A Counterpoint Research report published on Monday shows that the iPhone 12 was the most popular 5G smartphone in October, despite a delayed launch for the new handset.
Although the iPhone 12 was only available for two weeks in October, it had a 16% share of smartphone sales during the month, while the iPhone 12 Pro took an 8% piece of the smartphone sales pie. The duo captured nearly a quarter of smartphone sales during October.
The iPhone 12 was the seventh-bestselling 5G device sold during the January to October 2020 timeframe. The device’s nearest competitor was the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, with 4%.
The report says several factors drove demand for the iPhone 12 series.
There is a large pent-up demand for 5G upgrade, especially within the iOS base, which is now getting converted into sales. This was complemented by strong carrier promos, especially in the US, which accounted for over one-third of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro sales for the month. All carriers were offering the iPhone 12 for $0 through a mix of the trade-in and unlimited plans.
China and Japan also saw strong initial demand for the iPhone 12 series. Compared to most of the other 5G models, which have a regional presence, the iPhone 12 has a wider market coverage – it is available in over 140 countries, thus helping sales.
Sales of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro have more than doubled the penetration of mmWave-capable smartphones from 5% in September to 12% in October.
Counterpoint expects demand for the iPhone 12 series to remain strong through Q4 2020, especially during the holiday season.
