**iPhone 16 Preorder Sales Soar to 37 Million, Sources Indicate**
Apple’s newest iPhone 16 lineup has already created a buzz in the technology sector, with preorders reportedly hitting an impressive 37 million units over the launch weekend. Nevertheless, despite these notable figures, industry sources imply that the enthusiasm for the iPhone 16 may not fully align with the excitement experienced during the previous year’s iPhone 15 launch.
### A Robust Beginning for iPhone 16 Preorders
On Friday, Apple commenced preorders for the iPhone 16, and the Pro models quickly became unavailable. It took only 35 minutes for the iPhone 16 Pro Max to sell out, with delivery expectations rapidly extending into October. The iPhone 16 Pro also sold out within an hour. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus remained accessible for a little while longer, though some configurations of the Plus sold out throughout the weekend.
This swift sellout echoes past iPhone launches, where demand for Pro models usually exceeds supply. However, this year’s iPhone 16 release introduces a novel aspect: Apple is promoting the device as an AI-driven phone, yet the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features won’t be accessible until October. This situation has raised concerns among some about whether the iPhone 16 can sustain its initial success without its highlighted AI functionalities.
### Analyst Forecasts: 37 Million Units Sold
Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent analyst well-versed in Apple’s supply chain dynamics, estimates that Apple sold around 37 million iPhone 16 units during the preorder weekend. While this figure is considerable, it indicates a 12.7% decline when compared to the preorder success of the iPhone 15 from the previous year. Kuo’s projections are derived from supply chain analyses and preorder data collected from Apple’s official platform.
Kuo’s breakdown reveals that the iPhone 16 Pro Max made up 17.1 million units, while the iPhone 16 Pro accounted for 9.8 million units. The remaining sales were distributed between the standard iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, with the Plus model witnessing an unexpected 48% surge in demand relative to its previous version.
### What Accounts for the Decline in Demand?
Several elements could clarify the reduction in iPhone 16 preorder figures compared to last year’s iPhone 15 launch. A primary factor is the postponed launch of the Apple Intelligence features, anticipated to be a critical attraction for the iPhone 16 series. Without these AI elements at release, some buyers might be delaying their upgrades.
Moreover, Kuo highlights rising competition within the Chinese smartphone market as another reason influencing iPhone demand. Consumers in China have access to a broad selection of high-quality, attractively priced smartphones, potentially lessening enthusiasm for the iPhone 16 in that region.
### What Lies Ahead for the iPhone 16?
Although the preorder numbers are lower than anticipated, Kuo advises against making immediate changes to iPhone 16 production. He is optimistic that Apple can still amplify sales in the final quarter of the year, especially with the rollout of the Apple Intelligence features and the upcoming holiday shopping period.
Should sales not increase as projected, Kuo hints that Apple might implement more aggressive pricing strategies in 2025 to encourage demand. This could entail reductions in price or promotional offers, similar to the discounts provided by Apple on the iPhone 15 in China the previous year.
### In Summary
While the preorder figures for the iPhone 16 are commendable, they do not reach the elevated standards established by the iPhone 15. The delayed introduction of Apple Intelligence and intensified competition in critical markets like China may be factors contributing to the diminished demand. Nonetheless, with the holiday season approaching and the anticipated AI features set to launch, Apple has numerous chances to reverse the trend and ensure the iPhone 16’s success.
For those who did not secure a preorder for the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, there’s positive news: shipping delays are relatively minimal, so you won’t have to wait long to obtain Apple’s latest flagship device.
