Apple's September launch of the iPhone 16 series was supposed to be a hit, especially for the Pro models. Before the big reveal, analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo were predicting a massive increase in production for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. However, as the dust settles after the first week of pre-orders, things aren’t exactly going as planned. In fact, it seems the Pro models are the main reason behind Apple's slower-than-expected start.

Let’s break it down and figure out what’s going on.

Despite the Pro models' underwhelming demand, there’s some silver lining. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are actually performing better than expected, with the 16 Plus seeing a 48% jump in pre-orders compared to last year's model. While the Plus model’s overall numbers still lag behind its siblings, it’s clear that some buyers are gravitating toward the more affordable options.

So, why are the Pro models struggling? One big reason is the size of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. With a 6.9” screen, it’s just too big for 15% of voters in a recent poll. Bigger isn’t always better, and a significant number of users seem to prefer the more manageable size of older models, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Adding to the disappointment, Apple stuck to 60Hz displays for the non-Pro models. While this might have worked in previous years, consumers in 2024 expect 120Hz displays, even on mid-tier devices. Sure, the Pro models come with USB-C, MagSafe, and upgraded Apple Intelligence features, but that might not be enough to justify the purchase.

Anyway, at 6.9”, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is too big for 15% of voters. 13% are looking at an older generation iPhone for this or other reasons. The 15 Pro Max is a more manageable size and it has mostly the same cameras, except for the 48MP ultra wide.

The 6.3” screen on the iPhone 16 Pro was a much better idea, barely anyone thinks that the size of the phone is an issue. But nearly half of voters are saying that they are moving to Android. Even older generations of iPhone Pro aren’t that appealing, maybe Apple has been resting on its laurels for too long. Whatever it is, at 17.7%, the Pro model has the highest positive vote.

The iPhone 16 Plus saw a massive 48% jump in pre-orders compared to the 15 Plus, but the total numbers are still way, way below the others. People don’t know what to think of this one. Many plan on getting a Pro instead or grabbing an older model – with no size increase, the only tangible upgrade this generation is the new side buttons – some are moving to Android and many just don’t care about the Plus.

The iPhone 16 got 15.1% positive vote, coming second after the 16 Pro, and the highest percentage of people (8.9%) who might decide to get one after reading the reviews. Some are tempted to get a Pro model this time around, but few (well, relatively few) are thinking of going with an Android instead.

It seems that Apple misread what consumers want – it had big hopes for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but instead the model is struggling. It will probably still end up the top seller of the four, though. Kuo speculated that the delay of Apple Intelligence kept pre-orders for the two iPhone Pro models down and sales will improve once that arrives (and the upcoming holiday season will help too). One way or another, the Q1 2025 report from Apple is going to be an interesting one.

Nearly 50% of voters from last week's poll said they’re thinking of jumping ship to Android. That’s a pretty big red flag for Apple. It seems like even older iPhone Pro models aren't appealing enough, which suggests Apple may have been coasting on its reputation for too long.

It’s not all doom and gloom. Apple might see a sales boost once the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence feature finally rolls out. And with the holiday season coming up, there’s still time for the iPhone 16 Pro Max to shine, especially if Apple can figure out how to fix these early issues.

Bottom line: It’s a shaky start for the iPhone 16 series, particularly the Pro models, but don’t count Apple out just yet. They’ve got time, and a few well-timed updates could save the day.

The launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max didn’t meet Apple's expectations. Despite increased production forecasts, pre-order numbers are down, especially for the larger Pro Max model, which users find too big. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are performing better, but Pro model buyers are still hesitant. Apple Intelligence and holiday sales might offer a sales boost in Q4.