Iphone 18 Pro Pre-orders Lag Despite Attractive Discounts
WHO:
MacRumors - Jeff Pu, analyst at GF Securities
WHAT:
MacRumors - The longest wait for the most popular iPhone 18 Pro Max extends only to three to four weeks.
MacRumors - The 1TB Pro Max option in Silver, most 2TB Pro Max configurations, and nearly every iPhone 18 Pro model are available immediately on launch day, with Burgundy 256GB pre-orders being the only exception.
MacRumors - Pu's latest investor note maintains a Hold rating on Apple, with a $369 price target.
MacRumors - The iPhone 18 Pro Max prices reach as high as $2,399 for the 2TB model.
MacRumors - Initial wait times for the Black and Glacier 1TB Pro Max models are quoted at 1-2 weeks in the U.S.
MacRumors - Pu expects the iPhone 18 Pro Max to lose some buyers to the iPhone Duo, which starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model and rises to $3,199 for the 2TB option.
TechRadar - Visible offers a $480 discount on the iPhone 18 Pro with an unlimited plan priced at $45/month.
MacRumors - Initial wait times for iPhone 18 Pro models are described as "lukewarm."
MacRumors - The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the U.S., while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299, with prices reaching up to $2,499 for the 2TB model.
MacRumors - Wait times for iPhone 18 Pro Max models with 256GB and 512GB storage are currently 3-4 weeks in the U.S.
MacRumors - The 1TB Pro Max option in Silver and most 2TB Pro Max configurations are available immediately on launch day, with the exception of Burgundy 256GB pre-orders.
MacRumors - Pu has lowered his production estimate for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to 72 million units.
MacRumors - Pu has cut his 2026 build estimate for the iPhone Duo from 7 million units to 6 million units.
WHERE:
MacRumors - Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro opened in the U.S. and many other countries.
MacRumors - Wait times for the Pro Max in Glacier are 2-3 weeks in China.
WHEN:
MacRumors - Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro opened on September 12.
MacRumors - Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16, with availability from October 23.
WHY:
MacRumors - Pu believes the softer-than-expected demand is due to limited spec upgrades and higher pricing, particularly for larger storage tiers.
HOW:
9to5Mac - Market intelligence companies use methods such as pre-recruited consumer panels and consumer surveys to estimate demand for new products.
MacRumors - Pu has lowered his iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max production estimate to 72 million units due to constraints associated with the new variable aperture camera.
MacRumors - Pu has trimmed his production estimates due to constraints associated with the new variable aperture camera and production challenges with the hinge of the iPhone Duo.
(UPDATED September 16, 2026 11:01 UTC)
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is experiencing a wait time of just three to four weeks, while most configurations, including the 1TB Silver option and nearly all iPhone 18 Pro models, are available for immediate purchase on launch day, with the exception of Burgundy 256GB pre-orders. In related news, an investor note from Pu has maintained a Hold rating on Apple, setting a price target of $369. Market intelligence companies are utilizing pre-recruited consumer panels and surveys to gauge demand for these new products.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 02:24 UTC)
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is making headlines with prices soaring up to $2,399 for the 2TB model, while initial wait times for the Black and Glacier 1TB versions are estimated at one to two weeks in the U.S. Analyst Pu anticipates that some buyers may opt for the iPhone Duo instead, which starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model and can go up to $3,199 for the 2TB version. Due to challenges with the new variable aperture camera, Pu has also reduced his production estimate for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to 72 million units.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 02:00 UTC)
In a recent update, analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities has lowered his production estimates for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to 72 million units, citing softer-than-expected demand linked to limited spec upgrades and higher prices, especially for larger storage options. Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro opened on September 12, with initial wait times described as "lukewarm," while the iPhone Duo is set to begin pre-orders on October 16, with availability starting on October 23. Meanwhile, Visible is offering a $480 discount on the iPhone 18 Pro when bundled with an unlimited plan priced at $45 a month.