The great upgrade slowdown.

According to a report by IDC, Apple's Mac sales have been growing, with a 20.8% increase in shipments in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. However, this growth comes after a period of decline in Mac sales. One reason for the decline was that Apple's introduction of the M1 chip in 2020 provided users with powerful devices that did not require frequent upgrades. Additionally, there may be a reluctance to upgrade due to the lack of significant design changes in recent models and economic factors such as trade deals and inflation. Despite this, Apple's sales have been boosted by users switching from other desktop platforms, and the release of the new M3 MacBook Air has contributed to the recent growth. It is expected that Apple will continue to see growth in Mac sales, particularly with the integration of AI technology. However, the lifecycle of the M1 devices is expected to be sustainable for several years, which may further delay upgrades. In terms of iPhones, consumers are also holding onto their devices for longer, with 71% of iPhone owners having a device that is over two years old. The compatibility of older iPhones with recent iOS updates has contributed to this trend. However, the introduction of Apple Intelligence may drive a significant upgrade cycle, as only the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and iPhone 16 models will be able to run its features. [Extracted from the article]