Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new investor note on pre-order demand for the new iPhone XR. As he predicted, demand for the new handset is outpacing that of the iPhone 8 last year, even as the device remains available for delivery late this week.
Last week, Kuo increased his sales forecast for the iPhone XR in the current quarter from 33 million – 35 million units to 36 million – 38 million. He increased his overall holiday quarter iPhone sales expectations from 75 million -80 million up to 78 million – 83 million.
Kuo says that demand so far has been greater than what Apple saw with the iPhone 8/8 Plus last year even though there’s launch day availability for the XR from Apple and just 1-2 week wait times from most carriers and other retailers.
The well-connected analyst also expects iPhone XR sales will also be higher in Q1 2019 than what the iPhone 8 saw in 2018.
Kuo asserts that the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max saw more pre-order demand, due to tech-savvy customers who have to have the latest thing when it comes to devices. Meanwhile, the iPhone XR will see more interest by regular consumers that are more budget focused and don’t have any “urgent replacement demand.”