Apple recently opened the doors for pre-orders on its latest iPhone lineup. From the standard iPhone 17 to the new Air model and the top-tier Pro Max, prices didn’t get any cheaper this year. Yet, that doesn’t seem to cool consumer excitement one bit. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known analyst who watches the Apple market closely, this year’s pre-sales are doing better than last year’s. The big question swirling around is, which iPhone 17 model is truly winning hearts?
The iPhone Air: A Tough Sell?
Early numbers suggest a strong performance overall for Apple. The regular iPhone 17 and Pro models are doing quite well. However, the new iPhone Air seems to be lagging behind. Ming-Chi Kuo shared these findings recently, noting that the initial pre-order period for the iPhone 17 series has given us a clear picture. You can see his insights directly on his social media feed: Ming-Chi Kuo on X.
Kuo’s report indicates that the demand for the iPhone 17 series – including the base, Pro, and Pro Max versions – is about 25% higher than what the iPhone 16 series saw during its first weekend of pre-orders. Among these three established models, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands out as the clear winner. Demand for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is an impressive 60% higher than for its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Getting an iPhone 17 Pro Max Right Away Is Tough
The official release date for the new iPhones is September 19. However, if you’re hoping to grab an iPhone 17 Pro Max soon, you might be out of luck. Shipping estimates for some of the new iPhone models have already stretched out, with buyers now waiting between one and three weeks.
The rush for the Pro models makes sense when you look at the upgrades. These phones come with much better cameras, a faster chip, and a fresh look. They also feature a new vapor chamber design for more efficient cooling, which is a big deal. The standard iPhone 17 also received nice bumps, including a quicker chip, improved cameras, and more storage space.
However, the iPhone Air, a newer addition to the lineup, isn’t seeing the same love. While it will be available for purchase starting September 19, Kuo reports that its pre-order demand is lower than that of the iPhone 16 Plus. This is a bit of a head-scratcher, as the Air was designed to replace the Plus model. It seems the very reason Apple considered a new format – low demand for the Plus – might still be a challenge for its successor.