Apple Ditches iPhone Production Increase After Demand Falters | Hacker News Reader

Apple Ditches iPhone Production Increase After Demand Falters

bloomberg.com

To me, this comes down to two key points:

1. The new iPhone is not different enough from the previous two generations. Even for the Pro, with the screen off, it is hard to tell the difference. Things loose their status symbol symbolism when your status symbol looks the same as an older model, or a refurb.

2. It is all formulaic. This may be more personal, but I used to eagerly await the Apple keynotes, even post-Jobs when they were somewhat predictable. I could normally expect _something_ new. Now it is just the same old shit:

- Silly intro

- "Here is how great our sales were", with an optional jab at Android

- Best iPhone ever

- Best iOS ever

- Something about macOS to fill time

- Curtains.

It isn't exciting, there is no reason to tune in. Most people will upgrade at their cycle. There is no motivator to go off-cycle to get that must-have or must-show-off feature. There is no excitement.

I actually upgraded off cycle due to the satellite SOS feature. Including the hardware and 2 years of service was impressive. The new watch was also exciting hitting a segment that was previously unaddressed by any prior Apple Watch.

But those are relatively niche. A majority of people in the United States probably do not remember the last time they were entirely out of cell range. Not to say that the SOS feature isn't great, just it won't resonate with a lot of people. I would argue that the watch is the in the same boat, and the cross-over of the people who want emergency SOS and the people who want a beefy hiking/Garmin-style watch is nearly 1:1. They hit a home-run for some people, but not the mass market appeal they've been known for for 15+ years.

You have a way different cellphone carrier experience than I. There are tons of dead zones in the city and driving out of the city it gets hilly quickly, with a corresponding total lack of signal.

I rarely leave the city, and when I do, it is to the suburbs.

I think this is more of an indicator of the economy as a whole than an issue with an actual decrease in consumer desire for new phone upgrades.

Where does HN think the S&P is going next 18 months?

The iPhone doesn't fold.

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