- Apple is facing unprecedented demand for the latest iPhone 17 lineup as reported by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
- In fact, the demand is higher than iPhone 16 series last year, with users facing delays up to a month or more.
- This is happening even though Apple increased the production volumes on the series, especially iPhone 17 Pro Max, selling like hot cakes.
Shortly after the iPhone 17 pre-orders begun, Apple’s latest lineup has seen a strong start on September 12, with early demand surpassing last year’s iPhone 16 series. Even though a lot of people already expected that, it’s crazy to create such strong demand before the phone is released, unless you’re Dua Lipa and Apple has already given you an iPhone 17 Pro to test out.
iPhone 17 pre-orders outpacing iPhone 16 series
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 series is getting more initial orders than iPhone 16 received last year. The series underwent pre-orders on September 12, with the first batch of phones to hit shipments only on September 19. This is a precursor, even though Apple hasn’t revealed any numbers just yet.
According to Kuo, iPhone 17 Pro Max is getting the most demand, probably thanks to new colorways and a slightly changed design (kind of). Kuo took factors such as production volumes versus shipping times for each model to determine demand. Turns out the production time for the standard iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max has been enhanced approximately 25% year-on-year (YoY) compared to iPhone 16.
The shipping time has also increased by a week. This hints at stronger pre-order demand for the trio. This, when correlated to the pre-order demand for the iPhone 16 series, puts the latest series ahead of its predecessor.
For the unversed, iPhone 16 opened up pretty below the expectations; however, iPhone 17 standard actually took the mantle, propelling the sales of the series this year around. Kuo states that even with higher production volume, Apple is facing a serious dent in shipping times expected much deeper in Q3, suggesting higher demand.
According to GSMArena, the Cupertino-based giant increased production for the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro Max by 60% compared to the 16 Pro Max. However, buyers still have to wait more than a month to get their units delivered. Now that’s a biggie for Apple.
iPhone 17 Air, the latest entrant in the market, is expected to make a splash as well. Supply chain sources suggest Apple actually minted 3x more iPhone 17 Air units than iPhone 16 Plus (the phone it eventually replaced this year), although the specifics are yet to be ascertained. We didn’t see any shipping delays for the Air; however, it doesn’t mean the phone is not in demand. I mean, imagine an iPhone at 5.5mm in thickness, that’s Air for you.
Anyhow, the iPhone 17 lineup goes on sale this Friday, September 19. You can check out our coverage on the iPhone 17 Series or head over to Apple to make a quick pre-order while there’s time.
