Apple’s annual September event is right around the corner, featuring the anticipated iPhone 18 lineup, new Apple Watches, and potientialy smart home hardware, but this year all eyes are on the rumored iPhone Ultra, the first foldable iPhone.
Despite the hype around Apple’s first foldable, a recent CNET survey reveals that 75% of U.S. adults have no interest in buying one. What’s more, while analysts predict the device could cost between US$2,000 and $2,500, interested buyers are only willing to spend an average of $781, highlighting a massive gap between consumer expectations and the likely retail price. Here are highlights from the CNET survey:
° High anticipation, low demand: Leaks and rumors suggest an Apple foldable could land as soon as September, and consumers expect it to happen. In fact, CNET Group’s Big Guessing Game sweepstakes found most CNET readers (77%) believe the foldable will debut this year. However despite anticipation, actual interest remains low even among tech-forward generations with 69% of Gen Z and 68% of Millennials expressing no interest in purchasing one.
° Rising prices put upgrades on hold: Amid the ongoing memory shortage, price increases are affecting upgrade plans for 41% of US adults, with 20% delaying their upgrade entirely, keeping their phone longer, or holding onto their current device longer than originally planned. While 16% of CNET readers say the one thing they would change about an iPhone is lowering its price, the ongoing RAM crisis makes that wishful thinking.
° Will color comebacks be enough for the iPhone 18? Each year brings a new lineup with fresh features and colors, and nearly 3 in 4 (72%) CNET readers believe black will make a comeback for the iPhone 18. However, regardless of which colors catch consumers’ eyes, 22% of US adults have no plans to upgrade anytime soon.
° Could we see other showstopping products? While there are rumors of big changes coming to Apple’s AirPods and talk of smart glasses as they rise in popularity, most CNET readers (77%) don’t think Apple will unveil new earbuds featuring cameras this year. Moreover, with Samsung, Meta, Snap, and Google all having their own or upcoming smart glasses, just over half (51%) of CNET readers think Apple will announce its first pair of smart glasses in September, while 49% don’t.
I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support.
