Kuo: iPhone XS Max Significantly Outselling iPhone XS, 256GB Most Popular, 512GB Subject to Serious Shortage

[MacRumors]

In a research note obtained by MacRumors today, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided launch-weekend takeaways for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and Apple Watch Series 4, all of which went on sale Friday.

Kuo says that iPhone XS Max demand is "better than expected," with the 6.5-inch model outselling the iPhone XS by three to four times. He says the 256GB storage option is most popular, with the 512GB configuration subject to a "serious shortage" due to Samsung being the only reliable supplier.

We have determined that the demand for XS Max is better than expected (3-4 times that of XS). The gold and space-grey colors are significantly more popular than the silver. 256GB is the most popular, and 512GB is subject to a serious shortage because only Samsung can currently ship NAND Flash well. We are positive that XS Max shipments will grow steadily in 4Q18 thanks to demand from Asia market and the gift season.

The well-known analyst believes Apple Watch Series 4 demand is "much better than expected," with supplies likely to remain tight until Compal begins mass production starting from November, as a secondary supplier alongside Quanta.

Apple Watch Series 4 demand is much better than expected. The capacity of the assembler Quanta is full already; therefore, the supply cannot improve significantly until second supplier Compal's mass production for Apple Watch Series 4 starting from November. We have increased the Apple Watch shipment forecast in 2018 from 18mn to 18.5-19.5mn units.

Kuo believes the iPhone XR will be a hot seller, with more customers upgrading to that model than the iPhone 8 series spurred last year. He is also confident that the device's display-related production bottleneck will "markedly improve" beginning in mid to late October. iPhone XR pre-orders begin October 19.

Kuo expressed similar opinions following the first weekend of iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and Apple Watch Series 4 pre-orders last week.

Article Link: Kuo: iPhone XS Max Significantly Outselling iPhone XS, 256GB Most Popular, 512GB Subject to Serious Shortage

 

[canyonblue737]

I'm not saying it isn't correct, just that I'm stunned. I just can't imagine that huge phone that needs two hands outsells the XS by 3-4x's. Perhaps it is a one off this year since few upgraded from the X and you have a large number of holdouts from the 8 Plus and earlier getting the bigger phone they wanted? I'm surprised.

 

[KeepCalmPeople]

Genius marketing - get consumers to buy the X (“the screen is the same size as a plus”), then buy the XS Max for the bigger screen.

 

[zorinlynx]

I'm not saying it isn't correct, just that I'm stunned. I just can't imagine that huge phone that needs two hands outsells the XS by 3-4x's. Perhaps it is a one off this year since few upgraded from the X and you have a large number of holdouts from the 8 Plus and earlier getting the bigger phone they wanted? I'm surprised.

This is my theory. one reason I didn't want an iPhone X was that the screen was smaller than my 7 Plus. No way in hell I was going to go to a smaller screen!

The XS Max is more my style; I want one but it's expensive so it has to wait.

 

[benshive]

I'm not saying it isn't correct, just that I'm stunned. I just can't imagine that huge phone that needs two hands outsells the XS by 3-4x's. Perhaps it is a one off this year since few upgraded from the X and you have a large number of holdouts from the 8 Plus and earlier getting the bigger phone they wanted? I'm surprised.

The form factor is almost exactly the same size as the plus models (6/6s/7/8) that people have been using for like 4 years. I'm not really surprised.

 

[GaryMumford]

loving my XS MAX. No bigger than my old 7+, so I'm comfortable with the size. (and I have BIG hands!!!)

 

[bbeagle]

This is my theory. one reason I didn't want an iPhone X was that the screen was smaller than my 7 Plus. No way in hell I was going to go to a smaller screen!

The iPhone X has a 5.8" screen. The 7 Plus has a 5.5" screen.

This is my first time with an iPhone X. I love it. The screen is so much bigger than my iPhone 7 it's replacing, but the device itself is almost the exact same size. Only 'barely' bigger.

The iPhone X/XS are perfect devices for a large screen / small form factor for those who don't want a phablet.

 

[canyonblue737]

The form factor is almost exactly the same size as the plus models (6/6s/7/8) that people have been using for like 4 years. I'm not really surprised.

I fully admit I haven't used a MAX hands on yet but it isn't the exact same form factor. Yes, I know the body is the same size (actually a tiny bit smaller) but since the screen is edge to edge now and so much larger 5.5 -> 6.5 your hand has to reach *much* farther corner to corner and top to bottom. I totally understand that if you are seated and with two hands that using the MAX must be awesome with the big screen but for example something I do every single week, using the XS dragging a bag through an airport terminal, would be for me impossible with the MAX.

 

[KPOM]

This makes sense to me. The XS isn’t a significant upgrade to the X, but the XS Max appeals better to owners of older Plus models, who are now upgrading in droves. It will be interesting to see how the XR fares, and what will happen to XS demand once the XR is available.

 

[nintenmav]

This is my theory. one reason I didn't want an iPhone X was that the screen was smaller than my 7 Plus. No way in hell I was going to go to a smaller screen!

The XS Max is more my style; I want one but it's expensive so it has to wait.

The iPhone X has a larger screen than the plus phones. I personally think the iPhone X / XS size is the right balance of screen/body size.

 

[KPOM]

The iPhone X has a 5.8" screen. The 7 Plus has a 5.5" screen.

The 7 Plus’s screen was wider, though.

 

[blairh]

The Max is an amazing device. I believe the XR will eat heavily into XS sales.

 

[WhoDaKat]

I'm not saying it isn't correct, just that I'm stunned. I just can't imagine that huge phone that needs two hands outsells the XS by 3-4x's. Perhaps it is a one off this year since few upgraded from the X and you have a large number of holdouts from the 8 Plus and earlier getting the bigger phone they wanted? I'm surprised.

The X needs two hands as well and I think that could be a problem. You might as well go for the Max if you can't use either one handed. They may have to shrink the XI a bit to appeal to those that want the smaller one handed device. That being said, I think in a week or so I'll be able to use one hand better on the Max than on my old X. For one its not as slippery IMO, and for another it seems easier to use reachability on. I do have large hands but not abnormally so.

 

[SVTmaniac]

Got the XS Max because I have man sized hands and don't wear skinny jeans so it fits in my pocket just fine. Same size as my 7 Plus, but has more screen. Can't go wrong there! It's an amazing piece of technology for sure.

 

[Abazigal]

No surprise. If you are going to get a XS, may as well get the Max for an extra $100. The Xr will likely be the best seller, but the XS Max ain’t no slouch itself.

Surprised so many people are opting for the 512 gb model though. What are they storing on it?

 

[democracyrules]

In a research note obtained by MacRumors today, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided updated launch-weekend takeaways for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and Apple Watch Series 4, all of which went on sale Friday.

Kuo says that iPhone XS Max demand is "better than expected," with the 6.5-inch model outselling the iPhone XS by three to four times. He says the 256GB storage option is most popular, with the 512GB configuration subject to a "serious shortage" due to Samsung being the only reliable supplier.Kuo adds that Apple Watch Series 4 demand is "much better than expected," with supplies likely to remain tight until Compal begins mass production starting from November, as a secondary supplier alongside Quanta.More details to follow...

Article Link: Kuo: iPhone XS Max Significantly Outselling iPhone XS, 256GB Most Popular, 512GB Subject to Serious Shortage

I am so glad to get 512 GB gold sim free at the launch date. Only “512” GB Xs”Max” is the most “true” and “complete” ‘Max (maximum)’ with maximum size and the best newest maximum storage. Fortunate for me and others who can own the truest, ultimate and most maximum Xs”Max.”

 

[Narcaz]

I am still not convinced that this years iPhone lineup will be a homerun. Too many unclear upgrade paths, price hikes and barely enough new features.

 

[Rafterman]

IMO, Apple is trying to make too many models and colors to please too many people, leading to shortages of all models. The XR is unnecessary, and even the XS is questionable, though on that one, Apple may not be able to predict so many wanted the bigger phone. But then throw in the XR, and all those colors, and you are sucking up all of the capacity trying to make all these various models.

If I were ole Tim Cook, I would, well, buy a yacht and my own jet first. Then I would have made the XS and XS Max, 256GB and 512GB options, and the three colors they have are. Forget the 64GB and the XR entirely. Simplify.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

I went from a 7 plus to the X and was a little apprehensive about the Max and how bulky it might be but when I walked in to the Apple Store to pick my Max up and saw the Max on display, I knew that was the right choice. It feels no bigger than the Plus and the screen is fantastic. It was the perfect upgrade for me.
The real sales will come with the XR though. Its a great middle of the range product. That baby will fly off the shelves.
Full kudos to Apple as they have got the marketing of this years models spot on.

 

[Sasparilla]

Wow, those storage jumps are expensive too. Even at these prices people are buying them out, amazing.

There's been a big trend by users to bigger screens despite their downsides, because the experience is so much better overall - (IMHO) also why iPad sales got clipped so hard over the last years.

 

[NinjaHERO]

More proof that people prefer the bigger phone. Especially since the X had a smaller screen than the 8 plus in actual usable real-estate.

 

[MacBebe]

I'm not saying it isn't correct, just that I'm stunned. I just can't imagine that huge phone that needs two hands outsells the XS by 3-4x's. Perhaps it is a one off this year since few upgraded from the X and you have a large number of holdouts from the 8 Plus and earlier getting the bigger phone they wanted? I'm surprised.

I am not really that surprised. It was pretty much the same case when the 6+ was introduced.

 

[gjr74]

This is my theory. one reason I didn't want an iPhone X was that the screen was smaller than my 7 Plus. No way in hell I was going to go to a smaller screen!

The XS Max is more my style; I want one but it's expensive so it has to wait.

Agreed! Loved my 7 Plus, but fell for the idea that the X had similar screen area despite the overall size. I think the X actually does have a bigger screen size in total, but it was a much too narrow layout for me after the Plus, especially the way the keyboard was constrained in comparison. Ecstatic to now have the Max- what a great device!

 

[macduke]

Great. So not only has Apple killed the iPhone SE, but they're going to end up killing the iPhone XS 5.8" size for not being popular enough. We'll all just walk around with 12.9" iPhone Ultra's strapped to our faces in 10 years. Am I the only one sick and tired of the giant phone craze?

 

[democracyrules]

No surprise. If you are going to get a XS, may as well

Surprised so many people are opting for the 512 gb model though. What are they storing on it?

Movies, pictures, musics, etc. iCloud is good if there is an internet connection. Free WiFi is nice but very risky to use due to the lowest internet security with the highest hacking risk. Never too much to have extra space to accommodate many needs offline.