Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models are reportedly selling better than last year’s models in China, despite reports of component order cuts. However, the source believes the situation is not a major concern for the company.
In a note to investors, the analysts described the production cuts as a normal adjustment following a major iPhone launch. They also pointed to Apple’s split launch schedule as a possible reason for the changes.
Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September. The standard iPhone 18 models, meanwhile, are expected to arrive early next year. The source findings also support reports from China that demand for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is higher than last year’s iPhone 17 Pro models. However, the increase appears modest rather than significant.
One reason could be that some buyers are waiting for the standard iPhone 18. The base model typically attracts the largest share of iPhone buyers. As a result, the source expects Apple’s iPhone revenue to decline by 2% due to the model’s delayed launch.
Still, not every customer is willing to wait. Some buyers may have chosen the iPhone 18 Pro models instead, potentially supporting their sales. Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Pro series continues to sell well, according to the analysts, despite no longer being available through Apple’s online store.
Apple also has another major product launch approaching. The iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone, is set to become available next week.
The source analysts expect strong demand for the foldable and forecast sales of around 8.5 million units before the end of the year. For comparison, global shipments of foldable smartphones are expected to reach between 20 million and 27 million units this year.