Demand for the base model of Apple iPhone 16 did not meet expectations
The Apple iPhone 16 series is already on sale, but there is variation when it comes to the models. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that there has been a negligible decrease (3-5%) in component orders for the iPhone 16 as well as the iPhone 16 Plus. However, the demand for the iPhone 16 Pro models has remained similar to the iPhone 15 Pro devices.
Kuo pointed out that the demand for the base 16 model was lower than that of the 15 model. On the other hand, the demand for the 16 Pro model is comparable to iPhone 15 Pro orders (in 2023).
According to the report, suppliers were asked to make both Pro models during the week-long holiday of China’s National Day. This means that the demand for both has met expectations. Kuo has pointed out that the current shipping times for the 16 Pro are shorter than those of the iPhone 15 Pro. He has mentioned that the next focus will be on the impact on US market demand/shipments once Apple intelligence becomes available in late October. However, AI will not be available in Europe or China.
Kuo has mentioned that the Apple iPhone 16 production estimate for the fourth quarter of 24 is 88-89 million units. This is slightly lower than last year’s 90-91 million units.
Apple manufacturing iPhone 16 series in India
Cupertino giant Apple has started assembling the iPhone 16 series in India. This includes two Pro devices i.e. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, as reported initially by Moneycontrol. This is the first time Apple is manufacturing the top premium device outside China. Through this initiative, the company is gradually moving the production chain out of China.
Apple has started manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro series in India with the help of contract manufacturing partners i.e. Foxconn and Pegatron. According to sources, the iPhone 16, 16 Plus and Pro Max models will be manufactured by Foxconn. Similarly, the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro models will be made by Pegatron. The Made in India iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will be available to local customers as well as exported to some countries very soon.
