The total production volume of all iPhone devices for the first quarter of 2017 fell by 36% compared with the previous quarter and declined by 41% versus the same period a year ago, according to new data from TrendForce. Still, these results actually showed an overall improvement in iPhone sales, according to the research group.
This quarter Apple released the “PRODUCT Red” edition of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which can be regarded as a follow-up to last year’s “Jet Black” edition. The use of striking colors has been well received by consumers and helped Apple grab market share, according to TrendForce. The bold color scheme has also raised awareness about the upcoming release of the 10th anniversary iPhone devices.
TrendForce estimates that the total production volume of all iPhone devices for the second quarter will reach around 43 million units, a decline of 17% from the preceding quarter. Apple will likely to lower the production of existing iPhone models as the company prepares for the launch of the next-generation devices in the third quarter.
Despite all this, TrendForce thinks Samsung overtook Apple in quarter one smartphone sales — and that’s before the company’s new flagship Galaxy S8 landed in stores. However, most of the gains made by the company were thanks to lower-end devices, adds the research group.
