iPhone 16 sales surge as Pro models lose their edge
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iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple's iPhone 16 lineup is shaking up buyer trends, with recent buyers favoring affordability and practicality over flashy upgrades. In the last month or so, more buyers have been opting for value-focused options instead of splurging on premium models. Data from the 2024 holiday quarter shows that while new Pro models perform well, base and older iPhones are gaining popularity.
According to data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) for the December 2024 quarter, the iPhone 16 models collectively held a 68% share of U.S. sales, slightly surpassing the 65% share of the iPhone 15 models in the previous year. However, a closer look reveals notable year-over-year shifts in model preferences.
Apple's practice of reusing processors from Pro models in subsequent base models is relatively recent. The strategy began with the iPhone 14 series in 2022, where the standard iPhone 14 models continued to use the A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 14 Pro models received the new A16 Bionic chip.
The trend continued with the iPhone 15 series in 2023, where the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus were equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, previously used in the iPhone 14 Pro models. However, with the iPhone 16 series, Apple introduced the A18 chip across all models, marking a departure from this recent approach.
Adding to the mix, the two-year-old iPhone 14 held 16% of sales in the December 2024 quarter, outperforming the iPhone 13's 12% share in the prior year. The uptick shows the durability and longevity of older iPhones, which continue to appeal to users looking for value.
