Kuo: iPhone 12 Pro Demand Higher Than Expected

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo released a research note this morning detailing what he's seen with the volume of iPhone 12 and ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro pre-orders in the first weekend of sales.

iphone 12 vs iphone 12 pro
Kuo had previously indicated that Apple's estimated shipment allocations for the new ‌iPhone‌ models placed the ‌iPhone‌ 12 at the top with 40-45% of inventory allocation (up from 15-20%). However, the strong interest in the ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro in pre-orders has caused him to revise that split:

The iPhone 12 Pro pre-order beat our expectation because of Apple core fans’ initial preference for high-end models, the strong demand in the Chinese market, and the coming peak season demand in the US and Europe.

Due to the demand, Kuo sees the ‌iPhone‌ 12 and 12 Pro to each have approximately 30-35% share each of new ‌iPhone‌ shipments in this quarter. Meanwhile, Kuo also downgraded his expectations for the iPhone 12 mini with estimates that it will be responsible for only 10-15% of sales (down from 20-25%). Kuo cites weak demand for the smaller device in the Chinese market.

The ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro and 12 are very similar devices, though the Pro model has LiDAR, a telephoto camera lens and more RAM. More detailed comparison available:

The ‌iPhone‌ 12 and 12 Pro became eligible for pre-order on Friday, October 16. The ‌iPhone 12 mini‌ and iPhone 12 Pro Max pre-orders kick off on November 6.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...

Top Rated Comments

sniffies Avatar
69 months ago
It's the same story every year

I've never seen an iPhone launch whose demand was lower than expected
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
arn Avatar
69 months ago

It's the same story every year

I've never seen an iPhone launch whose demand was lower than expected
This is specifically about the Pro vs the non-pro. So in this case non-pro demand was lower than expected.

arn
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ilikewhey Avatar
69 months ago
kinda obvious when you jack up the price for 12 by 100 bucks, after matching the storage difference is only 120-150 depending on carrier.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GermanSuplex Avatar
69 months ago
I originally was torn between the pro max and the mini - the mini for the size and how it was quite an upgrade over my XR, but I really like the pro camera features. However, I ended up compromising and going for the 12 pro. I’m just starting on iPhone photography, but the Max Pro is just too big a phone. I love the size of the XR.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newyorksole Avatar
69 months ago
Gonna be a lot of Pacific Blue iPhones out there Lol.

The lineup this year is very good.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pioneer9k Avatar
69 months ago
Upgrading from my X, I would miss the telephoto lens for sure. I also appreciate the brighter screen and more RAM and 128gb. Thats why I went with the Pro
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)