Apple still facing issues in making iPhone 15 Pro Max, deliveries likely to be delayed until November

Delivery times for the newly unveiled iPhone 15 Pro series have quickly extended into November for certain configurations, indicating strong demand for the high-end versions of Apple’s latest lineup.

The problem is also exasperated by the fact that Apple is facing some issues with the production of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a report on the first weekend of iPhone 15 pre-orders, highlighting that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is experiencing particularly strong demand.

Kuo notes that the demand for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is surpassing the demand for the iPhone 14 Pro Max during the same initial pre-order period last year. Consequently, wait times for the iPhone 15 Pro Max are longer compared to other models. However, Kuo points out that the extended wait times are not solely a result of high demand.

He explains that the current shipments of the iPhone 15 Pro Max are lower due to a later mass production schedule, and the model is facing more pronounced production challenges compared to other models in the lineup.

Four iPhone 15 models became available for pre-order in over 40 countries following their introduction at an event earlier this week. The high-end Pro Max model saw its promised delivery date slip from September 22 to as late as mid-November in the United States.

Shipping times for the blue and black iPhone Pro Max models were extended until as late as October 16, while the natural and white models faced delays until November 13. These delays affected all storage capacities of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a version featuring a revamped camera and a larger screen.

Apple enthusiasts, investors, and analysts often look to shipment delays as an indicator of a new model’s popularity. While it’s not an exact science, delivery times can be influenced by supply chain challenges, inventory availability, and logistical issues, in addition to demand. However, the delays observed on Friday suggest strong demand for the new iPhones, including in China, where there were concerns about potential backlash.

In China, shipment times extended into November for all iPhone 15 Pro Max models, while standard iPhone 15 Pro versions had three-to- four-week waiting periods. In the first 30 minutes of pre-orders, China’s Meituan platform, which connects to Apple resellers, processed $27.5 million worth of iPhone 15 orders alone.

Canada is experiencing six- to seven-week wait times for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, while other countries like Australia, Japan, the UK, India, Canada, France, and Germany are facing delays of up to eight weeks for the iPhone 15 Pro Max in natural titanium. These delays may continue to grow as more pre-orders are placed.

Buyers of the standard iPhone 15 Pro with a smaller screen also encountered delays, affecting all colours in some storage capacities. As of Friday afternoon, the wait time for these phones, which start at $999, extended as late as October 23 in the US.

The delayed timelines primarily apply to home deliveries, so shoppers may have better luck by heading to a physical store. Some of Apple’s approximately 270 retail locations in the US still had earlier availability for in-store pick-up. The iPhone 15 Pro Max in natural titanium appears to be the most popular choice so far, with limited remaining availability in stores and online.

Despite the Pro Max model’s starting price being $100 higher than last year, the strong demand for pre-orders suggests that Apple’s pricing strategy is not deterring customers.

During the pre-order launch, many users reported difficulties placing transactions and Apple’s mobile store app crashing. These issues mainly affected customers attempting to trade in an old iPhone or use Apple’s annual upgrade program, which also suggests strong initial demand.

The iPhone 15 Pro line represents a significant update from last year’s models, featuring a titanium casing, improved camera zoom, and a faster processor built on 3-nanometer architecture.