iPhone 16 Pre-Order Data Reveals Pro Models Are Struggling: Here’s Why

The highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup has opened for pre-orders, but initial sales data indicates that Apple’s Pro models may not be tempting enough this year. According to early analysis, demand for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is significantly lower compared to last year’s iPhone 15 series. In contrast, the more standard models like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are performing exceptionally well in pre-orders.

Key Pre-Order Data

• iPhone 16 Pro Max pre-orders are down 16% compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• iPhone 16 Pro sales have dropped by 27% compared to last year’s Pro version.
• The iPhone 16 Plus, however, has seen a 48% increase in pre-orders compared to last year’s iPhone 15 Plus, making it the standout in this year’s lineup.
• Overall, the iPhone 16 lineup sold approximately 37 million units in its debut weekend, reflecting a 13% decrease in comparison to last year’s launch​.

Why Are the Pro Models Underperforming?

Several factors are contributing to the slower-than-expected sales of the iPhone 16 Pro models:

1. Lack of Immediate Apple Intelligence Features: One of the major selling points for the iPhone 16 Pro was the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-driven features meant to revolutionize user interaction. However, these features won’t be available at launch, with most arriving via updates starting in iOS 18.1, slated for October, and others rolling out well into 2025. This delay has left some potential buyers less inclined to upgrade immediately, opting instead for the regular iPhone 16 models.
2. Consumer Focus on Value: The iPhone 16 Plus has emerged as a clear winner, with a 48% increase in pre-orders compared to its predecessor. This shows a trend toward consumers prioritizing larger screens and solid features at a more affordable price point, rather than splurging on the expensive Pro models, which start at higher prices but offer only incremental upgrades​.
3. Competition and Market Saturation: Apple is facing intense competition, particularly in China, from local smartphone manufacturers offering high-end features at competitive prices. Additionally, consumers may be holding off on upgrades due to the high performance of previous models, like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, which continue to meet their needs without the steep price tag of the Pro models​.

Interesting Facts From the Data

• iPhone 16 Plus is the Bestseller: Despite the overall drop in sales, the iPhone 16 Plus has seen an impressive 48% rise in pre-orders, making it the most popular model in the lineup.
• Vanilla Models Outperform Pro Models: While the iPhone 16 saw a 10% increase compared to last year’s base model, the Pro variants significantly underperformed.
• Production Surplus: Apple reportedly increased production of the iPhone 16 Pro Max by 106% compared to last year. However, this supply surplus has not translated into higher demand​.

Looking Forward: Will the Pro Models Bounce Back?

While the initial pre-order data indicates a slow start for the iPhone 16 Pro models, Apple is banking on the rollout of Apple Intelligence and future iOS updates to reignite interest. However, the immediate success of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus suggests that consumers are focusing more on value and functionality rather than the high-end Pro features.

The coming months will reveal whether Apple can turn around the Pro model sales or if this year’s focus will continue to shift toward the more affordable options in the iPhone 16 lineup.

In the meantime, it’s clear that Apple’s typical strategy of incremental upgrades for its Pro models isn’t enough to excite buyers as it once did.