Apple iPhone X pre-order warning: buy the smartphone now or you could wait until Christmas
ORDERS for Apple’s much-anticipated top model iPhone X go on sale at 6.01pm AEDT today – but experts warn there may not be enough to go around.
IF YOU’RE planning to buy Apple’s iPhone X, prepare to be quick with the refresh button today.
The technology giant will launch pre-orders for its much-anticipated 10th anniversary smartphone redesign in Australia this evening but analysts warn the new handset will most likely sell out long before it arrives in stores, with “waitlists right up until Christmas”.
Telecommunications experts say a combination of pent-up demand and equipment shortages will fuel sellouts, which could force keen buyers into lengthy Apple Store queues when the phone arrives on November 3.
HSBC analyst Steven Pelayo said as many as 700 million dedicated Apple smartphone users had been keenly anticipating the new models released this year, and many will fork out up to $1829 for the top model iPhone X as soon as it goes on sale.
“We believe a very large installed base of loyal yet patient users can’t wait to get their hands on the iPhone X,” he told clients.
Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, from KGI Securities, also predicted buyers may find it tough to secure an iPhone X quickly, as components used to create the big-screen, face-scanning smartphone were more difficult to make for Apple’s suppliers.
Mr Kuo said there may only be between 2 and 3 million iPhone X models available for sale at launch, and supplies would not “ramp up” until November.
Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi said, speculation aside, almost one in four Australians used Apple iPhones that were three years or older, and many had been waiting for a big redesign to upgrade their smartphone.
“The iPhone X should excite Apple customers given the larger screen with thin bezel.
“Historically, suppliers have run out very quickly on the first batch of phones and there is a waiting period right up until Christmas,” he said.
“If you want to get an iPhone X quickly, you’re best to order one quickly.”
Mr Fadaghi said Australia could see a return to queues outside Apple Stores this year if its loyal customers were willing to take a risk on face-scanning rather than fingerprint-scanning security, and adopt a big screen.
Apple will launch online pre-orders for the new smartphone at 6.01pm AEDT today in Australia and 54 other countries, though tellingly noted “most countries will have iPhone X available for walk-in customers who are encouraged arrive early” on November 3.
The redesigned smartphone will be Apple’s most expensive yet, at up to $1829, and will feature a 5.8-inch OLED screen with significantly smaller borders, a 3D face scanner, wireless charging, and a new camera with dual optical image stabilisation.
Online Source News.com.au.
