Kuo: Reports of iPhone 8 Sales Woes 'Overdone' and 'Excessively Negative'

[aevan]

portions are almost identical to the original iPhone from 10 years earlier

Because hexacore CPUs that rival Intel laptops, intelligent photo capture with facial landmarking and machine learning, AR and 1000 nit True-tone screens are not important, it's the bezel size that really counts.

 

[78Bandit]

"While sales were lower overall, the iPhone 8 Plus saw the strongest first weekend adoption rate of any Plus-sized iPhone to date."

A very carefully worded and misleading statement. It implies that the 8 Plus is selling more units than the 7 Plus, 6S Plus, or 6 Plus did. I don't think that is the case at all. From what I've read it looks like the 8 Plus is making up a higher percentage of the units sold (almost 50%) versus previous versions that were running about 33%-40%, but I don't think that is correlating to more Plus phones being sold than in prior years.

 

[rGiskard]

So it's fair to say there's no fat-shaming going on here?

My iPhone isn't "fat," it's "big boned!"

 

[psac]

Kuo's definitely been given his orders from Cupertino, making sure that the wording he uses, for the large platform of investors and general public who he serves, is carefully crafted and spun.

Bottom line, this had to be the worst first weekend of sales for an IPhone launch maybe ever, and while that doesn't mean it or the phone is a failure, that's just facts and no use in dancing around it, but that's what he is doing.

And it's not just the hard cores waiting for the X, it's for a lot of people who want the upgraded features of things like the camera and screen size of the + in the form factor size of the regular IPhone, as one very simple and basic example.

That's kind of illegal.

 

[mdelvecchio]

The iPhone hype is over. Steve Jobs's magic is gone. Sad times.

Complete nonsense. The only sad thing is that people still spout this sort of thing.
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Kuo's definitely been given his orders from Cupertino, making sure that the wording he uses, for the large platform of investors and general public who he serves, is carefully crafted and spun.

Bottom line, this had to be the worst first weekend of sales for an IPhone launch maybe ever, and while that doesn't mean it or the phone is a failure, that's just facts and no use in dancing around it, but that's what he is doing.

And it's not just the hard cores waiting for the X, it's for a lot of people who want the upgraded features of things like the camera and screen size of the + in the form factor size of the regular IPhone, as one very simple and basic example.

Yeah the guy who's constantly leaking product details from the supply chain, and is often wrong, is working for Apple. WTF...it's like you guys don't think about things before typing them.

 

[recoil80]

All very good points. The thing is, we'd be naïve to think that Apple hasn't considered this.

I think Apple knows that. Mac prices are higher, so our upgrade cycle is longer but they make more money every time we upgrade. Same with iPhones

 

[jerryk]

I think he is wrong. The X is what people want. It is not just the previous version with a few new tweaks.

 

[LordQ]

Word is that iPhone 4 antenna doesn't work when you hold it wrong. Also, back glasse shatters and cracks easily.

Every new Apple product there are people who claim that Apple is doomed. They claimed the same thing when Steve was alive, they claim the same thing now. In 10 years, iPhone XVIII S Plus will be awesome. Word will be going around that the holographic screen doesn't work well in rain. Some people will say Android already did the whole holo-screen thing, even though no one used it, because it was crap and din't work half the time. People will claim that it's going down hill since Steve.

Same old story.

This has to be the best comment I've read here.

 

[doelcm82]

Even single person I know bought an 8 Plus or an 8. We all have the same opinion when it comes to the X. No home button...then no purchase. I can’t buy something that has virtually the same specs just because it looks cool and because I need to look like a bada$$. I’m good with my 8 Plus.

You don't know me. I'm a single person, and I'm excited for the X. The X is not just for bada$$ married people.

 

[shplock]

Kuo's definitely been given his orders from Cupertino, making sure that the wording he uses, for the large platform of investors and general public who he serves, is carefully crafted and spun.

Bottom line, this had to be the worst first weekend of sales for an IPhone launch maybe ever, and while that doesn't mean it or the phone is a failure, that's just facts and no use in dancing around it, but that's what he is doing.

And it's not just the hard cores waiting for the X, it's for a lot of people who want the upgraded features of things like the camera and screen size of the + in the form factor size of the regular IPhone, as one very simple and basic example.

And you know the exact sales numbers for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus, how?? You know them because you obviously work at Apple at a senior position?
You know a much as the rest of us which is **** all.
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I’m enjoying the heck out my 8 while I wait for the X! Spoiling myself.

I know what you mean, I'm enjoying both my iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus while I wait for the four iPhone x I will order.
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I suspect these are being sold by those who bought the 8/8+ with the intention of then getting the X. Given that it’s still within the 2 week return period, if these users don’t like the 8 they could just go back to Apple.

If anyone bought multiple 8/8+ expecting to make some money, then they only have themselves to blame. They should have just read macrumors to know demand for the 8/8+ would be weaker.

KGI are merely writing what most rational people will have assumed. That demand for the 8/8+ is being affected by the imminent X release. Logically, you can assume that demand for the 8/8+ is 2/3 normal overall demand or less, with the difference greater for those who normally pre-order - these are the early adopters who want the latest & greatest. I wouldn’t have thought it needed saying but guess there’s some tactics going on amongst investors somewhere trying to short the stock before the X is released.

Yes but didn't Kuo say that demand for the iPhone 8/8+ would be very weak? Now he seems to be going back on that and we are supposed to take his word as gospel. At least Macrumors tend to.

 

[neutralguy]

Even single person I know bought an 8 Plus or an 8. We all have the same opinion when it comes to the X. No home button...then no purchase. I can’t buy something that has virtually the same specs just because it looks cool and because I need to look like a bada$$. I’m good with my 8 Plus.

The irony is that your first statement contradicts the last statement. At least the X looks cool. The 8 and 8 plus looks same and almost same specs.
And by the way, if your opinion is that "no home button, no buy", then you won't be buying any flagship smartphone anymore in future. Neither apple nor Samsung.

 

[lcseds]

The 8 is no worse a value than the 7 (in Apple dollars).
7 Plus 128GB $769
8 Plus 256GB $949

$180 more for an additional 128GB storage (which everyone seems to ignore), better 4K video, wireless charging, etc. I fail to see where the 8 is such a poor value. Seems priced right in line with the upgraded feature set. It is a normal "s" upgrade. Who cares what number is on the box?
It's styling may be a bit long in the tooth, but for me, I use it, not lovingly stare at it.

 

[sdugoten]

iPhone 8 sales is so bad here that the cellular carrier is giving 5% off on the 2nd day of iphone 8 release. The original price is $6888 HKD and you can walk into Smartone to buy no-contract iphone 8 plus without service plan for $6588 HKD, which is about $843 USD. And we have no sales tax here.

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/6523/Ve5Dii.jpg

 

[nutriousmitten]

Sure, Kuo is on Apple's payroll...Just like you're on Samsung's, right?

Hilarious fanboy blindness, and certainly touched a nerve.

Reading comphrension would help. It has nothing to do with the product, the IP8 is very good, and I may well move to it, and my wife’s, to go along with our Ipads.

But this note almost reads as an apology note. Everyone knows that many many people are waiting to see if they can justify the extra expense, and then get their hands on a IPx, and that is the simple reason that IP8s didn’t sell out like they usually do on the first weekend. So just say that, instead of confusing the issue with things like adoption rate of Plus size models, the “stable sales (compared to what?) in carrier channels” and using production weighting (not sales) volume etc.

When you add the IPx sales plus the Ip8 sales in 3-6 months when supply outstrips demand for the IPx, it will be more than for the IP7 for sure, so there is a perfectly good and valid market-driven reason for the drop in sales out of the gate for the 8, so call it what it was; the IP8 sales were not anywhere close the first weekend to previous IPhone launches. Period.

 

[frumpy16]

I think this person is just trying to save face since his job is to be a stock analyst. It's part of trying to craft a media narrative about how people should be understanding the facts. The facts are the facts though and demand was weak. Apple chose this split launch strategy so people "waiting for the X" still equals weak iPhone 8 sales. They could have simultaneously released both if they wanted to (either with the X in short supply or deferring the 8 launch for some weeks) but chose not to. We'll see in a few weeks if the bet paid off or not. Right now the fact is that people aren't that excited about the iPhone 8.

 

[braintumor]

I am sorry, I don't believe the hype either and Kuo is keeping the shareholders happy! When I go to apple.com to order the iphone 8 plus, the delivery time is already down to 2-4 days and multiple stores offer pick-up availability. I remember with earlier phone releases, that they had long wait times up to 2 months after the release!

 

[_Refurbished_]

People forget that tech media, commenters on places like MacRumors, and tech journalists themselves fit more into an enthusiast level role, more than the general pubic. Our group is the type that is likely going to be seen lining up for new devices, the most vocal on social media, and the people most likely to post up video reviews on places such as YouTube.

You won’t see much activity from our group on the 8, especially when Apple’s true latest and greatest (??) iPhone is looming on the horizon. Quite honestly, this round reminds me much of the iPhone 5C release. Neat device, had a great story behind it, but, it wasn’t the 5S.

My post isn’t intended to disrespect anyone that likes the 8, I think it is a great device. Just not different enough from my 7 for me to upgrade. I had reservations about replacing my 6S last year, and I still question that decision today (holding my 7). Since these phones are reaching the price of a decent Laptop, I am forcing myself into an update cycle that takes a year or two off of buying a new phone, for the first time since I purchased my iPhone 5.

Logic is a great thing.

 

[obiwan]

Sadly I'll probably buy the X because I just can't help it. When I do purchase something, I always buy the best version otherwise I always end up regretting my decision and start thinking "I wish i just paid the extra $200 to get the 'best' version.."

'Best' version is always a matter of opinion, and should not really be dictated by price. iPhone X is the most expensive, but not necessarily the 'best', in my opinion. I prefer a phone with a built-in headphone jack, I prefer a phone that is less likely to smash if you drop it. I prefer a phone with a physical home button. I prefer the idea of unlocking my phone with my finger whilst it's sat on my desk than having to stare over the screen to unlock it. I prefer not to part with a shed-load of cash just for a phone. All these factors make me think my current iPhone 6 is best.

 

[unobtainium]

Hilarious fanboy blindness, and certainly touched a nerve.

Reading comphrension would help. It has nothing to do with the product, the IP8 is very good, and I may well move to it, and my wife’s, to go along with our Ipads.

But this note almost reads as an apology note. Everyone knows that many many people are waiting to see if they can justify the extra expense, and then get their hands on a IPx, and that is the simple reason that IP8s didn’t sell out like they usually do on the first weekend. So just say that, instead of confusing the issue with things like adoption rate of Plus size models, the “stable sales (compared to what?) in carrier channels” and using production weighting (not sales) volume etc.

When you add the IPx sales plus the Ip8 sales in 3-6 months when supply outstrips demand for the IPx, it will be more than for the IP7 for sure, so there is a perfectly good and valid market-driven reason for the drop in sales out of the gate for the 8, so call it what it was; the IP8 sales were not anywhere close the first weekend to previous IPhone launches. Period.

The fact that you think Kuo is on Apple's payroll is just dumb. Kuo is an analyst with supply chain sources who is often hurting Apple's stock price as much as he is helping.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I think this person is just trying to save face since his job is to be a stock analyst. It's part of trying to craft a media narrative about how people should be understanding the facts. The facts are the facts though and demand was weak. Apple chose this split launch strategy so people "waiting for the X" still equals weak iPhone 8 sales. They could have simultaneously released both if they wanted to (either with the X in short supply or deferring the 8 launch for some weeks) but chose not to. We'll see in a few weeks if the bet paid off or not. Right now the fact is that people aren't that excited about the iPhone 8.

No, "this person" is providing advice to his clients. This is the actual job of market analysts.

 

[psac]

Word is that iPhone 4 antenna doesn't work when you hold it wrong. Also, back glasse shatters and cracks easily.

Every new Apple product there are people who claim that Apple is doomed. They claimed the same thing when Steve was alive, they claim the same thing now. In 10 years, iPhone XVIII S Plus will be awesome. Word will be going around that the holographic screen doesn't work well in rain. Some people will say Android already did the whole holo-screen thing, even though no one used it, because it was crap and din't work half the time. People will claim that it's going down hill since Steve.

Same old story.

I'd pay $300 extra for Apple's holographic screen, but I would probably wait for the second gen iPhone XIX, since everyone knows the first gen never works properly.

PS -- Awesome comment.

 

[lordofthereef]

Simply reporting actual numbers (easily done with online activation requirements) would be an incredibly easy way to confirm or deny any claims of bad sales. Anything else is just “trust us we promise” to be honest.

I’m sure they’re selling fine. But there’s a really easy way to put this discussion to bed, no?

 

[Mike MA]

The iPhone hype is over. Steve Jobs's magic is gone. Sad times.

Well, If the iPhone X would be available and on stock, you would get another impression.

 

[carpleror]

We note that production of the iPhone 8 versus 8 Plus in 3Q17F is roughly split down the middle of a total of 16-18mn units.

Apple made 16-18 million iPhone 8/8 Plus'?! Are they out of their mind? They made 13 million iPhone 6S/6S Plus' in 2015, 18 million is about what they should have available total between both phones for launch day. Apple GROSSLY over estimated the demand for the iPhone 8 line up, no wonder they were so readily available. I'd be shocked to learn if they sold half that during opening weekend...
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who really cares except shareholders?

buy the phone you like, when you like.

if we didn't have such over saturation of the phone market we wouldn't be 'woe-ing'.

i mean, god forbid we skip a year for an iphone smh...

I never understood why people think this is the best place to complain about people getting excited for new iPhones. I mean, that's pretty much the entire point of MacRumors. Read rumors and go total fanboy over new releases. You're in the minority here, sir.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

I'd say more than half the demand is waiting for the X.