> implies that battery replacements were the dominant factor why

No it doesn't, only that it was "notable enough".

Clearly that is not "only" what it says. It jumps directly from "stick with their phone a bit longer... reducing iPhone sales" to "Apple misses their earnings target, likely costing them more in value than it would have cost them to address the root issue." That is very clearly drawing a casual relationship between the two things, and underscores it by stating it "should be a lesson for more companies" on how to avoid such outcomes.

The last line is a dodge because, obviously, China's economy is actually the main culprit stated in the report. But I guess some people are going to hear what they want to hear.

The recent devices are more overpriced than ever and getting over the limit of what ordinary people are willing to pay for a phone.

I have an iPhone 6s and my wife had a 6 and needed a new phone. We bought a new Xr but it was a small fortune, even though we're both working in IT and having good income. The phone is a brick and I saw lots of slicker Android phones costing half the price and providing a very similar if not better experience.

My next phone is very unlikely to be an iPhone.

What exactly does this have to do with the comment you're replying to?

> But I guess some people are going to hear what they want to hear.

Like what you're doing with these replies and your focus on something the OP didn't say?

I’ve entirely focused on what the OP said using extensive direct quotes. Your reply invalid.

Please refrain from using ad hominem remarks on Hacker News.

First time I've been insulted for sounding too logical on a programmer forum.