Apple's more expensive iPhone 16 Pro sells more than standard models

iPhone 16 Pro and its bigger variant, iPhone 16 Pro Max, are more popular among customers, matching sales figures of ir previous generations, while standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have t been doing well in first few weeks since launch, a new report said.

Rewned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple has asked supply chain to maintain iPhone 16 Pro shipments based on strong demand for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models, much like last year's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. He also highlighted that shipping times for iPhone 16 Pro models are currently shorter compared to those of last year's models. Apple has also reportedly asked its supply chain in China to continue iPhone 16 Pro production during National Day holiday, hinting at a strong initial demand.

On or hand, standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus demand looks bleak, causing Apple to order a 3 to 5 per cent cut in production of components. reasons behind slow demand for regular iPhone 16 models are unclear. Still, Kuo said rollout of additional Apple Intelligence features may spark a renewed interest in customers, especially in US. regular iPhone 16 series is compatible with Apple's new AI tools, much like Pro models, while only Pro models will support Apple Intelligence from last year's launches.

Kuo mentioned that Apple expects iPhone 16 shipments in fourth quarter of 2024 to be around 88-89 million units -- a marginal decline from 90-91 million units of last year's iPhone 15 series during same period. However, drop in shipments will t cause a major disruption in current supply or derail company's overall production plans. Kuo said assembly orders for iPhone 16 models are still in line with previous orders.