With a few months to go before Apple unleashes the next generation iPhone 7 handset, a lot of observers are prophesying doom at the prospect of a less than exciting update.
However, research published on Monday suggests that regardless of what Apple releases this coming September, there’s a saving grace that’ll guarantee it’s a hit; the amount of folks who’re due upgrades.
According to Investment firm Piper Jaffray (via Apple Insider), two thirds of existing iPhone owners in the US will be due a contract upgrade when the new release lands this autumn.
Of the 400 users polled in the study 67.5% currently own an iPhone 6 or older and will be entitled for a subsidised discount when the hew handset lands.
Interestingly around half of those folks (31.5%) own an iPhone 5s or older.
Related: Finally, an iPhone 7 leak that looks like a real phone
While one would think this would lead to a huge uptake when Apple drops the phone, rumoured to be in September, this might not be the case.
“We view this as in-line with our expectations given we are still over two months away from the official launch and most consumers are not tuned into the Apple rumor cycle.“ analyst Gene Munster said.
“We expect the percentage of consumers that plan to upgrade to the iPhone 7 to increase following the announcement, even if it is not a significant technology upgrade.”
While this might be problematic in the United States, where mobile companies don’t offer as much to customers in subsidies, it may be a different story in the UK.
UK mobile networks have traditionally offered iPhones at bargain basement prices with top tier contracts, meaning those in line for an update will have no hesitation.
Will you be upgrading in September? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
