iPhone 18 Pro Demand Is Off To A Gradual Begin — Here is Why

When most individuals consider smartphones, the iPhone often involves thoughts. Not shocking because the unique iPhone revolutionized cell telephones and helped kickstart the smartphone trade in earnest. Apple’s present flagship, the iPhone 17, is a genuinely wonderful system, so you’d assume iPhone 18 preorders would have principally offered out. Unfortunately, the present RAM disaster might have gotten in the best way.

On September 12, 2026, Apple opened preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro. However, in line with the outlet MacRumors, an analyst at GF Securities, Jeff Pu, said that preorder numbers have been “lukewarm” at finest. It’s necessary to notice, although, that in line with his analysis, demand varies relying on the cellphone mannequin. The 256 and 512 GB iPhone 18 Pro Max telephones have as much as a four-week wait time, whereas the 1 TB mannequin solely has a two-week wait time.

Pu is assured that the primary perpetrator is worth. At the low finish, the iPhone 18 Pro begins at $1,199 for the 256 GB variant. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max caps out at $2,499 for the two TB mannequin. Now, it is no secret that Apple merchandise are costly, however when the iPhone 17 launched, it retailed for $799. Similarly, the iPhone 17 Pro was $100 cheaper than its 2026 counterpart, clocking in at $1,099 for the 256 GB mannequin. Previously, Apple said that worth hikes have been unavoidable amid ongoing RAM shortages, and the iPhone 18 Pro line appears like actuality is lastly catching up with Apple’s predictions. However, manufacturing numbers may additionally play an element. Pu estimates the entire iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max provide numbers at round 72 million models as a result of new variable aperture digital camera, so maybe a part of the value improve is supposed to assist offset these decrease manufacturing numbers.

Money is a finite useful resource. Surprising, we all know, however the common buyer base solely has a lot money to spend on merchandise they wish to buy. When two must-buy devices come alongside, most individuals funds by buying the merchandise they need extra. One product all the time loses every time two struggle for supremacy, even once they each belong to the identical model.

In Jeff Pu’s report, the analyst states that Apple can possible hint among the points surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro’s lackluster preorder numbers again to the corporate’s different upcoming premier product, the iPhone Duo. While preorders for this cellphone will not begin till October 16, hype for Apple’s first foldable iPhone is fairly excessive — we are also excited for the iPhone Duo.

The impact the iPhone Duo probably has on iPhone 18 Pro preorders (and vice versa) is twofold. First off, the Duo is far more costly. On Apple’s website, costs vary from $1,999 for the 256 GB mannequin to $3,199 for the two TB mannequin. The common particular person can in all probability solely afford one, so anyone who needs to avoid wasting up cash for the iPhone Duo is much less prone to spend any cash on the iPhone 18. On that word, most smartphone customers solely have one system, no matter model. Ergo, somebody planning to improve from their present cellphone to the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max can be unlikely to buy the iPhone Duo as a result of superfluousness of proudly owning two brand-new iPhones directly. This presumed rivalry may not bode nicely for both smartphone line, however Apple stands to revenue both means — assuming folks aren’t skipping the iPhone 18 Pro as a result of they’re ready for the subsequent Xiaomi smartphone, that’s.