The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have been largely overshadowed by the debut of the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone. But there are still plenty of reasons to believe the iPhone 18 Pro will succeed.

The iPhone Duo quickly became the center of attention, leaving Apple’s two conventional premium iPhones with less of the spotlight than expected.

The shift has also fueled some worrying reports about demand for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Early estimates suggested that demand for the two models was weaker than for last year’s iPhone 17 Pro lineup. However, a new survey indicates those conclusions may have come too soon and may not fully reflect actual demand.

iPhone 18 Pro still drawing strong interest

Early estimates suggested demand for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could be lower than for the iPhone 17 Pro. Even so, Apple could still sell the devices in significant numbers.

When the first indications of iPhone 18 Pro demand emerged, a survey was conducted to determine whether consumers planned to buy the new premium iPhones. The results were broadly encouraging for Apple.

At first glance, the figures could be misleading because the most popular response was not to upgrade at all. More than 38% of respondents said they had no intention of switching to a new iPhone this year. That might appear worrying, but it is actually quite normal.

Very few consumers replace their phones every year. Many tend to keep their current devices for three years or even longer before deciding to upgrade. So the fact that more than a third of respondents will not replace their iPhones this year does not necessarily mean demand for the iPhone 18 Pro is weak.

On the contrary, the survey found that about 62% of respondents still planned to upgrade their phones this year, a positive sign for Apple. Notably, about one-third of those surveyed said they intended to buy an iPhone 18 Pro.

Of those, 29% said they had already placed a preorder, while another 14% planned to buy the device at a later date. The figures suggest that the iPhone Pro lineup continues to have considerable appeal despite the extraordinary attention surrounding the iPhone Duo.

Apple may have been right to delay the iPhone 18

One of Apple’s most debated decisions this fall was to delay the standard iPhone 18. Rather than launching alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the base iPhone 18 is now expected to arrive in early 2027.

The decision prompted questions about Apple’s product strategy. However, the new survey suggests that delaying the iPhone 18 may not have as much of an impact as initially feared.

Only about 6% of respondents said they intended to wait for the standard iPhone 18. That suggests the pool of consumers targeting the base model may not be particularly large and that these buyers may not feel an urgent need to upgrade.

If the survey is broadly representative of the market, Apple could focus more heavily on its premium iPhones during the initial stage of the product cycle rather than simultaneously having to meet demand for a new standard model.

iPhone Duo surprises with high level of interest

While the iPhone 18 Pro continues to attract buyers, the iPhone Duo is generating the most curiosity. Nearly 13% of survey respondents said they were waiting for the iPhone Duo.

That is a notable share for an entirely new product in the iPhone lineup. The iPhone Duo not only opens up a new device category for Apple but also marks the company’s direct entry into the foldable smartphone market.

The level of interest suggests Apple could be facing a significant opportunity. If actual demand broadly matches the survey results, the iPhone Duo could become one of Apple’s most important products in the new cycle while allowing the company to quickly establish a presence in the foldable smartphone market.

iPhone 18 Pro still has plenty going for it

Although the iPhone Duo is the new model attracting the most attention, that does not mean the iPhone 18 Pro will struggle to win over consumers.

In fact, the iPhone 18 Pro still has several important advantages that could help it build on the success of its predecessor. Performance upgrades, improvements to the camera system and new color options are expected to appeal to fans. More importantly, it remains a comprehensive premium iPhone for consumers who want access to Apple’s latest technology.

The arrival of the iPhone Duo may temporarily shift attention toward Apple’s foldable model, but that alone is not enough to undermine the appeal of the iPhone 18 Pro.

If the survey results accurately reflect buying trends, Apple may have an iPhone generation capable of pursuing two product directions at once: the iPhone 18 Pro continuing to serve its traditional premium customer base, while the iPhone Duo opens the door to an entirely new group of users.

Based on the data currently available, the demand picture for the iPhone 18 Pro may not be as concerning as some early estimates suggested. Instead, Apple appears to be entering an unusual product cycle in which both its Pro lineup and its first foldable iPhone could generate considerable consumer interest.

Hai Phong