Apple Analyst Suggests iPhone 17’s Demand Is Higher than the 16 Series

It appears that Apple’s new iPhone 17 series has shaped up to be a popular upgrade. Apple started taking pre-orders for the new iPhones on September 12. Some iPhone 17 models, such as the orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, are experiencing shipping delays of multiple weeks. Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo now suggests that the demand for the iPhone 17 series is higher than last year’s iPhone 16 models.

Kuo points to a clear indication that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s latest star performer. Kuo’s analysis also indicates that Apple may have overestimated demand for the shiny new ultra-slim iPhone Air model.

The iPhone 17 series’ first weekend pre-order demand is higher than last year’s

Kuo suggests that the demand for the new iPhone 17 range is higher, with first weekend pre-orders outpacing those of last year’s iPhone 16 lineup. Apple’s new iPhones are more popular than their predecessors both in terms of production and delivery times, according to the analyst. However, major questions remain about the success of the Cupertino tech giant’s shiny new ultra-thin iPhone Air variant.

Apple’s planned production for the regular iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max variants is “about 25% higher” than the 16 range, with a week longer delivery lead times. This is a clear indication of a higher demand for the iPhone 17 series devices.

The Pro Max model is Apple’s new star performer

The analyst suggests that production of the iPhone 17 Pro Max has increased “roughly 60%” year-on-year compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This year’s Pro Max model has a similar shipping delay for the pre-orders, which makes it the leader in terms of demand.

It’s worth mentioning that the company’s bold, new orange iPhone 17 Pro Max variant went on backorder pretty much instantaneously after pre-orders kicked off. Kuo believes that such strong demand will help the brand’s next quarter earnings report.

A weaker demand for the ultra-thin iPhone Air

Kuo highlights that customers can still pre-order the iPhone Air model today and receive it on its release day, September 19. The Air is the only variant of the four new iPhones that is readily available at launch.

At the time of writing, the Sky Blue and Space Black colorways of the model are available for pre-order, with the original shipping date of September 19. However, demand for the Light Gold and Cloud White hues is picking up the pace. The former experiences a shipping delay of 7-10 days, while the latter faces a backorder of 2-3 weeks.

Kuo mentioned that demand for the iPhone Air is weaker than what the iPhone 16 Plus saw last year. However, Apple’s production of the Air variant will reach about 3x times the level of the iPhone 16 Plus. Additionally, Kuo speculated that while the iPhone Air “doesn’t look compelling on paper”, the in-store hands-on experience could be compelling enough to persuade consumers to buy it.