US smartphone shipments declined 24% YoY in Q2 2023, according to Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor data. This was the third consecutive quarter of YoY declines. Android brands like Samsung, Motorola and TCL-Alcatel saw the steepest declines in shipments, while Apple’s shipments were more resilient. As a result, Apple’s share of shipments increased YoY.
For me it’s always about the features and innovations of a new phone. The latest iPhone offers SOS mode via satellite and if it could be used for limited texting and whatnot when out of cell range I probably would have upgraded. As it stands, there is really zero compelling reason to upgrade unless my phone is at end of life. This is going to continue to be a trend until the next big features come out. What is the purpose of the upgrade? What new features sell it? My camera is good enough, the battery is doing fine, the phone looks the same as every other phone externally. Just like the PC, upgrade cycles will become longer as the hardware lasts longer. This is where these companies need to start relying on their creativity to come up with some new and compelling reasons to drive upgrades.