“IDG has just updated its International Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker for Q3 2016 and it has stated that Apple Watch shipments for the quarter were just 1.1 million – down a whopping 71% on Q3 2015, where Apple reportedly shipped 3.9 million units,” Paul Lamkin writes for Forbes.
“However, Apple CEO Tim Cook – while not revealing the actual figures – has disputed the claims. Speaking to Reuters he said: “Our data shows that Apple Watch is doing great and looks to be one of the most popular holiday gifts this year,” Lamkin writes. “‘Sales growth is off the charts. In fact, during the first week of holiday shopping, our sell-through of Apple Watch was greater than any week in the product’s history. And as we expected, we’re on track for the best quarter ever for Apple Watch.'”
“Apple launched the Series 2 smartwatch a couple of months ago, while at the same time revealing a Nike+ edition and an upgrade to the original – now dubbed Series 1,” Lamkin writes.
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple will not allow Apple Watch holiday sales to be negatively impacted by IDC press releases that not only “estimate” shipments (no figures are offered by Apple due to competitive reasons) but stupidly lump $250+ smartwatches in with $15 fitness bands.
SEE ALSO:
Apple CEO Cook: Apple Watch sales to consumers set record in holiday week – December 6, 2016
IDC: Apple Watch sales fell 71% YOY in Q316 as Series 2 launched at end of quarter – December 5, 2016
Computerworld reviews Apple Watch Series 2: Delivers on first generation’s promise – October 21, 2016
Computerworld reviews Apple Watch Series 2: It’s time to jump in – September 27, 2016
Ars Technica reviews Apple Watch Series 2: ‘Great experience with very few hiccups’ – September 22, 2016
Mossberg reviews Apple’s watchOS 3: Quicker, easier, and more useful – September 21, 2016
CNET reviews Apple Watch Series 2: ‘The smooth wrist companion it was always meant to be’ – September 14, 2016
WSJ reviews Apple Watch Series 2: ‘Apple Watch finds its purpose in life’ – September 14, 2016
The Verge reviews Apple Watch Series 2: There’s something effortlessly cool about it – September 14, 2016
Apple Watch Series 2: Apple refocuses its smartwatch – September 12, 2016
Apple and Nike launch the perfect running partner, Apple Watch Nike+ – September 7, 2016
Just note exactly what Tim said “Sales growth is off the charts”
He’s talking about growth but not defining the starting reference point.
I’m not suggestion that there is a problem, but the phrase he used is the sort of phrase that others use to deceive those who don’t pay proper attention. He did say some other things that reassure me that sales are doing fine but I would just be more comfortable if he hadn’t talked about about sales growth.
Tim is the sort of person who generally chooses his words carefully, so when I hear him talking about sales growth, I get a little bit curious and find myself wondering what he’s really saying?
Cook said, “We’re on track for the best quarter ever for Apple Watch.”
That includes launch quarter for the original Apple Watch.
Draw your own conclusions.
That’s one of the reassuring comments that I referred to.
GAWD WUT the hell planet is he on? This guy can’t even ship new wireless headphones let alone an updated or even NEW MAC!
People and analysts need to just start ignoring anything IDC says.
Sometimes I think these faux “news” writers deliberately troll Apple to get some real news that they can’t themselves without have to work at it!
It’s not just IDC. Check the forums on Mac Rumors and Apple Insider. And all the “please watch me” indie “reviewers” on YouTube – where being controversial is a way to get clicks and taps.
The sentiment on Apple’s gone really sour – over issues no bigger than others they simply glided over. (Well, except people are noticing how slowly and uncertainly they’re executing on a number of product lines lately – that sure as hell doesn’t help.)
This stuff has a knock-on effect and can destroy a carefully cultivated halo which Apple depends on to get away with maintaining their margins – the real key to their success.
Cook’s response – that he responded – and the defensive nature of the response – shows he’s clearly feeling the heat.
I bought an Apple Watch (series 1) at B&H for $169. Great Deal . . . there were a lot of these sales of the older model Apple Watch for under $200 during Thanksgiving. That is why they had huge sales . . . The watch I bought (series 1) is normally $269 at the Apple Store, and $369 for the Series 2 . . . in summary, there is a huge demand for Apple Watches at the “Under $200” price point, but once you go over $200, fewer people are willing to take that leap.
Where are all these watches? I never see anybody wearing one. And I live in a large metropolitan area in California. This is all fluff and FUD.
That’s funny. I live in Pasadena, and I see them all over and usually ask the wearers how they like them. Pretty much most have said they really really do like them. I may end up getting one after talking with actual owners rather than interweb FUD, arguments, and other sh*t talk that matters not.
That’s weird – I live in Cleveland, OH and know at least 10 people who own them and have seen many more people wearing them.
You never see them because they’re not particularly noticeable unlike the billboard-sized devices from the wannabes.
IDC, a great purveyor of Fake News, especially when it comes to . Whose paying IDC for the Fake News concerning estimates? 🖖😀⌚️
All you have to do is look at who sponsors these reports and you’ll see why “markets” and “devices” are grouped in specific ways. Gets even more obvious when you look at their market forecasts; Microsoft was ALWAYS the big winner in the future – wonder why?
Fake news had worked quite well for Microsoft over the past year. Look at the rise of Microsoft’s share price compared to Apple. You’re not going to see a lot of bad news about Microsoft whereas with Apple it’s a daily thing. Like it or not, fake news is crushing Apple into the dirt and Tim Cook doesn’t have any strength to stop it. Apple should have acquired a news agency with some of that cash pile it continues to sit on or at least pay some undercover people to refute the blogging press.
lol. I believe that Windows phones were supposed to dominate the market by 2015!