As expected, the iPhone 18 Pro is cruising toward general availability with 15 of 16 color/ memory sizes available at T-Mobile and Verizon. The two backlogged SKUs are both Burgundy (512GB at T-Mobile and 256 GB at Verizon).
AT&T, as we have seen in previous years, seems to have more upgrade demand, with half of ther color/ memory options delayed a week. We are not concerned about their abiliy to fulfill orders, however. AT&T is using handset promotions as a part of thier bundle value – more to battle Charter and Comcast than T-Mobile and Verizon. Our prediction is that the iPhone 18 Pro is generally available by the week ending October 16 (two reports from now).
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is showing different backlog levels depending on the carrier. T-Mobile and AT&T are seeing greater backlogs than Verizon. This is not surprising as the new 36-month Equipment Installment Plan option would naturally encourage long-time iPhone customers to upgrade. This creates longer-term security for Magenta – more customers on better devices (on a very strong and improving network). Despite raising their administrative fees, they should do OK with ths iPhone launch.
AT&T is basically throwing in the towel on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with all color/ memory options now delivering by October 19. This will hurt their upgrades for October, and could provide a window of opportuniy for Verizon. It’s very hard to predict when the iPhone 18 Pro Max will achieve “generally available” status but we have seen from past years that early to mid-November is the most likely timeframe.
Files are below. Have a great remainder of the weekend!
