Highlights
- iPhone 17 series records higher first‑week pre‑orders than iPhone 16.
- Pro Max model sees a massive 60% production boost over last year.
- iPhone Air demand starts slow, partly due to eSIM rules in China.
Apple’s New Flagship Breaks Early Records
Apple’s latest flagship lineup, the iPhone 17 series, has already outperformed last year’s iPhone 16 series in first‑week pre‑orders. According to well‑known analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is leading the charge, becoming the most sought‑after model in early bookings.
Pro Max Dominates Pre‑Order Charts
Kuo’s data reveals that Apple has increased its overall iPhone 17 production plan by 25% compared to the same period last year. The Pro Max model alone has seen a 60% jump in production compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Current delivery estimates show:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to 4 weeks wait time.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Around 3 weeks wait time.
These timelines are similar to last year’s iPhone 16 Pro series, but the demand spike for the Pro Max is clearly stronger. JPMorgan’s report also confirms slightly longer waiting periods for the Pro models this year.
Mixed Start for iPhone 17 and iPhone Air
While the standard iPhone 17 is attracting healthy interest, the new iPhone Air has had a slower start. One reason could be eSIM regulations in China, which have delayed its release in that market.
Currently:
- iPhone Air is expected to ship on launch day for most buyers.
- Demand is modest compared to last year’s iPhone 16 Plus, which had a two‑week wait.
Interestingly, Apple has still tripled production for the iPhone Air compared to the 16 Plus, suggesting the company expects demand to grow in the coming months.
US Pre‑Order Trends
In the United States, the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are on track for September 19 deliveries. The Pro models, however, are facing longer waits:
- iPhone 17 Pro: Up to 3 weeks.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to 4 weeks.
Apple appears committed to a Pro Max‑focused production strategy, given its overwhelming popularity.
Market Outlook
The early numbers make it clear — the iPhone 17 series is off to a stronger start than the iPhone 16, with the Pro Max emerging as the star of the show. Analysts expect demand trends and shipping timelines to remain a hot topic in the weeks following launch.
Source
About the Author
