Apple Suppliers Say iPhone 18 Pro Orders Shifted to Pro Max

People at Apple suppliers said the company reduced iPhone 18 Pro orders while increasing orders for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, leaving combined volumes broadly unchanged as demand diverged between the two premium models.

The shift followed new shipping guidance that lowered iPhone 18 Pro orders and raised Pro Max orders. Supplier personnel described strong demand for the larger model and said the adjustment benefited suppliers serving the Pro Max lineup.

The development follows earlier coverage of weaker iPhone 18 Pro demand, which focused on the smaller model.

Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro series in September without a standard iPhone 18 model after changing its product plans. In China, the iPhone 18 Pro started at 9,999 yuan, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max started at 10,999 yuan. Both prices were higher than those of the iPhone 17 Pro series.

Secondary-market conditions differed by model during the mid-September launch period. In Shenzhen, some scalpers declined to buy the iPhone 18 Pro, while some buyback offers fell below the official starting price. Supply of the iPhone 18 Pro was relatively available, while offline sales of the iPhone 18 Pro Max had not yet opened.