iPhone 11 Sales Excitement Falls Short as Consumers Chase 5G Functionality

Apple drew its usual crowds and media attention at it’s launch event in September where the brand finally unveiled the expected iPhone 11 as well as it’s Max and Pro variants. Despite the miles of column inches, it has been said that that globally – and particularly in China - Apple’s stores didn’t see the usual annual mobbing for customers to get touchy feely with its latest devices when the models were released.

China is one of the largest consumer tech markets in the world and it’s considered a serious show of power if you can dominate in retail there. Apple currently only occupies around 10% of the smartphone market in China and faces extreme competition from Huawei as the brand continues to grow in popularity. It’s latest Mate 30 series is the first Google absent device for the brand and is a big focus for sales this year. Given Huawei’s blacklist issues with the US, it’s only natural they will greatly ramp up sales in other markets to compensate for potential loses.

Going back at Apple’s comparative lack of fan excitement versus previous years, we can potentially attribute the anti-buzz to a few different reasons. One culprit of course is the earlier in the year launch of Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 10 which seriously impressed consumers. At the same time, it’s important to note that there are a few key pieces of functionality lacking in the new iPhone series – most importantly, it’s missing 5G compatibility.

Apple is actually starting to build a reputation for seemingly ignoring innovations that are on the tip of everyone’s tongue year on year. The brand had the same issues around the incorporation of NFC payment technology only a couple of iPhone models ago when other brands, again including Samsung, were releasing smartphone models with everything expected and more. This time it’s 5G functionality that’s missing from the latest models and it can’t help but make the new models feel out of date already.

Having the fastest possible network speed for your smartphone is a must for many users but it looks like hardcore Apple fans will be waiting until at least summer 2020 before they can enjoy the upgrade. It does make you wonder if Apple is simply relying on gimmicky hardware improvements like the slow-motion movie capture selfie camera to get them by. Or if tactfully and intent fully they know that hardcore fans will keep sales afloat while they gear up to a future model or upgrade of phones that will include 5G as an added sales ploy.

What are your thoughts? Only time will tell!