iOS 18's AI Features Could Revive iPhone Sales in China

iOS 18's rumored AI features could revive faltering iPhone sales in China, according to DigiTimes.

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In a paywalled report, DigiTimes explains that despite the Chinese market pivoting toward high-end devices, ‌iPhone‌ sales have reportedly struggled since the start of 2024 in the region against rival brands offering generative AI features and foldable displays.

In December 2023, Apple reportedly saw a 13% decline in revenue in China, following months as the top smartphone brand in the country by shipments, and there have been further reports of even more severe declines of up to 40% in recent weeks. Chinese consumers apparently see Apple's diminutive selection of AI features as contradictory to its image as a pioneering brand.

‌DigiTimes‌ reiterated previous rumors suggesting that ‌iOS 18‌ will contain a number of new AI features, but cautioned that Apple needs to make significant progress in the AI space to meet consumer expectations and revive the company's popularity in China amid fierce competition from brands like Huawei, which are heavily investing in AI research and development.

On an earnings call earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company was working on generative AI and would share details "later this year." Apple is expected to preview ‌iOS 18‌ at its annual developers conference WWDC in June, and the update should be released in September. Some new AI features could be exclusive to the iPhone 16 models later in the year, with the lineup rumored to get a "significantly" upgraded Neural Engine.

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Top Rated Comments

Fuzzball84 Avatar
13 months ago
I highly doubt the lack of sales is about foldable screens and AI...
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mikelets456 Avatar
13 months ago

People in China know that iphones are boring slabs with poor OS and thus voting with their wallets.
I believe you're correct. The only reason I stick with Apple (iPhone) is their integration with Apple devices and other Apple users. However, they're extremely expensive for a bland product that needs updating. Their OS is preferred, however their hardware is lackluster, to say the least. A few years ago I would never consider going back to Android---now it crosses my mind from time to time. Android manufacturers are competing against each other and coming out with some really nice advances. However, Apple seems content in churning out the same bland looking devices year after year---but I do have to admit, they simply work and, as of now, that's my main priority.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Arid Avatar
13 months ago
drop in sales has more to do with big brother's displeasure with Apple moving some of its manufacturing out of China than anything else.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SmugMaverick Avatar
13 months ago
Some incredible copium going on.

Apples AI is going to be the most basic stuff like magic eraser or auto translate in iMessage.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dampfnudel Avatar
13 months ago
AI won’t be enough. What users in China want is a redesign of some sort. Many of them want an iPhone 16 Pro that can’t be confused with the 13 Pro, 14 Pro or 15 Pro. If it basically looks the same, sales will continue to slide. Maybe that’s why there’s an indication that Apple may be trying to change the look of the camera cluster.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JohnRckr Avatar
13 months ago
People in China know that iphones are boring slabs with poor OS and thus voting with their wallets.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)