Skip to main content

Kuo: iPhone XS Max considerably more popular than XS, 256GB model is top pick

Ming-Chi Kuo is out today with details on how the iPhone XS and XS Max are doing after the new phones launched last weekend. In addition to how much more popular the XS Max is compared to the XS, Kuo has specifics on what storage size and colors are selling best along with some updates on Apple Watch Series 4 sales and projections.

Kuo believes that iPhone XS Max is selling three to four times better than the smaller XS. With the latest iPhones offering 64GB, 256GB, and a new 512GB option, most consumers are opting for the 256GB models. However, the analyst believes that there could be a major shortage of 512GB models due to Samsung being the primary supplier of the NAND flash chips.

The new gold color along with space gray are the most popular colors for the iPhone XS and XS Max. Kuo has raised his estimates for iPhone XS Max shipments 5-10% for the second half of 2018 and is confident XS Max sales will grow into the holiday quarter along with help from the Asia market.

In what could be another big win for Apple, Kuo believes that due to the popularity of the XS Max and 256GB being the best-selling storage size, the average selling price (ASP) for iPhones could come in above the expected $750-$770 range.

Kuo predicts that more customers will replace their older phones with the $749 bezel-less iPhone XR than the iPhone 8/8 Plus. While Apple’s vendors, JDI and LG Display are currently seeing some yield issues with the new display, they should ramp up production significantly to 35-40 million units in the next month.

Even though XS shipments are lower than expected, the strong performance of the XS Max will keep Kuo’s estimate of 75-80 million iPhones intact for 2H 2018.

As for Apple Watch Series 4, Kuo says that it’s selling better than expected and has increased his estimate for 2018 from 18m to 18.5-19.5 million. With Quanta already producing the new Apple Watch at full capacity, increased production will be dependent on Compal getting up and running in November.


Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications