Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that demand for the new iPhone 17 lineup is strong, with initial orders beating out those for last year’s iPhone 16.
He points to a clear indication that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the star performer, although does acknowledge that demand for the iPhone Air may become clearer over time …
To conduct his analysis, Kuo looked at two factors. First, what he believes he knows about production volumes for each model via supply chain sources. Second, how quickly shipping times slipped once the lineup went on sale.
Demand for at least three of the models is strong, he concludes.
In terms of total production volume for the third quarter for the Pro Max, Pro, and standard models, the iPhone 17 is approximately 25% higher YoY compared to the iPhone 16, but the shipping time has only increased by about one week, indicating stronger overall pre-order demand for […] three iPhone 17 models. Conclusion: The first weekend pre-order demand for the iPhone 17 series is stronger than last year’s iPhone 16.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
He says there is a very strong clue that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is selling particularly well.
The strongest demand is still for the Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s production volume in 3Q25 is approximately 60% higher than that of the 16 Pro Max in the same period last year, yet the shipping times remain similar.
iPhone Air
Kuo notes that you can still preorder an iPhone Air today and receive it on day one. This may indicate that Apple has overestimated demand for its shiny new ultra-sleek model. I was able to confirm his findings by checking out a few specs, all of which were available for delivery on September 19.
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