The Apple Watch Ultra is considerably more popular than the entry-level Apple Watch SE despite its high price point, according to a new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).
The report provides a detailed look at how the various Apple Watch models are performing in the market. Apple Watch Series 9, introduced in September 2023 alongside the iPhone 15 lineup, is the most popular model in the lineup as of the June 2024 quarter. It captured 43% of total Apple Watch sales in the United States, making it the top choice among customers. The Series 8, which Apple no longer sells directly but is still available through various retailers, followed with a 19% share. Combined, these two models accounted for nearly two-thirds of all Apple Watch sales during the period.
The Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2, which represent the high-end segment of the lineup, contributed 20% of total sales. Despite their advanced features and premium positioning, the Ultra models have a smaller market share compared to the high-end variants of other Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. For instance, premium models in these categories typically account for a quarter or more of total sales. The CIRP report indicates that the Ultra 2 had a slightly higher share than the original Ultra during the June 2024 quarter.
The Apple Watch SE held a 12% market share. This model continues to attract buyers who are looking for a more affordable entry point into the Apple Watch, yet its market presence is significantly smaller than that of the higher end models. The Nike-branded version of the Apple Watch, which is essentially a variant of the Series 8 and 9, accounted for a modest 5% of the market.
Apple's strategy of offering a range of models at different price points appears to mirror its approach with the iPhone and iPad. However, there are some notable differences in consumer behavior across these product lines. While the premium models of iPhone and iPad often capture a larger share of sales, the Apple Watch lineup sees stronger performance in its mid-range models. The CIRP report suggests that the Series 8 and Series 9, positioned as a mid-tier option in terms of pricing and features, is particularly attractive to consumers, while the Ultra models, despite their higher price and more advanced capabilities, appeal to a smaller segment of the market. The low-cost Apple Watch SE and Nike models appeal to an even smaller segment of the market.
Apple today announced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max—its latest flagship smartphones—featuring larger displays, an all-new Camera Control button, and the A18 Pro chip. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display—the biggest iPhone display ever. The borders around the display are the thinnest of any Apple device. The...
Monday September 9, 2024 9:21 am PDT by Jordan Golson
Apple's "It's Glowtime" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, where we're expecting to see the iPhone 16 lineup and some updated Apple Watch and AirPods models unveiled, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across various platforms. We will also be updating this article with live blog...
Monday September 9, 2024 10:36 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple today announced that the AirPods Max are being updated with a USB-C charging port and new color options, including Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight. In addition, Apple said the AirPods Max are gaining support for Personalized Spatial Audio with the upcoming iOS 18 software update. The updated AirPods Max will be available to pre-order for $549 starting today, and the...
Apple today announced the latest lineup of iPhones, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Pre-orders for these devices begin September 13, and if you plan on ordering from a cellular carrier in the United States, there will be plenty of options for discounts from the major carriers. AT&T is offering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro at no cost with...
Monday September 9, 2024 10:11 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple at its event today announced the Apple Watch Series 10, featuring a wide-angle OLED display that is larger than the Apple Watch Ultra, with the company describing it as the "biggest display and thinnest design ever." The Series 10 is 9.7mm thick, which is nearly 10% thinner than Series 9, and it weighs 20% less than the Stainless Steel Series 9. The Aluminum cases also weigh up to 10%...
Friday September 6, 2024 5:01 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple is "shaking up its color palette" for its iPhone 16 lineup this year, according to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. Early iPhone 16 Pro dummy models via Sonny Dickson According to Gurman, the iPhone 16 Pro models will come in a Gold Titanium to replace Blue Titanium, while the Black, White, and Natural Titanium options that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro will remain...
Monday September 9, 2024 2:09 pm PDT by Juli Clover
With the launch of the new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple has discontinued some of its older iPhones. As of today, Apple is no longer selling the iPhone 13, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have been replaced with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone SE remains as Apple's most affordable device, with the iPhone 14 and iPhone...
The SE's value proposition is off: it is not cheap enough to compete with the bottom; expensive enough people would prefer the features in the general consumer (now mid-tier) offering.
At this juncture, for many of Apple's products they offer something at a price point because the board wants to see it but it practically only exists to stair-step you up the lineup to spend as much money as possible.
I wanted a watch, but a 1 day battery life simply isn’t anywhere near acceptable for me and I didn’t want to be worrying too much if my wrist grazes a door or something, so I wanted the titanium casing and sapphire glass. Yeah, Ultra is kinda expensive, but it checks all the boxes for me, so whatever, since I can afford it.
The flat screen makes all the difference to me. Easier for me to see the entire screen clearly in strong light, and easier for me to interact with the screen.
Probably because it's the only one where the battery might last long enough to use for logging a days mountain bike riding in places with crap cellular without taking your phone? I'd be tempted by an ultra next time. Why? Because after you've had it a year a regular one won't even last a day if you do a few hours exercise so the heart monitor is going full rate.