Investing.com — Delivery times for Apple’s (NASDAQ:) iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are stabilizing and even lengthening, an unexpected positive development, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley (NYSE:) .
The bank said that as of September 27, iPhone 16 delivery times remain shorter than those seen in the last three iPhone cycles, but the recent stabilization of the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max models is worthy of note. ‘interest.
“At T+14, iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max lead times both increased by 2 days compared to T+11, while iPhone 14 and 15 Pro/Pro Max lead times contracted by 4 at 5 days at this point,” Morgan Stanley analysts said.
This elongation suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max demand trajectory is more closely aligned with the successful iPhone 12 and 13 cycles than the weaker iPhone 14 and 15 models.
“We are seeing the same trend internationally, with lead times for iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max extending by approximately 2 days, on average, compared to last Tuesday in all regions globally. exception of China,” the bank said.
Morgan Stanley added that this lengthening resembles the trajectory seen with the iPhone 12 and 13 models, which also saw longer lead times due to supply chain disruptions.
However, no such disruption has been reported for the iPhone 16 models. Although Apple recently adjusted its wafer orders from TSMC, Morgan Stanley does not believe this reflects a drop in demand for the iPhone 16.
“Apple likely has excess inventories of processors,” the analysts said, emphasizing that the wafer adjustment is not a direct indication of current demand trends.
While Morgan Stanley doesn’t change its mind on the iPhone 16 cycle, it is closely monitoring this emerging trend of stabilizing lead times, which it sees as a potentially positive indicator.
