Everyone expects that the upcoming iPhone X will set a new sales record despite production delays and the extremely high price, but according to new research, Apple's existing customer base will make the device very successful.
A study conducted by the company Bernstein revealed that 48% of existing iPhone users are excited about the anniversary model, while a quarter of them plan to purchase the device. The iPhone X will be available from 999 dollars for the 64GB version, while the 256GB model will cost 1.149 dollars.
“The excitement surrounding the iPhone X appears to be greater than the actual target — 48 percent of respondents strongly agreed that they were ‘excited about the iPhone X,’” Bernstein said, as reported by Reuters. The survey included 1,112 iPhone owners in three major markets, namely the U.S., U.K. and China.
Analysts expect that the iPhone X will become “the new iPhone 6”, as they predict strong sales especially in early 2018, when Apple finally manages to address the production problems.
The existing customer base will be partly responsible for the success of the iPhone X, they estimate, as the anniversary model will likely create a significant upgrade cycle among customers who are stuck with older iPhones.
“Consumer confidence in the iPhone remains extremely strong, despite persistent complaints about high prices and concerns about the decline of innovation, with only 3% of respondents saying that their next phone would not be “an iPhone”, Bernstein continued.
Surprisingly, the price of the iPhone X is rarely cited as a reason not to get the device, despite the fact that it is the most expensive model Apple has launched so far. On the other hand, Cupertino is working with carriers to make the iPhone X available at lower prices with special data plans, with significant discounts also offered to customers who trade in older models.
