Apple has the fastest factory-to-consumer shipping timelines among smartphone manufacturers

Apple has the fastest factory-to-consumer shipping timelines among smartphone manufacturers, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. 

The iOS inventory was very low at the end of 2021 as the iPhone 13 remained in high demand, notes the research group. The inventory started to increase as the initial demand settled and supply improved. Sell-in continued to improve until March 2022 but dropped back again in April due to China lockdowns. 

Counterpoint expects Apple’s quarter two 2022 sell-in to remain flat year-over-year. Android inventory levels have been higher than in previous years but is still manageable, adds the research group.