
TechInsights: iPhone 16 Pro model delivery time shortened

According to TechInsights, the delivery time for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max has been shortened compared to iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. In the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, the delivery time for the black 256GB versions of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max has been shortened by 1-2 weeks and 2-3 weeks, respectively, while the delivery time for iPhone 16 and 16 Plus has not significantly changed from last year
According to the Zhitong Finance and Economics APP, the Apple (AAPL.US) iPhone 16 series officially went on sale last Friday (September 20). TechInsights reported that buyers of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in Apple's main markets can receive their phones faster than before (via delivery, not in-store pickup). In the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, the shipping time for the black 256GB versions of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max has been shortened by 1-2 weeks and 2-3 weeks respectively compared to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. TechInsights predicts that the iPhone 16 series will achieve a shipment volume of 72.5 million units in the second half of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 4%, while the shipment volume of the iPhone 15 series in the second half of 2023 was 69.5 million units.
The table below summarizes the retail prices (in USD and local currency) and shipping times of the iPhone 16 series (black, 256GB version) in the five major markets of the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and India on September 20.

Retail prices and shipping times of the iPhone 16 series (black, 256GB version) in the five major markets
iPhone Sales Stagnating?
The shortened pre-sale shipping time for the iPhone 16 series now indicates that it is too early to assess the mixed demand for 2024, as Apple's most revolutionary software upgrade - Apple Intelligence - was not released alongside the September models. Apple Intelligence will be launched in the United States next month with iOS 18.1, followed by expansion to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom in December. Versions for China, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, and others will be released in 2025. Therefore, consumers are not in a rush to make purchases. More demand is expected later this year. Additionally, in China, online platforms (such as Pinduoduo, etc.) have started subsidizing promotions for the iPhone 16 series, and more price flexibility is expected during the Double Eleven shopping festival to help Apple compete with domestic brands. Furthermore, India's largest online shopping festival is approaching (late September to October), which is expected to boost sales of the iPhone 16 series and older iPhone models in the fourth quarter of 2024 in this second largest smartphone market globally
