Smartphone technology giants like Samsung may have continued its winning streak in phone sales in the overseas markets lately; however, Apple market shares also continue to grow. With its latest iPhone SE release, the IT industry leader could be looking at another fruitful year.
Latest data from Canalys revealed Apple shares went up 56 percent every year, according to Apple Insider. Even for devices that are priced US$300, Apple's total market shares have jumped from 11 percent during Q1 2015 to almost double, at 29 percent in early 2016.
Wilmer Ang, Canalys Mobility group analyst, said that Apple's growth potential is evident in the Indian market. Although Apple had a little downtime in iPhone sales during Q4, CEO Tim Cook said that it was an overreaction. Sales in India went up significantly and that the company would set its sights more on markets that shows such market growth.
Cook added that about 42 percent of the world's handset market account for the smartphone user population, yet the iPhone continuously attracts new buyers especially in overseas markets. LTE networks in 2016 are also predicted to provide greater sales growth for the Apple flagship phone.
According to Apple, the iPhone SE is not just a more affordable version of the premium brand, it is also considered as a back-to-basics alternative to its predecessors' larger than 4-inch display over the years.
During its release last March, Philip Schiller, senior vice-president for global marketing, said that the iPhone SE is also equipped with the highly advanced 64-bit A9 chip and an extended battery life. Other inviting features that the iPhone SE has include a 4K video, Touch ID (for Apple Pay) and faster Wi-Fi and LTE capability, as well as a newer Night Shift and improved Siri features. "Everyone who wants a smaller phone is going to love iPhone SE," said Schiller.
