iPhone 16 Pre-Orders Lower Than Expected: Analyst Report

iPhone 16 Pre-Orders Fall Short of Expectations: Analyst Report

The highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, featuring exciting new features like AI-powered Apple Intelligence, has reportedly seen a slower start than its predecessor, the iPhone 15. According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-chi Kuo, pre-orders for the new iPhone line were lower than anticipated.

iPhone 16 Pre-Orders Lag Behind iPhone 15

Kuo estimates that approximately 37 million iPhone 16 units were pre-ordered globally from September 13th to 19th. This figure falls short of the total pre-orders for the iPhone 15 series during the same period last year.

The data suggests a significant 12.7% decrease in iPhone 16 pre-orders compared to the iPhone 15 series during the first weekend. This decline is primarily attributed to lower pre-orders for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models.

iPhone 16 Plus Sees a Surge in Popularity

While the Pro models faced a dip in demand, the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 experienced a more positive reception. The iPhone 16 Plus, in particular, saw a remarkable 48% increase in pre-orders compared to its predecessor. Kuo estimates around 2.6 million iPhone 16 Plus units were pre-ordered.

Factors Contributing to Lower iPhone 16 Pro Demand

Kuo identifies several key factors contributing to the lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone 16 Pro series:

1. Apple Intelligence Not Available at Launch

The highly anticipated Apple Intelligence feature, a key selling point for the iPhone 16 Pro models, was not available at launch. This absence may have dampened consumer interest in the Pro models, particularly for those seeking the latest AI-powered technology.

2. Intense Competition in the Chinese Market

The Chinese market is increasingly competitive, with several smartphone manufacturers offering strong alternatives to Apple's iPhone. This increased competition might be impacting iPhone demand in China, a major market for Apple.

Impact on Production Plans

Despite the decrease in iPhone 16 Pro pre-orders during the first weekend, Kuo anticipates that Apple's supply chain production plans will not be significantly altered in the near future. The company is reportedly planning to produce up to 88 million iPhone 16 units in total this year.

A Note on Data Accuracy

It's important to note that all of this data is based on estimates from Ming-chi Kuo and has not been officially confirmed by Apple. As with any analyst reports, it's essential to consider the information with a critical eye and await official confirmation from Apple.

Stay Updated on iPhone 16 News and Analysis

For the latest news, analysis, and insights on the iPhone 16 series, keep checking back for updates. We'll continue to track developments and provide you with the most relevant information as it becomes available.

Note: This article has been updated to provide more context and insights based on the initial data released by Ming-chi Kuo.