The new smartphone "iPhone 13" announced by Apple on September 14 (US time) has a selling price of 86,800 to 194,800 yen (including tax) in Japan.The lowest price of the iPhone 13 Mini, the cheapest model, is about 4500 yen higher than when the previous year model "12 mini" was released.However, it continued to be $ 699 in the United States.Apple emphasized that the lowest price of the latest iPhone was the same as 12 of the previous year.
Topic on iPhone prices, China SNS
13シリーズの上位モデル2機種にはストレージが1テラバイトと、これまでの最大容量の約2倍が用意された。また普及モデルの2機種には、12にはなかった512ギガバイトが加わった。これによりiPhone 13シリーズの平均価格は約1106ドルとなり、12シリーズ発売時の平均価格だった999ドルから約11%上昇した（図1）。
On the other hand, the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese consumers are interested in relatively low prices, about 12.Elements such as the evolution of camera function, the improvement of processing capacity by the new semiconductor "A15", and the extension of the battery drive time have become a hot topic.In the Chinese version of Twitter, "Weibo", the topic of "iPhone 13 price" has exceeded 1 billion times.
"Two tailors" blowing on Apple
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple remained the price, despite the rise in raw materials and parts prices.This has gained popularity of Chinese consumers.The country accounts for 20 % of the world's global sales of iPhones, which is an important market for Apple.Under these circumstances, there are two tailwinds for Apple in the country.
One is a high -speed communication "5G" service.The iPhone is compatible with 12 series to 5G.With the spread of communication services, the demand for replacement of iPhone is increasing.The other is the stall of Hua Way, China, which competes in the smartphone market.Huawei has become difficult to procure semiconductors and software due to the US government's control, and the production of consumer electronic devices, including smartphones, has declined.Sales in consumer businesses in the January -June quarter fell 47 %.On the other hand, Apple has been selling in the Chinese market for 5G compatible.
"Two risks" faced by Apple
However, Apple has a risk.It is the rise of Chinese manufacturers other than Huawei.According to the newspaper, the top three companies in the Chinese smartphone market are China Vivo, China OPPO (Oppo), and small rice (Xiaomi).Apple ranks fourth after this.
Of these, Xiaomi is threatening Apple in the world market.According to the Hong Kong research company counter point research, Xiaomi first emerged in June 2001 with the world's smartphone sales volume.The company is making a breakthrough in markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and China to fill the holes of Huawei.
Another risk for Apple is a shortage of electronic components such as semiconductors.Apple pointed out in April 2001 that the sales of $ 3 billion to $ 3 billion (approximately 340 to 450 billion yen) for the April -June quarter of the PC "Mac" and the tablet terminal "iPad".。
Apple's executives explained that in a financial results announcement in the April -June Fiscal year, a measure to minimize the impact has led to less than $ 3 billion in total in the quarter.However, at this time, Tim Cook CEO (Chief Executive Officer) stated that "product supply is restricted due to the shortage of semiconductors and affects the sale of iPhones and iPads in the July -September quarter."
【Related article】
・ In behalf of the Chinese smartphone giant's small rice, Apple Samsung, the world's breakthrough in the world -Yahoo! News Individuals
(This column is re -edited with the latest information based on the article published in the September 17, 2021 issue of "Jbpress Digital Innovation Review").
