Apple is working to increase the durability of its devices by combining newer technologies, software support and after-sales repair services.

The use of advanced chipsets, newer LTPO displays, and the switch from stainless steel to titanium alloy in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are just a few of the ways Apple has tried to differentiate its latest smartphone lineup from the one it launched a year ago. Unfortunately, there’s no denying that, for the most part, the overall design isn’t all that different from the models it launched two or three years ago, suggesting the company’s innovation has probably slowed down.

For these reasons, consumers are not encouraged to buy the latest and greatest hardware, and would rather keep their money in an economy where spending has skyrocketed. Apple, perhaps recognizing this change in spending behavior, is working to make its devices last longer than ever before, using a combination of improved technology, software updates, and improved repair services. It is now safe to assume that further improvements to the product’s durability will require fewer upgrades. Well, it’s all part of Apple’s grand plan.

Customers are holding on to their devices much longer than before, giving Apple a chance to increase its value

While some consumers have the inclination and available budget to upgrade to newer Apple devices every 12 months, most of them do not even think about another purchase for several years. According to Mark Gurman’s latest “Power On” newsletter, Apple has taken several steps to ensure that its devices last as long as possible, as this move will make more consumers invest in these products if they are aware that their lifespan will be significantly longer. length of life. Customers who were not willing to spend extra money on the Cupertino giant’s equipment will probably now have doubts about this venture.

“Apple is currently working hard to make its devices as durable as possible. It just released a report on the durability of its products, stating that new manufacturing technologies, software support and repair services are helping to extend their life. The company says that devices manufactured since 2017 can still run Apple’s current operating systems.

This is of course not a bad thing. The longevity promise encourages people to invest in the company’s devices and counters critics who say Apple is engaging in planned obsolescence.

But the broader trend has left Apple with a less reliable growth engine — and that’s been evident in its finances lately. Sales have fallen in five of the last six quarters, and it’s crucial that the company finds new revenue streams.”

However, while the move may make more people willing to spend a higher sum to buy an Apple product, it will leave the tech titan with a less reliable growth engine. Fortunately, the company’s Services business continues to grow strongly, and during its Q2 2024 earnings call, the category set a new record. Some analysts have put a valuation of Services at between $1.5 trillion and $1.6 trillion by the end of 2024, pointing out that if customers aren’t interested in frequent updates, there are other ways to ensure a healthy revenue stream.

This would also explain why Apple continues to litigate its App Store, acknowledging the platform’s importance to its future development. It’s also possible that Apple Intelligence will become a growth factor for the latest iPhones, and Apple will be able to charge individuals who want access to more advanced features. Unfortunately, we can’t comment on the company’s generative AI efforts until we see what the product actually offers, but the potential it represents cannot be ignored.