On September 22nd, Apple officially launched the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, with both online and offline stores opening simultaneously for sales. However, this year’s launch didn’t generate the same level of excitement as previous iPhone releases. Consumers seemed less enthusiastic, and both physical stores and e-commerce platforms had ample stock available. No long queues were seen outside Apple Stores, a stark contrast to past events.
Many believe the reason behind the subdued response is the anticipation for the upcoming iPhone X. After Apple’s event, numerous netizens expressed that with the iPhone X on the horizon, there was little reason to buy the iPhone 8. The lack of urgency in purchasing has led to lower demand and even some retailers struggling to move inventory.
At the Beijing Wangfujing Apple Store, one of the first locations to open, the staff had set up a grand welcome ceremony. But the turnout was surprisingly low—only four people were waiting at the entrance. There were no crowds, no long lines, and eventually, Apple staff had to remove the barriers that had been set up for the event.
The situation wasn’t just limited to physical stores. Online platforms and Apple’s official website also saw weak sales. Reports from users indicated that many chose to cancel their iPhone 8 orders, leading to a buildup of inventory in warehouses across the country. Additionally, the price of the iPhone 8 dropped below the retail price in some offline channels, causing significant losses for early resellers who had hoped to profit from the launch.
Apple’s stock was also affected by the weak sales performance. Last week, the company's share price fell nearly 5%, wiping out over $43 billion in market value—equivalent to the entire value of eBay. In response, CEO Tim Cook visited an Apple Store to inspect the sales situation. When asked about the performance, he stated, “We are really satisfied with today’s sales.â€
Another concern raised by users was the high repair costs. A microblog post mentioned that replacing the back cover of an iPhone 8 could cost up to 2,888 yuan, while the iPhone 8 Plus would cost 3,288 yuan. Many users criticized the prices, saying they were enough to buy a domestic smartphone. Some even joked, “Apple is a work of art, but it’s better to buy a local brand.â€
So, the big question remains: Is the iPhone 8 worth buying? And why do you think it hasn’t been as popular as expected?
If you're considering the iPhone 8 or 8 Plus, check out the latest reviews and comparisons before making a decision. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or just curious, there’s plenty to discuss. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Shenzhen Kaixuanye Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.icoilne.com