A Wall Street analyst cast doubt on the reports of strong initial demand for Apple’s iPhone 15 smartphones on Wednesday. This led to a drop in Apple’s stock price. UBS analyst David Vogt stated that their data suggests the initial interest in Apple’s premium “Pro” handsets is actually weaker compared to last year’s models.
iPhone 15 Preorders Begin Amidst High Expectations, But Early Demand Remains Uncertain
Preorders for all four iPhone 15 models began last Friday, and they will be available starting this Friday. Apple unveiled its 17th-generation smartphones at a media event on September 12, alongside its Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatches.
After a weekend of preorders, some Apple stock analysts believed that iPhone 15 sales had a strong start. They pointed to longer delivery times for many premium versions as a positive sign. However, Vogt’s analysis, which tracks iPhone availability in 30 countries, suggests that initial demand for the iPhone 15 is at best uncertain.
Apple’s Stock Performance, iPhone 15 Pro Models, and Market Dynamics
Vogt held onto his neutral stance regarding Apple’s stock and established a 12-month price target of 190. On that particular trading day, Apple’s stock value decreased by 2%, closing at 175.49. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that Apple’s stock is currently in a stable position, with a buying threshold identified at 198.32 according to IBD MarketSmith charts. It’s important to highlight that Apple’s shares have garnered the lowest Accumulation/Distribution Rating possible, denoted by an E, indicating considerable divestment by institutional investors.
Vogt predicted that the Pro and Pro Max models would make up 63% of iPhone 15 sales in the second half of 2023, consistent with the iPhone 14 series from the previous year. Nevertheless, Vogt noted that the new Pro models are not boosting Apple’s sales this year.
“At the high end, delivery wait times for the Pro variant are shorter by approximately one week in major markets compared to last year, including the U.S., Germany, Great Britain, and France,” Vogt explained. In the U.S., demand for the iPhone 15 Pro models varies, with wait times for the Pro variant at 24 days compared to 32 days last year. However, for the top-of-the-line Pro Max, wait times are 40 days compared to 39 days last year, according to Vogt.
