As Apple preps for launch, iPhone users want to be wowed
As we await Apple’s new range of iPhones, new iPads, a refreshed Apple Watch range and a compelling AirPods Pro upgrade, it’s worth noting that the new devices may hit a market eager to upgrade.
SellCell claims almost 70% of iPhone owners might upgrade this year. I have to say that I find that percentage much too high, but it could hint at a degree of pent-up interest ready to be unleashed across the coming months as Apple introduces the biggest iPhone redesigns for years – this year’s thin iPhone Air and the expected folding iPhone in 2026.
What SellCell sees
While I leery of accepting all of SellCell’s claims, they do reflect years of data analysis:
iPhone Pro/Pro Max account for 38.1% of planned upgraders; 16.7% will choose the standard model; 13.5% the ultra-thin Air.
72.9% of iPhone owners say they are more satisfied today than in past years, but over a quarter (27.1%) feel Apple has “lost its edge” versus rivals.
Apple could see interest in its devices dwindle if it doesn’t ship a folding device soon — 20.1% of users would consider switching if it does not.
Almost half of iPhone users (49%) say nothing about Android appeals to them — yet the majority admit Android is becoming more attractive.
This is all interesting and might reflect some of the ways in which the prevailing negativity is beginning to affect consumer sentiment. That might be less of a problem given Apple’s track record of regularly delighting consumers with new products. Those faint hearts among its congregation could easily be won again if Apple makes the right moves.
What will drive consumer upgrades? Mostly it’s the same as it ever, with battery life an enduring concern, and pricing — particularly any tariff-driven price hikes — also in mind. People seem a lot more ready to embrace eSIMs than before: “eSIM adoption is now mainstream, with 72.5% saying they like it — though more than a quarter still prefer a physical SIM,” SellCell said.
There is growing speculation Apple might move to offer eSIM-only iPhones across most nations, as it already does in the US.
What to expect from Apple this week
iPhone 17
The device will look like an iPhone 16 with a 6.3-in. display, possibly at 120Hz. Colors may include black, white, steel gray, green, purple, and light blue. The processor will be a 3nm A19 chip, with advanced thermal performance and support for Apple’s own network chips.
iPhone 17 Pro
More durable, the devices might use an aluminium frame and less glass than before. The camera system changes too, becoming a larger horizontal bump across the width of the device, featuring three lenses and up to 8x zoom. Better battery life and a super speedy A19 Pro chip (with more RAM) are also on the tab;e. The Pro Max brings all the above with an even better camera.
iPhone 17 Air
Replacing the iPhone 17 Plus, the star of the show might be the new iPhone Air. Set to replace the iPhone Plus, the iPhone Air is just 5.5mm thin and carries a 6.6-in. display. Lighter, it will use AI to help optimize battery life, comes in four colors, including sky blue, and might cost around $1,000. (The price is tariff sensitive). It may use an eSIM, Apple’s C2 5G modem, and carry a single camera. It could still boast a powerful A19 chip.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Expect an updated (and larger) LTPO3 display for an even brighter device with a wider viewing angle. There will be a new chip, but this will be focused on efficiency rather than performance, with space dedicated to additional battery life. You’ll also have satellite connectivity built in, enabling satellite based texting and emergency SOS.
Apple Watch Series 11 and SE
Expect an S11 chip, a brighter display, and perhaps blood pressure monitoring features. The Apple Watch SE is expected to get bigger, gain the new S11 chip, and look a lot more like the ever popular Apple Watch Series 7 design.
AirPods Pro 3
The most interesting accessory could be the new AirPods Pro 3, which we expect will have a smaller charging case, better sound quality and cancellation, and in-ear heart tracking and temperature sensing. Apple should introduce Live Translation for these devices when its 26 series of operating systems ship.
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