The iPhone X is a pretty revolutionary device for Apple, but new data suggests that it might not have sold as well as its more traditional handsets.
Throughout the first quarter of 2018, the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus both sold better than the iPhone X in the U.S., according to analysts from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).
- In Q1 2018, Apple’s cheapest new model, the iPhone 8, scored the largest share with about 23 percent of total sales.
- The iPhone 8 Plus took a 21 percent share.
- The iPhone X came in third with just 16 percent of units sold.
- The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus both made up 20 percent of sales (combined).
- The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus together took 13 percent.
- The iPhone SE comprised ~8 percent of Apple handsets sold in the last quarter.
The iPhone X garnered excitement at launch and generated good sales during the busy holiday season last year, but the $999 Apple handset has seemingly lost its momentum in the following quarter.
CIRP does expect the iPhone to have a year-over-year sales increase, despite the fact that its sales dropped between quarters.
It’s also worth noting that CIRP based its data on a survey of 500 consumers in the U.S. who bought an iPhone, iPad or Mac between January and March. That’s a relatively small sample size for a study, so keep that in mind.
There has been no shortage of reports suggesting that the iPhone X isn’t selling as well as Apple had hoped. Analyst forecasts suggest that the handset could be discontinued this year — instead of being offered at a discounted price point once new iPhones are introduced.
Of course, a separate report from earlier this month suggests that the iPhone X has still made Apple a ton of money despite weaker-than-expected demand.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in February that the iPhone X was the top seller every week since its release last year — though that represents the busy holiday shopping season. Additionally, Cooks’ comments refer to iPhone sales globally, in contrast to CIRP’s U.S.-based findings.
The Cupertino tech giant will unveil its next quarterly earnings report on May 1. So, until then, we won’t have a full picture of iPhone X sales throughout 2018.