Apple‘s latest iPhone line-up might not be generating the usual opening weekend fervor. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his Apple supply chain insights, reported “lower-than-expected” demand for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models based on pre-order data and shipping estimates.
While overall pre-orders reached an estimated 37 million units, that number falls short of the iPhone 15 series’ first-weekend performance by a significant 13%. The culprit seems to be the Pro models, with Kuo estimating a 27% and 16% drop in pre-orders for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max compared to their predecessors.
Interestingly, the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus appear to be faring better than their iPhone 15 counterparts. Their pre-order numbers are reportedly up, but not enough to completely offset the Pro models’ sluggish start.
So, what’s holding back the Pro party? According to Kuo, a key factor is the delayed arrival of Apple Intelligence, the rumored suite of AI-powered features heavily promoted during the iPhone 16 launch event. These features won’t be available until the October release of iOS 18.1. Essentially, early adopters who snag a Pro model now will have to wait a month to experience the full package.
Another potential roadblock is competition. Kuo suggests the iPhone lineup is facing “intense competition” in China, a crucial market for Apple. While the details are unclear, Huawei seems to be part of the equation, having just launched the world’s first tri-fold phone shortly after Apple’s iPhone 16 reveal. The foldable device appears to be doing well, with millions of pre-orders even before its official release.
Pre-order iPhone 16 Pro
It’s still early days, and pre-order numbers don’t paint the complete picture. Actual sales figures after launch will be a more definitive indicator of the iPhone 16’s performance. But this early glimpse suggests Apple’s premium models might need some time to find their footing, especially if they’re facing a feature delay and fierce competition abroad.
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