TECH NEWS – Apple may have rushed the launch of this year’s iPhone 16 lineup, with the devices lacking the most important feature.

According to reports, pre-orders for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are down 12.7% compared to last year’s 15 handsets. Only one model managed to show a stronger figure compared to 2023, but here the difference is outstanding: the iPhone 16 Plus is up 48% compared to last year’s phone! There are several reasons for the lack of initial interest.

One is that the design hasn’t changed from last year’s lineup, and while Apple has responded to user feedback, the improvement in internal hardware hasn’t been enough of a reason for many to upgrade. However, analysts believe that the initial lack of features related to artificial intelligence (Apple Intelligence) played a bigger role in why the public did not buy more of any of the four models of the iPhone 16.

The JP Morgan analysts’ views were reported by AppleInsider. They reported a much more subdued momentum, especially for the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max. The Cupertino company has reserved 16 million units for the first batch, but the lack of positive reception could be due to the lack of AI features, according to the analysts. Although Apple Intelligence is listed on the iPhone 16’s product page, the feature will appear later, so generative AI is still missing.

JP Morgan analysts added that Apple Intelligence is not even in the top five reasons why buyers are not upgrading their phones (it is only in sixth place). Initially, the feature will only work in English, so those whose first language is not English will not have much to do with the new features. Over time, more languages will be supported, which could increase sales. It’s estimated that 76 million iPhones will be shipped in the last quarter of 2024, and that this could rise to 148 million next year.

So it really does look like they’ve rushed the release a bit…

Source: WCCFTech, AppleInsider