Highlights
- Despite market concerns, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasts robust shipments for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Kuo’s estimates project Apple shipments surpassing Samsung, positioning Apple as the largest smartphone brand in 2024.
- Amid stock price corrections, Kuo sees a rebound opportunity for Apple.
As Apple gears up to announce its iPhone 15 range in the coming weeks, the market’s conservative estimates have come under scrutiny, thanks to forecasts by renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Despite widespread concerns over supply chain issues affecting the tech industry, Kuo provides a somewhat optimistic outlook for Apple, especially its upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Overcoming Supply Chain Issues
One of the central concerns affecting Apple’s stock has been the predicted impact of supply chain disruptions on the iPhone 15 shipments.
While many analysts have scaled back their projections, Kuo maintains that “mass shipments will start this week” for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
This positive forecast directly contrasts with more conservative views, which estimate between 70 to 80 million units in shipment for the new range. According to Kuo, these conservative estimates have already led to a correction in Apple’s stock price.
Apple vs. Samsung: A Changing Tide
The ripple effects of these conservative estimates aren’t limited to Apple. Kuo notes that Samsung has cut its smartphone orders to 220 million units.
If Apple maintains its shipment targets, the company is poised to surpass Samsung as the largest smartphone brand with expected shipments reaching between 220-225 million units in 2023.
Moreover, Kuo predicts that Apple will likely continue to hold this position in 2024, given Samsung’s cautious internal view of market demand for that year.
Legacy Models and Market Strategy
Interestingly, Kuo briefly mentioned that Apple is “increasing shipments of legacy models,” although he did not elaborate further. Typically, Apple continues to sell previous-year models alongside new releases.
Given the predicted success of the iPhone 15 range, it’s possible that Apple is bolstering its entire product lineup to capitalize on the expected strong sales.
The Market Outlook
Kuo forecasts that with the market being “overly conservative” on iPhone shipments for the latter half of 2024, Apple’s stock may have an opportunity for a near-term rebound.
Additionally, Kuo expects a reasonable year-over-year growth of 5-10 percent in iPhone shipments for 2024.
So What’s Next?
Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest predictions offer a bullish counter-narrative to the otherwise cautious views on Apple’s future, especially concerning the iPhone 15 Pro Max shipments.
If Kuo’s forecasts hold, Apple stands to not only overcome supply chain challenges but also emerge as the top smartphone brand, surpassing Samsung.
As always, these are projections, and the actual outcomes will depend on various factors including market dynamics and consumer demand.
APPLE IPHONE 15 SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP |
| Battery | 4400 mAh |
| Display | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | August 16, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | iOS v15 |
Performance
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic |
| CPU | Hexa Core (3.23 GHz, Dual core, Avalanche + 1.82 GHz, Quad core, Blizzard) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 5 nm |
| Graphics | Apple GPU (four-core graphics) |
| RAM | 6 GB |
Display
| Display Type | OLED |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 19.5:9 |
| Pixel Density | 457 ppi |
| Screen Protection | Yes |
| Bezel-less display | Yes |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Design
| Waterproof | Yes, Water resistant, IP68 |
| Ruggedness | Dust proof |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Triple | |
| Resolution | 12 MP f/1.6, Wide Angle, Primary Camera 12 MP , Telephoto Camera 12 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, Dual LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 12 MP f/2.3, Primary Camera | |
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
Battery
| Capacity | 4400 mAh |
| Type | Li-ion |
| Removable | No |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Fast |
| USB Type-C | No |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 128 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.0 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
Multimedia
| FM Radio | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | Lightning |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | No |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
FAQs
What are Ming-Chi Kuo’s Predictions for iPhone 15 Shipments?
Contrary to conservative market estimates ranging between 70-80 million units, Ming-Chi Kuo forecasts around 80 million units of iPhone 15 shipments.
How Will the iPhone 15 Impact Apple’s Stock Price?
Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the market has been overly conservative about iPhone 15 shipments, leading to stock price corrections. He believes this could offer a favorable trading sentiment and a potential stock rebound for Apple.
Is Apple Likely to Become the Largest Smartphone Brand?
If Apple’s shipment orders for the second half of 2024 remain unchanged, Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that the company could surpass Samsung, with shipments reaching 220-225 million units in 2023.
What About Apple’s Legacy Models?
While Kuo doesn’t elaborate, it is typical for Apple to continue selling previous models alongside new launches. This suggests that iPhone 14 models could still perform well in the market even after the iPhone 15 launch.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 15 reportedly spotted on BIS Certification website Under Model Name A3094