14 DAY TRIAL // Apple really can’t find a way to boost sales of its 2018 iPhones, and now the company has turned to questionable tactics suggesting the new generation is so far below expectations in terms of market performance.
Most recently, Apple has started pushing notifications to older iPhones in order to entice users to purchase new models launched this year.
The notifications, sent by the Apple Store app, are specifically aimed at users enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program, and recommend customers to purchase an iPhone XR or an iPhone XS.
“Your new iPhone is ready. Choose iPhone XR or iPhone XS and speed through your upgrade today with the iPhone Upgrade Program,” the notification reads.
While the purpose of these notifications is obvious, Apple rarely turns to such a strategy to advertise its new iPhones, and this new approach is seen by many as living proof the 2018 iPhone lineup is selling well below expectations.
The 2018 iPhone sales decline
Furthermore, as CultOfMac notes, many have wondered whether Apple’s notifications violate the App Store guidelines, which specifically mentions that push notifications can’t be used to send unsolicited messages to customers.
“Do not use Apple Services to spam, phish, or send unsolicited messages to customers, including Game Center, Push Notifications, etc.,” section 4.5.3 of the guidelines reads.
While Apple hasn’t shared any details on the sales performance of the 2018 iPhones, reports coming from the supply chain indicate that the company has already reduced orders for new models twice in the last 30 days. This is a move supposed to help Apple align production with the weaker demand, while Cupertino is trying other tactics to boost sales, including discounts for trade-in.
Further declines are expected after the holiday season, and additional marketing pushes could be prepared by Apple to keep sales of the new iPhones on the floating line.