Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Chomp81

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 23, 2014
202
160
Hey,

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, in all colours and storage options, completely sold out in the UK, which is shocking! First time in 8 years this has happened.

Apple Store Regent St can't confirm on when they'll get more units, they just told me that online is mid-October. John Lewis Oxford St told me they received a handful of units, sold out in 5 minutes, mostly to resellers.

Is this happening worldwide or is just UK?

I'm surprised to read reports of lack of demand, but here is impossible to get one.
 
Last edited:

JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,469
26,072
Pro Max always gets sold out in the first couple weeks. Apple doesn't surge production and invest in more assembly lines just to satisfy that short term demand.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SmugMaverick

Chomp81

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 23, 2014
202
160
It happens every year I think
For 8ish years, I've always bought the flagship model on pre-sale or launch day; without any issues or needing to be online exactly when pre-sale opens...
 

Nikhil72

macrumors 68000
Oct 21, 2005
1,616
1,459
Guy with Apple in NYC told me they had the highest demand he’s experienced in years for the Pros and it took them by surprise. Sold out citywide, mainly the Pro Max
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cyberguycpt

Yorkieray

macrumors regular
Jun 22, 2020
170
119
Leeds UK
My 16 Pro Max is currently on preparing to ship. I had originally wanted to collect on Mon 23/9, but there was no option for collection.
I am due at the Leeds Apple Store to collect AirPods for a family member and whilst you can order some 16 Pro models now for collection tomorrow, the 16 Pro Max is not available anywhere.
 

Chomp81

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 23, 2014
202
160
I just received an email from John Lewis, is available, but delivery is until 10/Oct.

Hesitant if I should keep hunting for one, or just accept defeat and get the Apple order for mid-October!
 

Kylo83

macrumors 601
Apr 2, 2020
4,397
14,324
I got mine on launch with ee, but dont get the hype its kinda bad, worst update ive had year on year, dont notice anything new
 
  • Like
Reactions: SmugMaverick

Dog Bone Malone

macrumors regular
Jan 25, 2023
238
234
Muffsville, Jannerbama. Uk.
It's the same with the pro models every single year. I remember my first pro max. It was the 14. It was a real PITA to hunt one down. I like to just walk in an Apple store and buy one on impulse - not order one online and scratch my eyes out waiting 3 weeks for a delivery! You get the initial post launch demand, then the Xmas demand builds. I'm going to wait until after Xmas. There will be plenty available then.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fred Zed

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,293
25,432
Wales, United Kingdom
It sold out due to limited stock I’d imagine, I highly doubt a record number of people were suddenly dropping £1200+ on a phone. We are in a significant financial crisis at the moment after all.
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,293
25,432
Wales, United Kingdom
I got mine on launch with ee, but dont get the hype its kinda bad, worst update ive had year on year, dont notice anything new
That’s why it’s boring to update every year rather than leave it 2 or 3 years between upgrades. My 16 Pro Max isn’t hugely different to the 13 Pro Max I came from, but is a lot more noticeable than if I’d come from the 15 Pro Max. Not sure what people expect these days considering these types of products are in the mature phase?
 

Dog Bone Malone

macrumors regular
Jan 25, 2023
238
234
Muffsville, Jannerbama. Uk.
I don't think it's a record number - just the usual annual rush for the supposed best-of-the-best in phones. Since the inception of the 'Pro Max' models, it's been the same every year. I would hazard a guess that most £1200 phones are either on tick or monthly payment phone bundles from UK providers, i.e. 3, Vodafone, EE etc etc.
 

Dog Bone Malone

macrumors regular
Jan 25, 2023
238
234
Muffsville, Jannerbama. Uk.
That’s why it’s boring to update every year rather than leave it 2 or 3 years between upgrades. My 16 Pro Max isn’t hugely different to the 13 Pro Max I came from, but is a lot more noticeable than if I’d come from the 15 Pro Max. Not sure what people expect these days considering these types of products are in the mature phase?
The worse decision I ever made re iPhones, was to get rid of my 13PM. The best picture quality I ever saw on an iPhone. Saying that, You can pick up a refurbish from Apple for I think £649 - in 265GB in green as well! Lubbly Jubbly!
 
  • Like
Reactions: danb1979

JtheLemur

macrumors 6502a
May 13, 2002
695
384
Amazon has had them consistently come into stock all week. There were a bunch of Pro Max models available this morning, though the supply has since swindled in the past few hours.
 

dumastudetto

macrumors 603
Aug 28, 2013
5,529
8,310
Los Angeles, USA
Amazon has had them consistently come into stock all week. There were a bunch of Pro Max models available this morning, though the supply has since swindled in the past few hours.

If they are in fact iPhones, and not cat food, or some other cheap item easily confused with an iPhone.
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,293
25,432
Wales, United Kingdom

dumastudetto

macrumors 603
Aug 28, 2013
5,529
8,310
Los Angeles, USA
This pretty much goes for any retailer that does not keep a close enough eye on picking and delivery staff. This story ended up being so insignificant, it was not reported as continuing in the last 18 months.

Happened with PS5's and Xboxes frequently during the first year or two of their launch.

It's still happening according to people over on HUKD. And refunds are getting harder to obtain.

Amazon appears not to care. Presumably it's happening mainly before the courier collects the item because the Amazon seal is unbroken... although it's easily possible gangs can replicate that outside of the warehouse.

I personally avoid Amazon like the plague these days. Not only do you have this issue, you also have the issue of co-mingled stock from third parties who send to Amazon to manage logistics. It used to be items sold by Amazon and dispatched by Amazon were safe... but those days are long gone. Many cases of fakes ending up in Sold by Amazon shipments - especially accessories like headphones. Once again, Amazon will try to deny they ever sent the fake and it's you trying to scam them. Good luck proving it.

One of the reasons I used to use Amazon were the hassle-free returns/refunds. You don't even get that anymore as described in the linked article.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.