Users are probably waiting for the launch of the iPhone X, which is why the long lines outside the Apple Stores that have been a common sight post-iPhone launches are nowhere to be seen. A source told Reuters that it was a “bleak turnout” on Friday with fewer than 30 people in the queue before the Sydney Apple Store on George Street opened.
Mazen Kourouche, who reviews products on YouTube and was first in the queue, noted that there are some modest changes in the device.
“(It) is pretty similar to the iPhone 7 but it shoots 4k 60 frames per second and it’s got a new glass back instead of the metal which is apparently more durable,” Kourouche told.
On the feature front, however, the iPhone 8 does not have much to offer, he added.
Apple shares nosedived following poor iPhone 8 and 8 Plus reviews. Investors who were not happy with the way the device panned out pushed the shares down to a nearly two-month low. What is worrying investors that pre-orders are lower than they have been in previous launches.
Usually, the number of pre-orders is a good indicator of how well the newest iPhones will sell. However, hours after both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were available, there were not many takers, and there was still stock left with September 22 delivery dates available either online or for in-store pickup, notes MacRumors. Mentions of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and iPhone X were fewer on the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo than mentions of the iPhone models in the previous two launches.
“(It) is pretty similar to the iPhone 7 but it shoots 4k 60 frames per second and it’s got a new glass back instead of the metal which is apparently more durable,”
According to Neil Cybart, an analyst who covers Apple for Above Avalon, “I think demand is down from last year, for no other reason than you have another flagship phone.”
This could result in weekend sales being lower than at any other point since the launch of the iPhone 6 in 2014, the analyst says. Further, the steep price increase for the iPhone 8 over the price of its predecessors could also dent sales going forward.
BTIG Research analyst Walt Piecyk also believes that other than anticipation for the iPhone X, lack of carrier promotions could be another reason for the lukewarm response to today’s iPhone launch. Piecyk stated that wireless carriers are not interested in promoting the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and this might not change even when the iPhone X launches, says the Financial Times.
Apple’s iPhone X will be available for pre-order starting October 27 with a price tag of $999. The iPhone X comes with an edge-to-edge screen, an improved camera and a new facial recognition system. Rumors suggest that the iPhone X supply will not be enough to meet demand until next year. Apple CEO Tim Cook described the iPhone X as “the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone.”
On Thursday, Apple shares closed down 1.72% at $153.99. Year to date, the stock is up more than 32%, while in the last year, it is up more than 33%.
What is Mazen Kourouche's opinion of the iPhone 8?
A.
Mazen Kourouche, a product reviewer, noted the iPhone 8 has modest changes. He said it is similar to the iPhone 7 but shoots 4K at 60 frames per second, features a new, more durable glass back, and lacks significant new features.
Q.
Why are investors concerned about the iPhone 8's performance?
A.
Investors are worried because pre-orders for the iPhone 8 are lower than previous launches, which is usually a good indicator of sales. There was also still stock available for delivery on the launch date, unlike prior releases.
Q.
What reasons are suggested for the lukewarm response to the iPhone 8?
A.
Analysts suggest people are awaiting the iPhone X, and the iPhone 8 has only modest changes. A steep price increase and a lack of carrier promotions compared to previous launches are also cited as reasons.
Q.
When will the iPhone X be available for pre-order, and what are its notable features?
A.
The iPhone X will be available for pre-order starting October 27, priced at $999. It features an edge-to-edge screen, an improved camera, and a new facial recognition system, described as a major leap forward.
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