Apple’s iPhone 7 is rumored to come with a similar design to the iPhone 6S, and now it looks like Apple intends to extend iPhone design cycles to three years instead of two.
In the past, Apple has changed their iPhone design every two years. However, this year it will be different, with no major redesign of the handset coming until next year. This shift marks a significant change in Apple’s strategy, reflecting broader trends in the smartphone industry.
Reasons Behind the Extended Design Cycle
Apple is expected to make some major design and hardware changes with the launch of the 2017 iPhone. These changes are rumored to include an AMOLED display, which would offer better color accuracy, higher contrast ratios, and improved energy efficiency compared to the current LCD screens. The move to AMOLED technology is a significant step forward, aligning Apple with other leading smartphone manufacturers who have already adopted this display technology.
The reason that Apple has apparently decided to extend their iPhone design changes from two years to three is due to the lack of major advances in smartphone hardware. Over the past few years, the pace of innovation in smartphone technology has slowed. While incremental improvements in processing power, camera quality, and battery life continue, these changes are not as groundbreaking as the leaps seen in earlier years. By extending the design cycle, Apple can focus on making more substantial improvements and innovations, rather than releasing a new design with only minor upgrades.
Impact on Sales and Market Strategy
Apple’s iPhone sales were down for the first time in their recent financial quarter. The company is also expecting their sales to be lower in their next quarter as well. This decline in sales can be attributed to several factors, including market saturation, increased competition from other smartphone manufacturers, and the longer replacement cycles of consumers who are holding onto their devices for more extended periods.
The launch of this year’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus should help Apple increase their iPhone sales. The new handsets are expected to land in September, and while they may not feature a radical redesign, they are likely to include several new features and improvements. For example, rumors suggest that the iPhone 7 may come with a dual-camera system, improved water resistance, and the removal of the headphone jack in favor of wireless audio solutions. These changes, while not revolutionary, could still attract a significant number of buyers looking to upgrade their devices.
Moreover, Apple’s decision to extend the design cycle could also be seen as a strategic move to align their product releases with broader industry trends. By focusing on more substantial updates every three years, Apple can ensure that each new iPhone release offers meaningful improvements that justify the upgrade for consumers. This approach could help maintain customer loyalty and keep the iPhone competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
In addition to hardware changes, Apple is also likely to continue enhancing the software experience with each new iPhone release. The company’s iOS operating system is known for its smooth performance, user-friendly interface, and robust ecosystem of apps and services. By continually refining and improving iOS, Apple can offer a compelling reason for users to stick with the iPhone, even if the hardware design remains relatively unchanged for longer periods.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 7 may not bring a major redesign, Apple’s decision to extend the design cycle to three years reflects a strategic shift in response to the current state of smartphone technology and market dynamics. With significant updates planned for the 2017 iPhone, including the potential adoption of AMOLED displays, Apple is positioning itself to deliver more impactful innovations that will keep the iPhone at the forefront of the industry. The upcoming release of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in September will be a critical moment for Apple as it seeks to boost sales and maintain its leadership in the competitive smartphone market.
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