Apple is all set to unveil the next-gen iPhone 7, 7 Plus and 7 Pro in September. Dozens of leaks and rumors over the past few months have indicated that the new devices will carry only minor upgrades instead of bringing major design changes. A new survey conducted by Quartz reveals that not too many people want to buy the iPhone 7, unless Apple adds some must-have features.
90% respondents aren’t excited about the iPhone 7
Quartz surveyed 525 US iPhone owners. Only 10% of respondents said they are likely or very likely to upgrade even if the iPhone 7 retains the design elements of the iPhone 6S as rumors suggest. It is a dramatic decline from the usual 25% respondents that are interested in upgrading when Apple introduces a new iPhone design. Quartz said about 46% respondents are extremely unlikely to upgrade this year if the iPhone 7 didn’t get a design overhaul.
Another 33% survey participants said they were not planning to upgrade. About 11% respondents were “somewhat likely” to buy the iPhone 7. It means roughly 90% participants are not eagerly looking forward to the new iPhone. Apple is said to make little changes to the iPhone 7 design as it is keeping some of the most exciting features for the 2017 iPhone. Notably, 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.
Will Apple switch to a 3-year upgrade cycle?
The iPhone sales declined for the first time during the first quarter of 2016. Sales are expected to dip again in the second quarter. The iPhone 7 isn’t generating much consumer enthusiasm as leaks and rumors suggest it would have the same design as the iPhone 6S. There will be only minor differences between the two devices such as the removal of the headphone jack and repositioned antenna lines. The Cupertino company will also reportedly launch a third variant called iPhone 7 Pro with a dual-camera setup and Smart Connector.
In May, Japanese publication Nikkei reported that Apple might switch from the 2-year to a 3-year cycle for each major upgrade. Nikkei said there was now little room left for major innovations in smartphones, so a 3-year upgrade cycle makes sense.
