Will Covid-19 affect the sale of high-end mobile phones?

Furthermore, the uncertain economic landscape that will open once governments consider the pandemic contained, in which thousands of people will be left out of work or their income reduced, raises the question of what will happen to the sale of high-end mobile phones, such as this selection.

Other industries, such as luxury watches, cars or fashion, are bracing for a downturn that can lead to the extinction of well-known brands or leave them ready to be absorbed by others with better financial strength.

Entire sectors of the economy will be shaken by this crisis "which falls from the sky", and which will present enormous challenges to culture and entertainment, transport, local commerce, tourism ...

Apple for its part is demonstrating an adaptability that is not capturing the attention of many analysts who are rushing so quickly to report any danger (real or not) that could arise on the way of the Cupertino company.

At this time when all companies are working against time to find a way to recover the pace as soon as possible, Apple, as if this whole crisis was just a momentary freeze in its production chain, unveiled a new iPhone phone. SE, new iPad Pro and a new MacBook Air, plus various accessories.

This seems to indicate that Apple's confidence in its future is total and the closure of factories in China only delayed the completion of the products that were already planned by just a few weeks.

Curiously, the same Apple that fought for cell phones with prices above a thousand euros (and that all manufacturers were quick to equal - and even surpass), is now facing this new situation with an iPhone under € 500, an iPad under. € 400 and an Apple Watch (3rd generation) for less than € 230.

It is true that Apple monopolizes most of the advantages of high-end smartphones (what has been called "affordable luxury") but it is no less true that it is working, quietly under that umbrella of "premium" brands. at very different economic levels, always offering a homogeneous experience and quality.

A different situation could present itself for other high-end phone makers, with much less cash reserves than Apple, with a tiny global footprint (by comparison), with a profit on every device sold almost non-existent, and with research departments. and research. testimonial innovation.

It is in this platoon of "good enough" (good enough) manufacturers that the alteration in the sales cycle of high-end phones can pose problems that will manifest themselves in a few months, when they realize that presentations and advertisements have disappeared. news.

Conclusion

The world we will take back when Covid-19 will seem identical to the one we left before returning home, but many things will not be the same.

There will be profound cultural changes that will last for months, if not years (think for example how you will feel when someone has a persistent cough around you) and some things will change forever.

If the sale of high-end phones starts to decline due to reordering, or economic uncertainty, that's something we'll discover as we enter the "new normal." Fortunately, we are one of those who will be here to see it. Thank God.

Header photo by Martin Sanchez