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Apple’s iPhone is a hot item this holiday shopping season. The iPhone 4S is the top smartphone in several countries around the world, including the United States and United Kingdom. And most analysts believe Apple will be able to keep that up for the rest of the year. Even better, research firms say that while 2011 is the best year yet for iPhone, sales will likely be trumped in 2012.
Of course, Apple’s ability to sell millions of iPhones is nothing new. For years, the company has been attracting customers to its devices, and even though the latest releases start at $200, consumers seem more than willing to spend that cash to have what many believe is the best smartphone on the planet.
This time around, though, there are a host of reasons why the iPhone has proved so popular and its sales are exploding. From more options to the simple fact that the iPhone is an Apple product, there’s no wonder Apple’s smartphone sales are on the rise. Here’s why iPhone sales are exploding right now:
1. First and foremost: It’s the iPhone
If there’s one reasonwhy iPhone sales are exploding, it’s the simple fact that it is the most desired handset in the world. From China to the U.S. to the U.K., consumers and enterprise users want to get their hands on the one and only Apple iPhone.
2. Apple’s branding is impeccable
Apple has done a fantastic job over the years building its brand. Consumers trust that Apple products will come with worthwhile features, and they believe that the company’s smartphones will hold up over time. That means something in the consumer space, and the growing sales seem to prove that.
3. More carrier options
In previous years, Apple sales were strong in the U.S.,but they weren’t necessarily groundbreaking. Now, sales are easily outpacing those of previous years for one main reason: More carriers are offering Apple’s smartphones. Last year at this time, just AT&T was selling the iPhone in the U.S. Now, the device is available to Verizon and Sprint customers as well. More customers means more sales.
4. Pricing, pricing, pricing
One great thing about the iPhone is it hits a price point for any customer. Consumers on a budget can get the iPhone 3GS for free from carriers. The iPhone 4 is available for as little $99 with a two-year contract for those who want something a bit nicer. And those who want the latest and greatest handset can spend $199 or more to get the iPhone 4S. Apple’s handsets are hitting the right price point to keep sales booming.
5. Android competition isn’t where it should be
If Apple had to worry more about Android-based smartphones, perhaps iPhone sales wouldn’t be so high. After all, the iPhone is dominating the mobile space right now compared to any other single handset on the market. And its sales are a reflection of that. But this is because it doesn’t have a real threat.
Launch Timing, Apps, Siri Boost Sales
6. iPhone 4S launch timing
Is there any doubt that iPhone 4S sales are strong because of impeccable launch timing? Rather than offer the smartphone over the summer, Apple decided to unveil it toward the end of the year, effectively making it a hot item this holiday season. In January, expect to hear about huge iPhone 4S holiday sales.
7. Don’t forget the apps
One key selling point of Apple’s iPhone has been its App Store. Developers are flocking to the marketplace, and consumers see it as a great way to extend the iPhone’s functionality. There are other mobile stores, including the Android Market and BlackBerry App World. But the Apple App Store’s volume and quality of products keep iPhone users loyal.
8. Siri is captivating customers
Apple’s decision to launch the iPhone 4S with Siri functionality is a good one. Siri is a unique voice-activated virtual personal assistant that can’t be found with the same level of quality anywhere else. What’s more, Apple has done a fine job of promoting the feature to build excitement for it. Without Siri, it’s tough to say if Apple sales would be as strong as they are.
9. More iPhones models means more sales
As noted, Apple has outstanding pricing options available to iPhone customers. But there’s more to that story. Unlike previous years when Apple has sold just one or two iPhone models, this year, it’s selling three. As Android handset sales have shown, the more phone models available to customers, the more will be sold. Don’t lose sight of that when evaluating the iPhone’s skyrocketing sales.
10. Safety first
Although Apple and Google are in a bitter battle for mobile market dominance and Android is winning handily in overall mobile OS market dominance, many enterprise users are opting for the iPhone over any other device. Many IT decision-makers are reasoning that the iPhone, thanks to iOS, is far more secure than Android. That’s another factor helping to boost Apple sales. Looking ahead, expect security to continue to play a key role in enterprise smartphone purchases.