IHS predicts 22 percent growth in iPhone sales for 2015

According to IHS Technology Analyst Ian Fogg, all smartphones manufacturers are primarily in competition with themselves and their outgoing flagship devices rather than each other. Thus, these same companies must convince customers that the latest 2015 smartphones are worth upgrading in order to keep up with sales expectations.

Despite the tough challenge, IHS anticipates that Apple will see higher sales for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus compared to the original iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The firm points to the earlier release window and wider availability as primary reasons for the growth, especially in China where batches are already selling out.

As a result, IHS believes that Apple will ship around 236 million iPhones by the end of year, representing an increase of 22 percent YoY. Additionally, the firm is branding Apple as the innovator in the smartphone market compared to the likes of Samsung and LG. It should be noted, however, that the 3D Touch technology can also be found on the recently released Huawei Mate S as well.

Fogg cites 3D Touch as the key differentiator between Apple and the competition. He believes that this feature will bring about exclusive applications from creative developers utilizing the pressure-sensitive screen. Of course, Apple will simultaneously set the bar higher for itself and competitors come 2016. It remains to be seen what the Cupertino company has in store for next year to draw in more smartphone buyers in an already saturated market.

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