The upcoming release of Apple's next generation iPhone has local retailers in Vietnam feeling hopeful for a boost in sales during the important year-end shopping season. Known internally as the iPhone 16, Apple is expected to unveil its latest smartphones in just over a week at their annual September product event.

While exact details of the iPhone 16 are still under wraps, leaked reports suggest the devices will come with several notable upgrades over last year's iPhone 15 lineup. This includes modifications to the phones' designs with larger displays, improved cameras across the board, faster processors and additional AI-powered features.

Such speculated changes have Vietnamese retailers anticipating higher interest and demand for the iPhone 16 compared to its predecessor when they first launch in the country. Most major carriers and authorized Apple resellers in Vietnam have been busy making preparations to hit the ground running during the new models' opening sales window later this fall.

Increased Optimism

According to a spokesperson from one of Vietnam's leading electronics chains, annual iPhone launches are consistently some of their highest grossing periods. They remarked "The iPhone always accounts for a large portion of both our sales volumes and revenues. So the last quarter of the year is hugely important for our yearly results."

Reflecting this retailer's outlook, several others privately shared with iPhonesVietnam that they are forecasting iPhone 16 sales to climb 10-20% higher than what was seen with the iPhone 15 last year. A part of their bullish projections stem from continued strong demand for Apple products among Vietnamese consumers combined with the iPhone series typically receiving small yearly gains.

CellPhoneS, a popular local mobile store, said they are targeting a 10-20% year-over-year rise in first week sales of the iPhone 16 specifically. The company's representative, Nguyen Lac Huy, highlighted not only expected improvements with the new phones but also Apple ramping up focus and support within the Vietnamese market. "This gives us additional promotional opportunities to attract more buyers," he added.

Meanwhile, an executive representing a retailer who recently got upgraded to higher status within Apple's partner program shared even loftier goals. They stated their internal goal is a 30% increase in iPhone 16 transactions over the iPhone 15, saying "It's an ambitious target but we believe it's achievable based on our growth the past two years."

Expanded Online Distribution

Other industry insiders noted potential contributing factors towards higher iPhone 16 demand. ShopDunk, another major chain, noted this year's devices will see a wider retail launch through new online channels like TikTok Shop. Apple is strictly limiting early distribution on the video platform to just a handful of authorized partners.

Retailers also commented that steadily dropping iPhone launch prices in Vietnam have helped grow the legitimate distribution market at the expense of grey imports. Pricing for the iPhone 16 models are anticipated to be even closer to rates found in large nearby economies like Thailand. "Our focus remains gaining new users switching from Android or convincing people to upgrade more frequently," one executive outlined.

While optimism abounds, those in the know also cautioned Vietnam's overall smartphone sector is still recovering post-pandemic. One representative from CellPhoneS stated "Consumer purchasing power hasn't fully rebounded yet. Affordable mid-range phones and more affordable flagship options lately could impact iPhone sales too."

Upgrades on Tap

Heading into next week's hardware showcase, leaked tidbits about Apple's upcoming iPhones 16 series suggest some substantive refreshes. All iPhone 16 handsets may gain an always-on display in addition to possible Force Touch-enabled side buttons for photography.

Top-of-the-line iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models are tipped to stand out with larger screens, sharper 48MP quad rear cameras, always-on displays, the next-gen A18 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity improvements. Under-the-hood upgrades like upgraded Wi-Fi 7 networking and built-in graphene are theorized to help dissipate heat generated by the powerful new silicon.

Only time will tell if the iPhone 16 family lives up to elevated market forecasts when pre-orders open globally. Vietnamese consumers and resellers clearly have high hopes the devices power renewed sales momentum going into 2023. Many are counting on revolutionary changes to iPhone's hardware, capabilities and iOS 16 software keeping it on top of the premium smartphone segment for years to come.