Basing his analysis on the reduced delivery times from Apple's order page, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple is experiencing lower demand for advanced iPhone 16 models and higher sales for the standard iPhone 16, along with the iPhone 16 Plus.
While these claims are only based on initial demand, Kuo claims that Apple sold around 37 million units during the first weekend of the new iPhone's release.
He says that's a 12.7% drop compared to the debut of the iPhone 15 line.
The iPhone 16 Plus, which starts at $899, is up 48% over last year's iPhone 15 Plus, despite the entire new lineup maintaining the same price levels.
The initial sales of the standard iPhone 16 have increased by 10% compared to the debut weekend of the iPhone 15, foreign media write, Telegraph reports.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro, with a starting price of $999, is down 27% from last year, while the Pro Max — which starts at $1199 — is down 16%, according to Kuo's comparison.
One factor that may affect the initial order equation is the fact that all models will receive the much-rumored Apple Intelligence features as they roll out over the coming months.
The fact that one of iOS 18's key features won't be available with the new units, but will be rolled out in phases over the rest of 2024 and early 2025, could also be a factor.
However, the strong enthusiasm for the Plus model, along with the smaller reduction in sales of the Pro Max, shows that many early buyers still prefer the larger iPhone.
Kuo believes that Apple has roughly doubled production of the initial iPhone 16 Pro Max model compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, preparing around 6 million units ahead of the debut.
Apple doesn't usually discuss exact sales figures, and it's still too early to say whether demand will continue at the same pace, or change as new iPhone models become available in stores.
The upcoming holiday season is expected to play a significant role in early demand for all new iPhone models.
The ranking of best-selling models usually changes by the end of Apple's first fiscal quarter.
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