According to some early numbers from Apple analyst extraordinaire Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone Max XS is currently running laps around its smaller counterpart. In a note posted by MacRumors, Kuo suggested that the 6.5-inch handset sold three to four times as well as the XS during its inaugural weekend.
“We have determined that the demand for XS Max is better than expected (3-4 times that of XS),” says Kuo. “The gold and space-grey colors are significantly more popular than the silver. 256GB is the most popular, and 512GB is subject to a serious shortage because only Samsung can currently ship NAND Flash well. We are positive that XS Max shipments will grow steadily in 4Q18 thanks to demand from Asia market and the gift season.”
The higher demand shouldn’t be altogether surprising. After all, the XS doesn’t mark an earth-shattering upgrade over its predecessor. The Max, on the other hand, is a pretty sizable jump in display size for the company that once suggested consumers simple don’t want a larger phone.
And while the two models are quite similar from the standpoint of specs, the bigger display will only run an extra $100. If you’re already in for $1,000, what’s another $100 between friends, right?
The note also states that Apple Watch Series 4 demand is better than anticipated, while the iPhone XR is expected to be a good seller for the company. No surprise on that last one, really. The XR represents an attainable upgrade for those users unwilling or unable to pull the trigger for a $1,000 phone with last year’s handset.