Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 16 series first in Korea, a move that breaks from the company’s usual tradition. But why has Apple, a company known for sticking to its established practices, decided to make such a change? Here are the details…
Apple to Release iPhone 16 Series Early in Korea
The iPhone 16 series holds the second-largest market share in Korea, following Samsung. However, Apple typically launches new iPhone models in Korea a few weeks after their initial release in other markets, which has led to dissatisfaction among Korean Apple users.
This time, due to a decline in demand in the Chinese market, Apple is considering launching the iPhone 16 series early in Korea. If these reports are accurate, Korea would be one of the first countries to receive the new iPhone, a first since the iPhone 3GS launch in 2009.
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple held a 24% market share in Korea during the first quarter of 2024, compared to Samsung’s 75%. Apple’s market share has been steadily increasing each year, and analysts predict that this positive trend will continue with the launch of the new iPhone 16 in September.
On the other hand, Canalys data indicates that Apple’s market share in China dropped from 16% to 14% in the second quarter of this year. This decline pushed Apple out of the top five smartphone suppliers in China. This downturn in the Chinese market may have prompted Apple to focus more on the Korean market.
What do you think about this move? How will Apple’s strategic shift be received in Korea? Will the new iPhone 16 series meet expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.