If demand for Apple’s new iPhone 14 Pro models continues to grow, Apple’s market share for high-end smartphones could hit 60%.
Demand for iPhone 14 Pro models is expected to grow
According to a new report from DigiTimes, Apple’s share in the high-end smartphone market, which includes devices priced over $500, could stabilize at 60%. Typically, Apple’s market share for high-end smartphones reaches 55% in the off-season and 60% in peak season. However, the launch of the new iPhone 14 Pro models could help the tech giant capture more than half of the premium devices segment.
Recent reports have helped us determine the demand the iPhone 14 Pro models are seeing. Just yesterday, it was revealed that Apple asked its main iPhone supplier Foxconn to dismantle five production lines that were being used to manufacture the standard iPhone 14 in Zhengzhou, China. The move will allow Foxconn to prioritize production of the iPhone 14 Pro.
A few days ago, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple also asked Foxconn to increase production of the Pro models by 10%. Adding on to this, it was recently revealed that the iPhone 14 Pro models are now expected to account for 60–65% of the total iPhone 14 shipments in the second half of this year. Out of the two, the Pro Max will account for 30–35% of the total shipments.
Lead times for the higher-end models are also up to six weeks. They are expected to increase further in November as the forthcoming holiday season inches closer.
Given the significant gap between this year’s standard and Pro iPhones, it seems natural that the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are in higher demand. Orders for the standard iPhone 14 are stable, but nothing too impressive. The larger 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus is not scheduled to launch until October 7.
This year’s Pro models feature a new display cutout called the Dynamic Island, the A16 Bionic chip, a 48MP camera system, and more. The display of this year’s Pro models is also 120Hz and supports an always-on display functionality. On the other hand, the standard models feature the same design from last year as well as the same A15 Bionic chip that was used in the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
