In the face of a global economic downturn, one thing you wouldn't expect is for some of the most expensive smartphones on the market to gain market share. And yet, that's what Apple's iPhone did.
Global smartphone shipments fell 9% in the second quarter of this year, according to a new Canalys report (opens in a new tab), but Apple's market share fell from 14% to 17%. True, it is still behind world leader Samsung, which owns 21%. However, while Samsung fell, Apple rose. Additionally, Canalys says that demand for Apple's iPhone 13 remains strong.
What is hapening here?
No one has ever called Apple "The Affordable Brand" or "The place to find your cheap phone." None of the iPhone 13 models, from the 13-inch iPhone 5,4 mini to the 13-inch iPhone 6,7 Pro Max, cost less than €699 (some cost more than €1,000). One could argue that Samsung's flagships are just as expensive, though Canalys claims Samsung's top spot is due to how it "strengthened its low-end." A series supply." These phones can start from €350.
You could say that's the unmistakable hallmark of Apple at work. People only want what Apple sells because it's Apple. I do not agree. I'd say there are six reasons why Apple continues to win while our wallets lose.
Consistent, long-term software support
When you buy a new iPhone, it comes with the latest version of iOS. An iPhone 13 purchased today will have iOS 15. One purchased in October later this year, after the likely release of iPhone 14, will have iOS 16. All supported versions of iPhone will be able to upgrade to the new mobile operating system as soon as possible. Apple makes it available. In the Android world, it's still a question mark. Newer devices should be running Android 12, but may not be. And when Android 13 launches later this year, there's no guarantee that all Android devices will support or update to it right away. Apple just never makes you live with that uncertainty (until they stop supporting your really old phone).
performance all the way
Apple is one of the few phone makers that doesn't tinker with different mobile processors anymore. It now offers the A15 Bionic on all iPhone 13 models (and even the iPhone SE). Android devices feature a wide range of mobile processors from Qualcomm and Mediatek. Older-generation and slightly less capable models help keep products like Samsung's A-series in the affordable range.
If you really want an "affordable" iPhone, you can go for the $429 iPhone SE and still get Apple's best mobile processor.
Camera performance at all times
Since all of these iPhones have the same processor, they can do more with less. So photos taken with the iPhone SE's decent, but not spectacular, camera will look great, especially since you can still take portrait mode photos with a single lens. As soon as you enter the iPhone 13 lineup, you're looking for excellent dual and triple camera arrays. I won't say that Samsung consistently outperforms Apple in zoom power and quality, but when it comes to image quality and overall processing, the iPhone still leads the way.
the ecosystem
While Samsung is building a collection of quality connected devices, including its Samsung Galaxy S22 lineup, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds, the software and their connections to other hardware like smart speakers, streaming devices, tablets, desktops and laptops, they're not nearly as solid and consistent as what you find with Apple.
iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS, iCloud, they all feel like part of the same universe because there is real synergy between these platforms and products. Sometimes it can be as simple as when you start typing a long passcode on your Apple TV and your iPhone turns on to make it easier for you to type it.
Every product is part of a larger whole because Apple designs it that way. Samsung, Google and other Android companies are trying to work in the same direction, but I think consumers can see that they are catching up.
Customer Service
The availability of physical Apple stores is not only a real asset for Apple, as it works to sell you billions of new products, but it is also a benefit to customers. Not only does it provide quick physical access to more Apple devices, but it's also a destination for customer service and camaraderie. Recognizing that its stores are more than just retail destinations, Apple has transformed them into something akin to tech community hubs. Microsoft has tried and failed to do this and Samsung and Google, while offering good stores with similar services, don't have the same levels of vibrancy and utility.
Preserve its value
I think it's safe to say that iPhones hold their value. A recent visit to Gazelle (opens in a new tab) reveals that iPhones dating back to the iPhone 6s are still on sale (of course, why would you buy an €6 84S when you can get an iPhone 13 mini for €589). ?).
Even with all that, Apple's iPhone isn't always a winner. In late 2020, Apple was briefly No. 1 with around 20% market share, but then dropped during the summer of 2021 as customers waited for the iPhone 13.
What I mean, though, is that people will always come back to Apple and its high-value iPhone and not just because of the iconography or the ghost of Steve Jobs. They pay more because, in the end, they get more,