Analysts say Apple may have a record quarter, due to surging iPhone 12 shipments

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According to new reports published earlier this week, Apple is likely to break previous sales records during its first quarter in 2021, setting Apple up for what could be the biggest year ever for iPhone. Although global sales were down from October to November in 2020, the numbers declined by only low single digits, according to reports.

As always, numbers are difficult to predict precisely due to the fact that Apple no longer reports iPhone sales number. However, the news is positive considering a worsening global pandemic and a delayed launch to the iPhone 12 series because of it. There is now the possibility of a December sales surge, driven by the new iPhone 12 - bringing the quarter’s sell-through number into record territory. Peter Richardson, Global Head of Counterpoint Research:

What we’re seeing is a combination of things driving iPhone growth globally. These include pent up demand for a new 5G iPhone with both operators and consumers hungry for the new iPhone products, attractive prices on the iPhone 12 aided by bountiful promotional offers. iPhone SE sales also helped momentum together with iPhone 11 longevity, and solid Singles Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday performance.

Jeff Fieldhack, Counterpoint Research’s Director of US Mobile Devices and Carrier Strategies:

The iPhone 12 consistently outperformed its predecessor during the first six weeks from launch – with the exception of week two, when strong early demand and ample supply delivered an exceptional sales week for the iPhone 11. Double and triple-digit weekly sales increases for the iPhone 12 over the iPhone 11 – despite 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max shortages – is sending a strong signal, and we believe the iPhone 12 will bolster global quarterly shipment growth for all iPhones to 21% YoY.

While acknowledging that Apple may face supply constraints and other issues, Richardson added that “Apple is well positioned to mitigate the risks. The iPhone Pro and Pro Max are on backorder in the US, but lead times have dropped significantly over the past three weeks. Power management ICs remain constrained, but Apple is likely a favored customer going to the head of the line."

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Published to Apple Scoop on 28th December, 2020.