Apple Can Fix The Disappointment With The iPhone 16 Pro

Apple's iPhone 16 Pro faces challenges due to delayed AI features. Consumer interest in AI technology is increasing, influencing smartphone purchasing decisions. Apple Intelligence's delayed rollout affects iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro sales.

Credit: APPLE

The new iPhones, marketed as "built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence," were expected to boost consumer upgrades and sales. However, early indications suggest that the flagship iPhone 16 Pro is underperforming, resulting in a 12% drop in overall iPhone orders.

While the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus continue to sell well, orders for the higher-end models, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, are down. Despite its impressive sales volume of 37 million units, Apple is concerned about this trend.

Apple's traditional annual update cycle for hardware and software, which includes iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, appears to be falling short this time. Analysts note that Apple is changing its strategy by adopting a more relaxed schedule for secondary products, while the iPhone lineup remains a reliable option for consumers on annual contracts and investors looking for predictable sales figures.

The introduction of generative AI and Apple Intelligence was not without challenges. The delayed release of these features has hampered the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro launches. Despite extensive marketing, the devices did not include Apple Intelligence at launch, leaving consumers disappointed and with a perception of product feature delays.

Credit: APPLE

Consumers are gradually adopting AI technology in smartphones, with an increased interest in its capabilities. However, Apple's reliance on generative AI as a key selling point for the new iPhones has been criticised due to the delay in the release of promised features. This delay contrasts with Android handsets, which have already had similar features for over a year.

The iPhone Pro audience understands that the actual implementation of AI is more compelling than the promise of it, which influences consumer hesitancy to purchase premium devices.

The consumer-focused iPhone 16 and 16 Plus now support Apple Intelligence, prompting Apple to improve the base model specifications. Unlike previous years, when vanilla iPhones lagged behind Pro Phones in specs and capacity, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus's latest A18 chipset and increased RAM bring them closer to the Pro models, providing significant value for money over previous iPhone models.

Furthermore, Apple's upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE will feature a new design similar to the iPhone 16, as well as the latest chipset and enhanced memory to support iOS' generative AI software. The iPhone SE, positioned as the most affordable iPhone tailored for Apple Intelligence, is expected to be released in March 2025, coinciding with the completion of Apple's first-generation Apple Intelligence software rollout.

Consumers who are awaiting the full rollout of Apple Intelligence and looking to upgrade their iPhone will be able to consider the new iPhone SE alongside the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. With the potential success of the iPhone SE on the horizon, the iPhone 16 Pro's lacklustre sales performance may continue, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards AI-integrated devices.16 Pro in sales may persist, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards AI-integrated devices.

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• Apple's iPhone 16 Pro faces challenges with delayed AI features

• Consumer interest in AI technology grows, impacting smartphone purchasing decisions

• Delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence affects iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro sales

Source: FORBES