Apple unveiled its new iPhone lineup on Tuesday, with its Lightning charger ports replaced on the newest models by a universal charger after a tussle with the European Union.Like any other company, Apple would prefer to boast about shiny new features rather than new charging ports.
But most analysts agreed that the switch to USB-C was going to be the main headline.
EU policymakers said the rule would simplify the lives of Europeans and do away with a mountain of obsolete chargers.
To make the transition easier, Apple also released new cables, including a USB-C to Lightning Adapter for $29.99.
“Your average consumers is going to be annoyed that they have to change their cables, but I don’t think that’s going to impact sales,” said analyst Greengart.
“Anyone who has multiple tech devices already has USB-C everywhere.”
In the recently ended quarter, Apple suffered a 2.4 percent drop in iPhone sales, which account for nearly half of total revenues.
The market seemed little impressed with Apple’s announcement and shares were down 1.7 percent as the end of the formal trading day in New York neared.
Apple shares were battered last week following reports of significant Chinese restrictions on iPhones at government offices and state-backed entities.
Apple reported $15.8 billion in revenues from China in the most recent quarter, nearly 20 percent of total revenues. Executives pointed to the uptick in China sales in a period when overall sales fell.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives estimated that a Chinese government ban would affect less than 500,000 iPhones of roughly 45 million projected to be sold in the country in the next year.
“We believe despite the loud noise Apple has seen massive share gains in China smartphone market,” Ives said.