Sales surge after major redesign
Apple’s latest iPhone 17 has triggered its strongest sales surge in years, with analysts predicting a return to growth as extended wait times and generous trade-in deals signal an upgrade frenzy among customers.
The new model – the biggest overhaul of the iPhone in nearly a decade – has exceeded market expectations since its September launch. Industry insiders say demand has outstripped supply across Apple’s retail network and mobile carriers, with shipping delays around 13 per cent longer than last year’s iPhone 16 cycle.
According to Visible Alpha data, iPhone revenues are expected to grow 4 per cent this fiscal year to $209.3 billion, rising to nearly 5 per cent in 2026, as Apple enters the crucial holiday sales period.
Market confidence returns
Apple’s share price hit a new yearly high in September on the back of strong pre-orders, signalling renewed investor confidence after a year marked by AI delays and trade tensions. The company had seen smartphone revenues fall in 2023 as pandemic-era spending cooled.
“It’s fair to describe the iPhone 17 launch as surprising versus where Wall Street expectations were at the end of August,” said Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management.
New features drive upgrade cycle
The iPhone 17 includes major upgrades to its camera system, display, and battery, tempting users with older devices to switch. Apple’s trade-in programmes and Chinese government subsidies for base models have also boosted sales.
Although unit sales are expected to remain around 235 million devices annually through 2026, analysts believe revenues will climb as more customers opt for premium models. Rumours also suggest a foldable iPhone could launch as early as next year.
Despite warnings from some analysts that expectations may be running high, Apple’s latest redesign has re-energised its flagship product line and could mark the start of a new multi-year upgrade cycle for the tech giant.
