Apple’s latest iPhone 16 series is witnessing demand comparable to the iPhone 15, with notable improvements in shipping times, particularly for the Pro models, according to a recent report from JP Morgan. Despite initial expectations of heightened interest, the latest data suggests that consumer interest remains steady, reflecting a familiar demand trend from the previous year.
Strong Demand Despite Shipping Adjustments
JP Morgan’s tracking reveals that shipping lead times for iPhone 16 models, especially the Pro versions, have shortened compared to their iPhone 15 counterparts at a similar point last year. Globally, the iPhone 16 Pro Max currently averages a shipping wait of 17 days, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 19-day average at this stage in 2023. In the United States, this difference is more marked, with the Pro Max model now shipping in approximately 15 days compared to 21 days last year.
Regional Insights on Demand Patterns
The report also highlights similar patterns across China and Europe, where shipping times for the iPhone 16 Pro models have dropped by around five days, although lead times for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus remain steady. These figures reflect stable demand, even if slightly behind the levels set by the iPhone 15 lineup. Analysts suggest that this modest decrease may be a result of improved production processes and supply chain efficiency.
Predictions and Market Speculations
The iPhone 16 was initially anticipated to experience a boost from Apple’s advancements in AI-powered features. However, JP Morgan’s data indicates that this anticipated surge has yet to materialize, suggesting that Apple’s projected “Apple Intelligence” feature set may not be a decisive factor for consumers—at least not yet. Market analysts continue to monitor whether further AI developments will affect iPhone 16 demand moving forward.
As Apple enters the peak holiday shopping season, its latest flagship models remain well-positioned in the competitive smartphone market, with shipping times expected to further reflect production adjustments. With demand levels tracking closely to last year, the iPhone 16 series may see a steady end-of-year performance, reinforced by Apple’s focus on optimizing global availability.
