Apple needs iPhone X to be a runaway hit this year, especially with market analysts highlighting the less-than-favourable demand for the iPhone 8.
Wireless carriers in the West have seen an underwhelming response to the newest iPhone iteration, as most of them are saving up their cheques for the special edition iPhone X (ten).
Most experts believe that Apple’s multiple-product strategy, along with the obvious feature differences between the 8 series and iPhone X, has worked against the brand, pushing consumers to either side of the iPhone 8.
Even a recent Reuters report quoting a Taiwan-based media report says that Apple has decided to cut the production scale of iPhone 8, which has directly hit the company's shares.
Also Read: Will iPhone X Demand Rein in Apple’s iPhone 8 Party This Year?
But if this shift in strategy can aid timely release of iPhone X (with adequate supply), things could turn back in favour of the Cupertino-based giant very quickly.
The wait for iPhone X is mostly because of its shift from the regular design, offering a bezel-less form factor, with new additions like Face ID, removing Touch ID once and for all.
A lot of buyers across the globe have ditched the 8, preferring the iPhone 7 over the latest model. The reason being, they are getting better value for the previous edition, while able to pick up a high-storage variant.
In India, this has become evident as many retail store owners talked up the surge in demand for iPhone 7, and even the recent festive online sales showed up the sense in buying the iPhone 7 for as low as Rs 41,000 right now.
Can the iPhone X Deliver?
While Apple is banking its hopes on the iPhone X, there are concerns about the steep pricing (costing as much as Rs 1.02 lakh in India) of the tenth anniversary edition variant.
Unless people line up in queues across the globe, waiting to get their hands on the iPhone X early next month (the phone goes on shelves from 3 November), the murmurs will only get louder.
Apple has played all its cards (and pricing) on the iPhone X, which needs to deliver to stores and its early promise.
There’s no doubt that iPhone X could be the remedy to Apple’s ailing iPhone 8 concerns, but only time will tell if the company manages to walk the talk and get people to splurge on their new attraction.
Or else, Google and Samsung are in the wings, waiting to pounce.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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