iPhone 17 Series Sees Surge in Demand, Analyst Reports Higher Interest

The new iPhone 17 series is generating significant excitement, with pre-orders indicating higher demand than the previous year’s iPhone 16 models. Apple commenced pre-orders on September 12, 2023, and some models, particularly the orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, are already facing shipping delays extending several weeks. Analyst Ming Chi Kuo has highlighted the strong interest in the iPhone 17 series, suggesting that the latest models are outperforming their predecessors in both demand and delivery times.

Kuo’s analysis reveals that the first weekend of pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series exceeded those for the iPhone 16 lineup. This higher demand is reflected in Apple’s production plans, with the company reportedly increasing production of the iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max variants by approximately 25% compared to the previous series. Delivery lead times for the new models are also extended by a week, further indicating robust consumer interest.

Pro Max Model Emerges as Top Performer

Among the new offerings, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has emerged as a standout, with production levels reportedly increasing by around 60% year-on-year compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The strong pre-order demand has resulted in similar shipping delays for this model, reinforcing its position as a consumer favorite. The striking orange variant of the iPhone 17 Pro Max saw immediate backorders shortly after pre-orders began, underscoring the model’s appeal.

Kuo anticipates that this heightened demand will positively impact Apple’s earnings report for the upcoming quarter, contributing to a strong financial outlook for the tech giant.

Mixed Reception for iPhone Air

In contrast, the ultra-thin iPhone Air is experiencing a more subdued response from consumers. Kuo noted that customers can still pre-order this model and expect delivery on its release date of September 19, 2023. It is the only new variant that is readily available at launch, with pre-orders currently open for the Sky Blue and Space Black colorways. However, colors such as Light Gold and Cloud White are gaining traction, with the former experiencing a shipping delay of 7-10 days and the latter facing a backorder of 2-3 weeks.

Despite the relatively weaker demand for the iPhone Air compared to the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple’s production for this model is set to be three times that of its predecessor. Kuo suggested that while the iPhone Air may not appear compelling based on specifications alone, the in-store experience could attract consumers and drive sales as they engage directly with the product.

As Apple continues to roll out its latest smartphone series, the contrasting demand dynamics between the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air highlight the varied consumer preferences within its product lineup. The tech community will be closely watching how these trends evolve as more data becomes available in the coming weeks.