Apple May Not See Super Cycle Sales With iPhone 16
The tech world's been buzzing about a potential iPhone 16 super cycle, but recent reports suggest we might need to pump the brakes on that excitement. Despite the hype surrounding Apple's foray into artificial intelligence, it seems the supply chain isn't reflecting the anticipated surge in demand.
Suppliers Tell a Different Story
Ming-Chi Kuo, a seasoned Apple analyst known for his supply chain insights, dropped a bombshell on Medium recently. He pointed out that two key Apple suppliers, TSMC and Largan, hinted during their earnings calls that iPhone 16 orders haven't seen the expected uptick.
TSMC, the chip-making powerhouse, stated they “did not see kind of unit growth suddenly increased.” Meanwhile, Largan, which supplies camera lenses, noted that “orders for high-end models this year are similar to last year.”
Numbers Don't Lie
Let's crunch some numbers:
- iPhone 16 orders for the second half of 2024: ~87 million units
- iPhone 15 orders for the same period in 2023: ~91 million units
You don't need to be a math whiz to see that's actually a slight dip, not the surge many were predicting.
Apple Intelligence: The Overhyped Catalyst?
The whispers of an iPhone 16 super cycle gained traction after Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the company unveiled its plans for Apple Intelligence. This AI-powered feature was touted as a game-changer that would drive unprecedented demand for the new iPhones.
However, there's a catch. AppleInsider reports that Apple Intelligence will only be available in beta for US users in the latter half of 2024, and it'll only support English at launch. That's a pretty narrow slice of the global iPhone market.
A Reality Check
Kuo raises a valid point: expecting consumers to rush out and buy a new iPhone 16 just for a beta version of Apple Intelligence might be a tad optimistic. It's like buying a car for a feature that's still in the testing phase – not exactly a compelling reason for most folks to upgrade.
What This Means for Apple
While it's too early to sound any alarms, these supply chain murmurs suggest Apple might need to temper its expectations for the iPhone 16 launch. The company has faced challenges in recent years, including supply chain disruptions and economic headwinds, which have impacted iPhone sales.
However, Apple has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. The company's services segment continues to grow, and its brand loyalty remains strong. The iPhone 16 may not trigger a super cycle, but it's unlikely to be a flop either.
The Takeaway
As we inch closer to the expected fall launch of the iPhone 16, it's crucial to separate hype from reality. While Apple Intelligence is undoubtedly exciting, its impact on initial sales might be more muted than some analysts predicted.
For now, it seems the iPhone 16 super cycle remains more of a tantalizing possibility than a foregone conclusion. But in the ever-changing world of tech, who knows what surprises Apple might have up its sleeve? One thing's for sure – the coming months will be interesting to watch.
Remember, in the world of tech predictions, today's speculation is tomorrow's old news. Stay tuned to reputable tech news sources for the latest updates as we approach the iPhone 16 launch window.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”