iPhone Sales to Hit Zero or Negative Growth in Q4 2015: KGI Securities

The popularity of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in China is undeniable, but the next-generation device’s alleged key selling feature – Force Touch – could negatively impact sales, says well-connected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as cited by Apple Daily (via GforGames).

Kuo estimates sales of between 65 million and 75 million iPhones for the fourth calendar quarter of 2015, which compares to the 74.5 million units sold during the same period last year. As the analyst points out, the (possible) zero growth is due to several factors: First, smartphone sales have declined in China, along with spending power, and secondly, what is said to be the outstanding feature of the so-called iPhone 6s is not as appealing as it may seem.

Secondly, the analyst says that another big reason that could contribute to the iPhone 6s duo yielding zero or negative growth is Force Touch. More to the point, the technology itself should not slow down the market performance, but because Force Touch is supposed to be one of iPhone 6s’ main new driving features and due to the fact that the public hasn’t been wowed by FT on the Watch and the new MacBook, the inclusion of Force Touch on the upcoming iPhone flagship might not attract as many customers as Apple might hope.

According to the analyst, Apple has slightly cut iPhone 6s orders, by about 1% or so, possibly due to the lower yield of the next-generation iPhone.

The use of Force Touch should be different on the iPhone compared to the Apple Watch, as 9to5Mac’s sources suggested. The next-generation iPhone will allegedly feature a stronger and lighter rear shell to avoid Bendgate, and is rumoured to be launching on September 9 alongside new iPads and an Apple TV.