One billion.
That’s not a revenue figure, but it is similarly indicative of Apple’s massive success.
Just a day after the company posted third quarter earnings that beat expectations, Apple announced it recently sold its one billionth iPhone.
“iPhone has become one of the most important, world-changing and successful products in history,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement. “iPhone is truly an essential part of our daily life and enables much of what we do throughout the day. Last week we passed another major milestone when we sold the billionth iPhone. We never set out to make the most, but we’ve always set out to make the best products that make a difference. Thank you to everyone at Apple for helping change the world every day.”
The milestone comes in the face of slipping smartphone sales, both at Apple and throughout the market.
On Tuesday, Apple reported it sold 40.4 million iPhone units in the second quarter, a figure that was down 15 percent year over year and 21 percent sequentially. Revenue attributed to iPhone sales joined in the slide, dropping 23 percent year over year to just over $24 billion. The period marked Apple’s second consecutive quarter of falling iPhone sales.
Though sales were down overall, Apple said during its earnings report the launch of its 4-inch iPhone SE was “very successful” and noted “demand outstripped supply throughout the quarter.”
Assuming its historic release cycle holds, Apple is on track to unveil a new iPhone model in September. Leaked information seems to indicate the device will not include a major form factor change as was seen in the jump from the iPhone 5s to the iPhone 6. The phone, however, is expected to come with a number of tweaks, possibly including a shift in the location of its antenna bands, the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, a camera boost and the integration of Force Touch into the device’s home button.
With carrier upgrade rates currently stalled at 6 percent and below, however, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to compel smartphone owners to make the leap to the new device.
