaller phone" a lot of people jumped on the SE 2 and therefore did not buy the Mini six months later.

Not exactly. The iPhone 8 was available until the SE 2 was released. It was older at the time, so it makes sense people wanted the SE 2, but there was always a phone of this size since the 6.

Looking back, I wish I had bought a Mini at the time. I had a Xs so I didn’t really need an upgrade but I also thought they would keep making them.

 

[mcilwraith]

i consider myself pretty tech savvy. i went for the 16" Macbook pro. but the base iPhone is always enough for me. do i need a massive screen? no, i have an iPad. do i need a 120 Hz display? Nah, not on my phone. a base iPhone 16 is more than good enough for 90% of people. its a phone!

 

[Ctrlos]

Next year is going to be even worse. The 5x lens is nice and 120hz a nice-to-have but the 16 Pro models don't offer the average consumer much else beyond an emptier wallet.

 

[DarthDon]

So - the Plus will be soon gone as well?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Beyond the fandom, price tends to rule. Which Mac models sell best? Which iPad models? Watch?

Countless posts claiming “nobody buys” because the writer assumes their views encompass all miss the reality that price is a major factor- possibly THE factor- for average Joe.

I know this with max confidence: Apple makes nothing to NOT sell any units of it. So when you see piles of such posts, see them for what they are: very biased views being assumed on everyone else. It’s likely almost none of those writing “99% want/don’t want…” and “no one/everyone wants….” and similar have never surveyed more than maybe themselves, possibly a few friends/fam and then fueled their statistical interpretation by reading like opinions of many very biased fans. There’s a much, MUCH larger world out there beyond the very narrow niche fandom.

 

[kiranmk2]

In the UK, I don't think Apple have really advertised iPhone this cycle - all the ads have been based around Apple Intelligence. The telcos on the other hand, have been pushing the iPhone Pro really hard. I'm a firm believer that the base iPhone 16 is the perfect phone for the vast majority of people, but I do wonder how many people go for the Pro because (a) that is what they see advertised so that is what they ask for in the shops (b) they want the status (or feeling of status) of having the "non-cheap" model.

Also, I'm surprised the base model data isn't broken down more - I'm sure it has been in the past by these research companies.

 

[DarthDon]

Most Pro buyers I know don’t buy the Pro for the features but for the moniker and appearance. The most the regular customer cares about is that it has the 3 cameras on the back, they don’t know what the third one does though. I prefer the design of the regular ones and especially the weight so they’ve always been my pick.

Friend of mine too. "I need that 3 cams" me: why? "everybody got it in the subway..." He is making 1 pic a month...

 

[jonnysods]

I was honestly a little bit shocked both models got that extra camera button, I thought they would have held it off for the Pro. My friend has one, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but he seems to enjoy it. Just thought they would have put more features on one not the other.

The Max here starts at $1749 plus tax, so over $2k, so I'm not surprised the other models sell more.

 

[sparkie7]

The Max serves its users well but ergonomically its not for everyone. I still drive a Fiat 500 even after testing an SUV because it fits through my city streets and its easier to park.

Ergonomically not if you have small hands or are weak. But usability & better visual experience goes up with larger screens

 

[mattopotamus]

i consider myself pretty tech savvy. i went for the 16" Macbook pro. but the base iPhone is always enough for me. do i need a massive screen? no, i have an iPad. do i need a 120 Hz display? Nah, not on my phone. a base iPhone 16 is more than good enough for 90% of people. its a phone!

It goes both ways. I know plenty of people that go iPhone max because they would use an iPad the same way they use their phone.