After announcing the new iPhone 14 series on September 7, Apple opened the latest lineup for pre-order on September 9.
According to tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 14 Pro models saw higher demand than last year’s iPhone 13 Pro models, but the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus models did not perform well.
Kuo wrote that both models are expected to be in stock at retail stores on their launch dates which reflect their “lackluster demand.”
iPhone 14 Plus pre-order result was “significantly” lower than expected, even lower than iPhone 13 mini
This year the iPhone 14 Pro models offer many more advanced features than the standard iPhone 14 models. The Pro lineup is powered by a faster A16 Bionic chip and includes a redesigned Always-On display with Dynamic Island, an upgraded Pro camera system, a longer battery, and more.
And as expected that the latest Pro lineup saw “neutral” and “good” pre-order results compared to iPhone 13 Pro models. Kuo wrote that more than four weeks of delivery time indicates good demand for the new high-end iPhone 14 Pro models.
Before the new iPhone series was officially unveiled, it was reported that the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max accounted for the highest volume of displays through September, while iPhone 14 Plus accounted for the least volume. The capacity showed that Apple had anticipated strong demand for its most expensive smartphone model and the lowest demand for the new 6.7-inch Plus model.
No doubt, the pre-order result for Pro models proves again that Apple still has numerous loyal and sticky customers amid the deteriorating economy, but it doesn’t mean Apple will increase orders of Pro models at once. Whether Apple will increase Pro orders depends on how long the strong demand for Pro models can last amid the recession.
Furthermore, Kuo wrote that both of the new iPhone standard models saw worse pre-order results than iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE 3. And iPhone 14 Plus in particular saw “significantly lower than expected” demand.
Since Apple replaced the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini with a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, Kuo said that the company’s product strategy for standard models has failed this year.
Although it is “unclear” if Apple will increase iPhone 14 Pro shipments, there is a “growing” possibility that the company will cut orders for iPhone 14 and 14 Plus which account for 45% of the entire lineup currently.
