Early estimates suggest that Apple’s iPhone 17 is attracting greater demand than its predecessor, the iPhone 16. According to reports, pre-order interest has already outpaced last year’s levels, even though production volumes are around 25 per cent higher for the new models.
The higher output has not been enough to prevent delays, with shipping dates for some versions already pushed back by at least a week. Among the four models available, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is proving to be the most popular choice, continuing the trend of strong consumer interest in Apple’s top-tier devices.
Interest in iPhone Air remains unclear
iPhone 17系列首週末預購重點分析：
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) September 15, 2025
1. 結論：iPhone 17系列之首週末預購需求優於去年的iPhone 16。
2. 以Pro Max、Pro與標準版的第三季總生產量來說，iPhone 17較iPhone 16多約25% YoY，但出貨時間僅約增加一週，代表上述三款iPhone 17機型的總預購需求較好。
3. iPhone…
While the iPhone 17 range appears to be performing strongly, questions remain over the iPhone Air, which replaces the iPhone 16 Plus in Apple’s line-up. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said it was too early to determine whether demand for the new model would exceed or fall short of its predecessor.
Kuo explained that although the iPhone Air is still available for launch-day collection, its production output is approximately three times higher than the model it replaces. This increased availability makes it more difficult to gauge whether early sales reflect genuine demand or simply greater stock on hand.
Official launch this week
The iPhone 17 family, including the new iPhone Air, will officially arrive in retail stores on 19 September. Customers who have not yet placed pre-orders will be able to purchase the devices directly from that date, subject to availability.
Apple has positioned the iPhone 17 range as a significant upgrade over last year’s models, with improved features across the line. With the Pro Max leading early sales and the Air still under close watch by analysts, the full picture of consumer response will become clearer in the weeks following launch.
