iPhone 16 Series Launch Sees Explosive Demand: Pro Max Sells Out Instantly, E-commerce Platforms Compete for Traffic

iPhone 16 Series Launch Sees Explosive Demand: Pro Max Sells Out Instantly, E-commerce Platforms Compete for TrafficOn September 14th, Apple officially opened pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series, sparking a fervent response from the market. Apple's website temporarily crashed, and shipping times for the iPhone 16 Pro series were pushed back to October

iPhone 16 Series Launch Sees Explosive Demand: Pro Max Sells Out Instantly, E-commerce Platforms Compete for Traffic

On September 14th, Apple officially opened pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series, sparking a fervent response from the market. Apple's website temporarily crashed, and shipping times for the iPhone 16 Pro series were pushed back to October. Standard models, however, will be available for purchase in physical stores on September 20th. Simultaneously, Apple removed the iPhone 15 Pro lineup from its website and dropped the price of standard models to 5399 yuan. With subsidies from e-commerce platforms, the starting price for the iPhone 15 further declined to 4758 yuan.

Various platforms launched special events themed around the new iPhone 16 series, vying for the first day's pre-order volume. Tmall reported that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max were especially sought-after, particularly the desert gold version, which sold out instantly. Tmall promptly restocked overnight, with a whopping 15 refills within an hour. JD.com opened a pre-order channel on its own Apple product flagship store, offering exclusive benefits like a year of AppleCare+ for an additional 49 yuan and trade-in vouchers worth up to 1500 yuan. JD.com data revealed that the iPhone 16 series generated over 100 million yuan in sales within 2 minutes of pre-orders opening, boasting "fastest delivery within 9 minutes" on September 20th. Suning.com announced the addition of 12-month interest-free installment vouchers and an increased trade-in subsidy of 1800 yuan. The platform also unveiled its "S+ Apple Exclusive Membership" program, encompassing 9 benefits: full-year screen protection, 50% discounted repairs, free in-store screen protectors, price protection until Double 11, and more.

Furthermore, platforms like Meituan Flash Sale, Kuaishou e-commerce, and Ele.me joined the fray, offering instant retail services. Meituan Flash Sale announced an upgraded partnership with Apple Authorized Resellers for instant retail services, including 12-month interest-free installments. As of now, nearly 7000 Apple Authorized Resellers have joined Meituan Flash Sale, covering over 2000 counties and cities nationwide. Compared to last year, the number of stores has increased by nearly 2000, with a doubling of participating stores for the first round of pre-orders. Kuaishou e-commerce introduced its "Kuaishou Old Buddy Purchase Privileges," supporting pre-orders for new Apple products and offering same-day delivery within an hour along with interest-free installment options. Ele.me struck a deal with 4000 Apple Authorized Resellers, enabling consumers to receive their new phones within a half-hour of launch on the first day. The platform also introduced a maximum of 12-month interest-free installments, sealed packaging, and personalized delivery services, including dedicated delivery personnel. Ele.me data shows that the iPhone 16 series surpassed the total sales volume of last September within the first 10 minutes of pre-orders opening. In just 30 minutes, pre-order sales exceeded regular daily sales volume by 41 times.

Physical stores were also abuzz with activity. A reporter from the "Science and Technology Innovation Board Daily" visited an Apple Store official flagship store in Shenzhen and learned from a staff member that the iPhone 16 series demos were not yet available in-store. They would arrive on the launch date, September 20th. Customers participating in Apples iPhone Upgrade Program can use a separate reservation channel to select online or offline pickup for their iPhone 16 series upgrade. One Shenzhen consumer participating in the upgrade program reported spending half an hour to successfully reserve an offline upgrade, with slots for September 20th and 21st at the two Shenzhen Apple Store flagship stores already booked. A Beijing consumer shared that they managed to snag a top-of-the-line desert-colored titanium iPhone 16 Pro Max but opted for online delivery, with the delivery time yet to be confirmed.

TechInsights analysts predict that the iPhone 16 series will surpass its predecessors in terms of shipment volume, expecting global shipments of 73 million units in 2024. Among them, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is poised to be the best-selling model in the series, accounting for an estimated 35% of total sales.

From online to offline, from official channels to third-party platforms, the iPhone 16 series launch has generated unprecedented buzz, becoming the hottest topic in the mobile phone market. Beyond the allure of the new models, promotional activities, instant retail services offered by various platforms, and consumer enthusiasm have all contributed to the success of the iPhone 16 series launch. Looking ahead, with the official launch of the iPhone 16 series, market competition is expected to intensify, and platforms will continue to vie for market share around this blockbuster product.