Report: iPhone 16 to include Korea as brand-new launch nation

Apple’s iPhone 16 unveiling is just a month away, and today a brand-new report suggests the occasion will bring great news to Korean users. For the very first time considering that the iPhone 3GS, Apple apparently prepares to bring its iPhone 16 to Korea as part of the September launch wave

iPhone 16 would be first time in 15 years for Korea to sign up with launch wave.
Nam Hyun-woo composes for The Korea Times:

Expectations are growing amongst Apple users in Korea as reports recommend that Korea could be amongst the very first areas for the iPhone 16 launch.

[…]
Korean mobile providers are not validating whether the nation is consisted of in the list of first-release nations. Nevertheless, a number of Korean media outlets have actually reported the early release as verified, mentioning unknown sources.

Typically the most recent iPhones do not show up in Korea till weeks after the preliminary launch wave of other nations.

The piece hypothesizes, nevertheless, that Apple’s current difficulties in China might be an aspect. In an effort to strengthen launch iPhone 16 sales, the business might balance out China’s rather weaker need by bringing the iPhone earlier to its growing user base in Korea.

Samsung’s head office remains in Korea, making it a particularly tough market for the iPhone. In the very first quarter of 2024, Samsung apparently brought 75% of mobile phone sales, with 24% going to Apple. Nevertheless, The Korea Times shows Apple is continuing to stake out a higher following in the nation.

9to5Mac’s Take
If Apple is worried about weaker iPhone 16 need in China, including a brand-new launch nation could be an excellent method to prop up preliminary sales numbers. The business might then rely on October’s launching of Apple Intelligence to assist sustain need heading into the holiday.