Apple Forecasts Its First Drop in Sales Since 2003

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Posted January 26, 2016 at 10:27pm by iClarified

While Apple just announced a record 2015 holiday quarter, it also forecasted its first drop in sales since 2003.

Apple is predicting revenue of between $50 billion and $53 billion in the first quarter of 2016. That's down from revenue of $58 billion in the first quarter of 2015.

The drop is blamed on smartphone saturation and the strong U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies. Bloomberg notes that $100 in fourth quarter 2014 sales is worth just $85 today because of fluctuating exchange rates.

Apple CFO Luca Maestri told the site that the company is feeling the effects of a "very different" economic environment around the world. Apple is starting to see "softness" in China, especially in Hong Kong, he said.

It's likely that Apple will be looking to the iPhone 7 to boost sales. In the meanwhile, the company is rumored to be unveiling a new 4-inch iPhone 5SE in March.

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Apple Forecasts Its First Drop in Sales Since 2003

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Petr - January 27, 2016 at 12:57pm

No subsidy on iphones anymore, how many people can afford the full price?

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Eric - January 27, 2016 at 1:15pm

I've always bought my iPhones outright since the 3GS but sadly the 5 will likely be my last iPhone. Went to price out a 16gig 6s and it was going to be over $1000CAD. No phone is worth $1000.

gamerscul9870 - January 27, 2016 at 1:20pm

It's because iPads sales are that slow compared to how many shown interest in iPhone, but not anymore? The sales year after year are still growing and maybe many out there are happy with the macs they have!