Not that this surprises me in the least, but it's kind of sickening for Apple to come out and say it.

[vision63]

Apple explained fairly specifically why they suffered sales shortfalls. It isn't this.

[sekker]

vision63 wrote:
Apple explained fairly specifically why they suffered sales shortfalls. It isn't this.

Actually, Tim Cook specifically mentioned the battery replacement program undercut new iPhone sales.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

So I guess it's just a happy coincidence that making laptops 15 mm thick means you can't easily change the battery...

[vision63]

sekker wrote:
[quote=vision63]
Apple explained fairly specifically why they suffered sales shortfalls. It isn't this.

Actually, Tim Cook specifically mentioned the battery replacement program undercut new iPhone sales.
He did.

[Michael]

My recent 6S purchase was absolutely based on the $29 battery deal. I paid $160 for a mint phone and then replaced the battery. So, I was into a renewed-life 6S for less than $200. It's as big a phone as I want (although who knows about the future...). We're both on Google Fi and we considered the BOGO Pixel 3 phones but we like the iPhone universe. I just don't think we'll pay for updated iPhones even though we can afford it. I imagine we'll keep buying 2-3 year old iPhones and replacing batteries when needed.

[Forrest]

FYI Consumer Cellular is still selling new iPhone 6S 32 GB for $200. This replaced the iPhone SE in their lineup. Other low cost carriers are also selling the iPhone 6S for about the same price.

[Will Collier]

I'm still totally happy with my three year old, battery-replaced 6s. No plans to "upgrade" whatsoever, but when that does happen, I sure as hell won't be dropping a grand on the latest and greatest (without an audio jack). Back to my old pre-Hackintosh ways of getting last year's model on clearance.

[NewtonMP2100]

....if their prices for newer iPhones weren't so expensive then people would upgrade and buy the new iPhones......instead they are just updating the battery on the older ones and keeping them longer......

[Will Collier]

It's telling that Apple's reaction to losing new iPhone sales to simple battery replacements is essentially, "We shouldn't have offered cheaper batteries," and not, "We are not innovating, we are not giving customers good reasons to upgrade."

[macphanatic]

C(-)ris wrote:
[quote=datbeme]
OK. Planned obsolescence isn't the right term here, and I know we need to acknowledge wear and tear. But a functioning phone seems to be the most compelling reason for most people to upgrade—not features. I'm not dismissing those features, but a functioning phone is the impetus for many people.

Fortunately, I don't feel the need to upgrade my bike when I get a pinch flat, and I don't need to trade in my car when the breaks start squeaking.

You would be amazed at the number of people who trade in a car instead of doing $1000 worth of work.
Or how many lease a new car every 2 to 3 years to have the latest greatest. Much bigger financial hit than replacing a phone every couple of years.