Apple is riding high on a wave of iPhone 15 momentum, with October 2023 delivering blowout smartphone sales growth globally, month saw a 12% increase over the prior year and massive 40% spike versus September thanks to intensifying 15 series traction. Buoyed by the well-received flagship refresh, Apple seized an all-time high 24% worldwide market share last month per preliminary data.
Drilling down into 15 lineup sales, the two-month tally since September launch reached 23.99 million units shipped based on supply chain checks. While that trails the year-ago iPhone 14 introduction rush by around 8%, note the 15 unveiling came slightly delayed about one week from typical annual cycles. So given the later debut leaving less runway for initial orders, strong initial uptake continues during what’s historically the slower pre-holiday season.
Emerging economies like India also contributed meaningfully by snapping up older generation iPhone models amidst aggressive discounting. Riding tailwinds across developed and developing markets alike, Apple mitigated feared losses in pivotal Chinese demand resulting from Huawei Mate 60 and Mate X5 series resurgence domestically. Meanwhile the US and Europe powered full speed ahead.
Shifting to preferred iPhone 15 configurations, the more premium Pro and Pro Max variants continue leading the mix at a combined 66% of sales. Drilling down further, the iPhone 15 Pro Max alone captured 37% share, handily outpacing the regular Pro’s 29% slice. While Apple doesn’t break down regional performance, analysts cite the fully decked-out Pro Max faring exceptionally well in lucrative markets like the US where buyers opt for max specs.
All told, Apple heads towards the back-half of Q4 firing on all cylinders between buzzy iPhone 15 series momentum globally and savvy clearing of older iPhone inventory. With the holiday peak sales bonanza of Black Friday and December holidays around the corner, 2023 is shaping up for potential record-smashing iPhone volumes to cap off the year in style!
