Apple (AAPL), iPhone 18 Delivery Wait Time 1.6 weeks → 2.6 weeks... A 'Green Light' for Sales Growth?

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Apple (Apple Inc., AAPL) iPhone 18 pre-order wait times jumped from 1.6 weeks to 2.6 weeks in just one day, raising expectations for initial demand.

According to Benzinga on September 15 (local time), Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management stated that the average delivery wait time for the iPhone 18 across eight countries increased to 2.6 weeks within three days of pre-orders opening. This is one week longer than the 1.6 weeks reported the previous day. This is similar to the wait times for Pro models at the same point last year. Munster said, "The most important thing is that delivery wait times are increasing, which has historically been considered a positive signal for demand."

However, he did not definitively conclude that the increase in wait times indicates a surge in demand. Munster explained that the change in the pre-order start day from Friday to Saturday this year might have also led to a rush of buyers all at once. Bank of America's tracking results also suggest that a cautious interpretation is needed. The global average delivery period for the iPhone 18 Pro was 14 days, shorter than the iPhone 17 Pro's 18 days last year, and the Pro Max also decreased from 25 days to 18 days.

By region, China had the fastest delivery speed. The wait times for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in China were estimated to be 11-15 days, respectively. Bank of America assessed that factors such as production volume, distribution inventory, and changes in launch methods could shorten delivery periods, suggesting that this year's figures should be viewed as indicators of demand trends rather than direct comparisons to the previous year.

Pricing policy is also a key variable in assessing demand. Apple's foldable iPhone Duo was priced at $1,999, falling below Wall Street's expectation of $2,099. In contrast, the prices of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were each raised by $100. Munster and tech analyst Dan Ives assessed that customer churn was limited despite the price increases.

Initial delivery data is sending mixed signals. While the significant increase in wait times within a day of pre-orders opening was presented as a positive indicator of demand, Bank of America believes that the shorter delivery times for Pro models compared to last year and the altered launch and inventory structure must also be considered.

[Article Key Summary]

-The average delivery wait time for Apple iPhone 18 across eight countries increased from 1.6 weeks to 2.6 weeks in just one day.

-The global average delivery period for the iPhone 18 Pro was 14 days, and for the Pro Max, it was 18 days, both shorter than last year.

-Gene Munster viewed the increase in wait times as a positive demand signal, but Bank of America took a cautious stance on direct comparisons with the previous year.

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