JPMorgan views the reduction in iPhone 18 Pro component orders as not a cause for concern, noting that customer demand remains stronger than for the previous iPhone 17 Pro model. Apple's first foldable phone is expected to exceed 8.5 million units this year.
JPMorgan analysts stated in a note to investors that demand for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max is higher than that for the iPhone 17 Pro during the same period last year, though the increase is modest.
At the same time, JPMorgan analyzed Apple’s reduction of iPhone 18 Pro component orders despite the recent launch. JPMorgan views this as a normal production capacity adjustment rather than a signal of sales problems.
Analysts explained the key factor is Apple's staggered product launch strategy. Instead of releasing the entire series at once, Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo in September, with the standard iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e set for early 2027. This caused some consumers to delay buying while waiting for the standard model, which usually sells well.
JPMorgan forecasts that the absence of a standard iPhone 18 model will reduce Apple’s iPhone revenue by about 2 percent.
However, analysts believe consumers unwilling to wait may upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro, potentially boosting its sales. Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro still sold well, despite no longer being available on Apple’s website.
Another key factor to watch is the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable smartphone, scheduled for release next week. JPMorgan expects sales to reach about 8.5 million units by the end of 2026, with global foldable phone shipments projected at 20 to 27 million units.
Source:Apple Insider