As Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max enters the pre-order phase, eager buyers in several countries, including China, Japan, and the United States, are faced with an unexpected wait. The iPhone 15 Pro Max pre-order demand delays as it surpasses expectations, leading to delivery in November in select countries.

This is a promising sign for Apple, especially considering the recent challenges posed by a sluggish global smartphone market. However, the demand for Apple’s latest flagship device appears robust, with estimated delivery dates stretching into November.

Strong indications of high demand

In a surprising turn of events, Apple enthusiasts in certain regions may have to exercise patience as they await the arrival of their coveted iPhone 15 Pro Max. The extended delivery timeline, spanning four to five weeks for Chinese customers, signals an overwhelming interest in Apple’s latest offering. This extended wait period also holds significant implications for Apple’s foothold in China, its third-largest market, where it faces fierce competition from Huawei and increasing restrictions on iPhone use by government personnel.

For those in China seeking the iPhone 15 Pro, the wait is somewhat shorter, standing at two to three weeks, according to Apple’s official website. This suggests that the Pro Max variant is experiencing particularly high demand due to its distinctive features and appeal.

In the United States, the biggest market for Apple, people who want to buy the most expensive iPhone 15, the Pro Max model, will have to wait for six to seven weeks. The Pro Max is the most expensive iPhone 15 model. The situation in Japan mirrors that of the United States, with a five to six-week wait for the Pro Max.

However, there is a silver lining for those interested in the Pro model. The Pro model has a significantly shorter delivery timeline. The 128GB version of the Pro model has a delivery timeline of just two to three weeks in both the US and Japan. This difference in waiting periods between the Pro and Pro Max models highlights the varying levels of demand for these distinct offerings.

Supply chain challenges and resolutions

Industry analysts have weighed in on the reasons behind these extended delivery timelines. Some attribute the delays to initial supply constraints of components, particularly the displays used in the Pro Max model, which feature thinner bezels compared to previous iPhone iterations.

Nabila Popal, the Research Director for Worldwide Tracker Group at IDC, has resolved these supply issues. She anticipates that Apple will ramp up production. This will happen in time for the holiday season. Shipments will be heavily skewed toward the Pro Max model. This strategic move is expected to boost Apple’s average selling price and, in turn, contribute to its overall success.

Exceptional demand in China

Chinese media reports have highlighted the remarkable demand for the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. On Alibaba’s Tmall marketplace, these models sold out within a mere minute of becoming available. JD.com, one of Apple’s major sales channels in China, received over 3.4 million reservations for the four iPhone 15 models prior to opening orders.

Ivan Lam, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint, noted that the iPhone has gained substantial traction in the segment of consumers willing to invest over $600 (approximately Rs. 50,000) in their smartphones. He sees the iPhone 15 series, particularly the Pro models, as an attractive choice for existing iPhone 11 and 12 users seeking an upgrade. However, Lam also acknowledged the looming challenge posed by Huawei’s Mate 60 series.

Huawei recently launched a smartphone featuring an advanced chip, marking a potential resurgence for the Chinese tech giant, which had previously held the title of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer before facing setbacks due to US export controls. State media reports indicate that Huawei has raised its second-half shipment target for the Mate 60 series by 20 percent, with a minimum expectation of 40 million new smartphone shipments in 2023. Huawei’s unique approach of eschewing pre-marketing and extravagant launch events for the Mate 60 series has garnered attention and curiosity within the industry.

Is it so?

In conclusion, Apple’s flagship device is off to an impressive start. Though the iPhone 15 Pro Max pre-order demand delays, this unexpected delay reflects the allure of Apple’s flagship device and suggests a promising holiday season for the tech giant. Additionally, the competitive landscape in China, where the iPhone is finding renewed appeal, is set to intensify with the resurgence of Huawei’s Mate 60 series. As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, these developments underscore the ever-changing dynamics of consumer preferences and brand competition.