Overview
- First‑weekend demand beat last year’s levels, with China reporting record JD.com orders, Apple site slowdowns, and Shanghai pickup slots for Pro Max filling within minutes.
- Shipping estimates for many Pro Max configurations slipped to mid‑October, and Bank of America flagged the longest Pro‑model delays since the iPhone 11 launch stage.
- Apple’s third‑quarter build plans are about 25% higher year over year for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and Pro Max, with Pro Max production up roughly 60%, according to Ming‑Chi Kuo.
- The ultra‑thin iPhone Air remains available for day‑one delivery in many markets, its China launch is postponed pending eSIM approval, and output is about three times last year’s Plus as demand is evaluated.
- Non‑Pro models show traction too, with the 256GB iPhone 17 proving popular and several configurations in China now targeting October delivery windows.