While many Android smartphone makers were already offering 5G models as early as the first half of 2019, Apple took its time. Its first 5G smartphones, the iPhone 12, were only released in the last quarter of 2020.
However, as soon as Apple entered this new market, it was able to climb to the number one spot. At least that’s what a study by Counterpoint Research indicates.
Apple successfully enters the 5G smartphone market
“The iPhone 12 became the world’s best-selling 5G smartphone model in October despite a delayed launch, which only resulted in two weeks of sales during the month. The iPhone 12 Pro, which also launched alongside the iPhone 12, was the second best-selling 5G model of the month, according to Counterpoint Research’s monthly Market Pulse service. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro together captured nearly a quarter of total 5G smartphone sales in October, ”the company post read.
In third place in the October 5G smartphone sales ranking is the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, followed by Huawei’s Nova 7 and P40. Meanwhile, Counterpoint says after two weeks of sales, Apple was already in the Top 10 for the period January to October 2020, with the iPhone 12 in seventh place.
Once again it can be seen that the new iPhones are selling very well. And the Counterpoint company attributes this excellent iPhone 5G start to several factors. She estimates that there was a significant demand for 5G smartphones among iOS users.
On the other hand, carriers, especially in the United States, have been promoting these new iPhones very well. Otherwise, sales were also excellent in Japan and China.
Also, it should be noted that as of October, there were only the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro on the market. The iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro mini were not released until November.
On the face of it, the iPhone 12 Pro Max should sell well as well. This is the more expensive model, but it has a very large screen and a better combination of cameras compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.
As for the iPhone 12 mini, it has almost the same specifications as the iPhone 12. However, it is a compact smartphone, with a 5.4 inch screen. Unfortunately, it seems that of the 4 models, this is the one that sells the least.
Apple is already thinking about making its own 5G chips
As a reminder, if Apple was behind on 5G, it was because the Cupertino company was in conflict with the supplier Qualcomm. And to be able to use Qualcomm’s modems on its iPhones, the Cupertino company had to find an arrangement (at several billion dollars) with it.
Currently, if Apple can use Qualcomm’s 5G modems, it is already considering developing its own technologies. The Cupertino company has in fact acquired part of Intel which specializes in modems for mobiles. But at the moment, it’s unclear when Apple will be able to design its own 5G modems.
