Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 15 Series, which began accepting pre-orders on September 15, has witnessed an overwhelming response from consumers. The staggering demand for these new smartphones has resulted in significant delays in shipping, with certain users now grappling with wait times of up to 8 weeks for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Global Excitement Surrounding iPhone 15 Series
The iPhone 15 Series has garnered substantial excitement among Apple users worldwide. The pre-order launch, which commenced on September 15, has already generated extraordinary demand. Apple is scheduled to initiate shipments for these devices starting on September 22.
Unforeseen Delays Impact iPhone 15 Pro
The extraordinary demand for the iPhone 15 Pro has led to extended delivery delays, stretching up to 2 months. Customers from various regions have reported significant postponements in their delivery schedules, with wait times ranging from 6 to 8 weeks. This unexpected delay has taken Apple by surprise, surpassing even their most optimistic expectations.
Global iPhone 15 Pro Order Delays
Within just one day of opening pre-orders for the iPhone 15 Series, Apple faces an unanticipated surge in demand for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. Reports from Apple users across the globe indicate that delivery dates for the iPhone 15 Pro have been pushed back as far as November.
Renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman reveals that iPhone 15 Pro Max orders are encountering delays of up to 8 weeks in countries such as India, China, the UK, and Canada. This delay applies to both home deliveries and in-store pickups, underscoring the disruption in the iPhone 15 Series supply chain.
Delivery times growing for 15 Pro Max:
– 8 week delays in India
– 6-7 week delays in China
– 7-8 week delays in the UK
– 6-7 week delays in Canada https://t.co/dkMRpp6Wtw— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 15, 2023
Even orders for the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are witnessing delays of up to 2 weeks in select markets. The enhanced features and innovations introduced in the iPhone 15 Series have evidently resonated with consumers, driving a surge in demand for the new iPhones. This trend extends to regions where the iPhone 15 Pro commands a 60% premium, such as India.
Manufacturing Challenges Confront Apple
Apple’s decision to incorporate a titanium frame in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max has introduced manufacturing complexities. Anodizing titanium necessitates a highly controlled environment, adding intricacy to the production process.
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple currently manufactures the Pro models exclusively in China, limiting its capacity to rapidly scale up production for these models. Conversely, Apple operates factories in India and Vietnam, facilitating increased production of standard iPhone models in response to surging demand.
Another substantial challenge in iPhone 15 Pro manufacturing is its processor, the A17 Pro, which utilizes a state-of-the-art 3nm architecture. Apple relies solely on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for chip production. However, TSMC faces a 55% yield rate for manufacturing 3nm processors due to their intricate nature.
Furthermore, Apple has secured all of TSMC’s 3nm production slots until December 2023, precluding the accelerated production of A17 Pro chips. Consequently, delays in iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max orders are expected to persist for an extended period, leaving Apple to grapple with managing soaring demand and intricate supply chain challenges.
