Is The iPhone 16 Facing Issues? Early Sales Data Looks Weak

The iPhone 16 has made a bold entrance, but it seems to lack the excitement of previous models. As reported by AppleInsider, a report from Morgan Stanley indicates that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus together moved approximately 37 million units during their debut weekend. Nonetheless, interest appears to be waning compared to the iPhone 15. This decline in demand is reflected in the lead times—the period it takes for an order to ship after purchase.

This year’s lead times are significantly shorter than last year’s, signaling reduced consumer demand. The current lead times are as follows:

• 25.5 days for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, down from 43.5 days last year.
• 18.5 days for the iPhone 16 Pro, compared to 32.5 days last year.
• 9 days for the iPhone 16, shorter than last year’s 14 days.
• 7.9 days for the iPhone 16 Plus, previously 13.9 days.

The report from Morgan Stanley highlights that the lead times for the iPhone 16 are the shortest seen in the last five years, similar to those of the iPhone 12. However, these numbers do not provide the full picture.

Lead times reflect Apple’s inventory levels, and the tech giant is well-known for keeping such data under wraps. These shorter lead times might suggest Apple has effectively managed production to meet demand, rather than signaling a general disinterest in the latest device.

Despite the lukewarm sales of the iPhone 16 initially, history shows that Apple often experiences impressive financial results well after a product’s launch. While current sales figures may seem subdued, it’s premature to judge the total success of the iPhone 16.

This latest model includes an array of advanced features; however, they may not be sufficiently appealing to attract new customers. Reports suggest that many users are upgrading primarily because their older devices have become outdated, rather than because they are drawn to new functionalities such as Apple Intelligence. Given the looming talk of a potential economic downturn, it’s understandable that some consumers might prefer to postpone an upgrade until absolutely necessary.