From France to CES: The Unexpected Chase for the iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB

It was already clear beforehand that the new features of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max would spark consumer interest. Particularly the Pro model, with its enhanced camera capabilities and more powerful processor, was a big hit. However, what wasn’t anticipated was the scale of the demand. Apple’s production capacity, which was only ramped up a month before the launch, was insufficient to meet the worldwide orders. As a result, many customers were left empty-handed at launch.

According to Techpression, demand exceeded all expectations, forcing Apple to quickly optimize its production chain. Reports suggest that the company plans to resolve the supply issues by mid-December or early January at the latest, to better meet the demand.

Stock Levels Vary Globally – Patience is Key

On social media and popular tech platforms like MacRumors, users are sharing their experiences hunting for the new iPhone models. Particularly the Pro models are sold out in many Apple Stores globally, while the regular iPhone 16 remains available in some regions. This is also the case in the US, where in regions like Houston, the Pro models are scarce.

A particular challenge arises for customers trying to purchase the iPhone 16 Pro in specific configurations. Models with larger storage capacities, such as the 1TB version, are especially hard to find. Many buyers are relying on notification services or frequently checking online stores for stock updates. While this tactic has proven successful for some, not all notifications work as hoped.

What Does This Mean for Apple and Its Customers?

Apple faces a dual challenge: on the one hand, the company must meet demand, but on the other hand, the reputation of the Pro model is being impacted by repeated availability issues. For customers, this means patience is necessary. Apple has assured that stock levels will stabilize, but large quantities should not be expected before mid-December.

As the company focuses on adjusting its production lines, the question remains whether Apple will make long-term changes to its product strategy. The increasing complexity of the product line – with different models and storage options – is causing confusion for some buyers. Tech experts and consumers suggest that Apple might consider reducing the number of product variants in the future to simplify the purchasing process.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB – High Demand and Long Wait: My Experience with the Apple Hotline

On October 1, 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB was ordered via the Apple Store app. The expected delivery window shown was between October 24 and November 5. While this may sound acceptable to most, as a tech journalist with CES 2025 in Las Vegas on the horizon, this wait time is far from ideal. The goal is to test the device in daily use as early as possible so that tech experts like me can share their insights with international tech experts at CES, one of the largest global tech exhibitions.

The Hotline Odyssey Begins

Unsatisfied with the estimated delivery date, I decided to contact the German Apple hotline on October 8, 2024. My journey through various departments began:

1. Contact1 – My first contact was with sales, but their expertise was limited to selling devices. While eager to sell me another iPhone, they couldn’t help with my existing order. I was passed on to Contact2.
2. Contact2 – Also from sales, this person wasn’t specialized in iPhone orders. After briefly explaining my situation, I requested to be transferred to an expert.
3. Contact3 – This was a technical support specialist who was surprised to find me on her line. She could have helped with technical issues but not with an ongoing order. I was redirected back to sales.
4. Contact4 – Another sales representative, but unable to perform a detailed review of my request. It was the first time I was introduced to the existence of an “Aftersales” department, which, I was told, would be better suited to handle my concern. Curious, I agreed to be transferred.
5. Contact5 – Finally, someone who thoroughly analyzed my issue. Unfortunately, they had to inform me that Apple cannot expedite deliveries and doesn’t offer express shipping, even for an additional fee. They suggested checking device availability in Apple Stores.

Checking Availability in Germany – No Luck

After reviewing the Apple Store app together, I confirmed that at the time of my order, there was no option to select the iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB for in-store pickup – only shipping was available. Contact5 and I nonetheless searched for availability in several cities. Unfortunately, we found that no iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB was available in Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, or Berlin.

A Wild Thought: Availability in the US or France?

Next, I asked if the iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB might be available in the US. However, due to my work obligations, I couldn’t spontaneously consider a flight to the US. Since there is a fast ICE connection between Frankfurt and Paris, I asked to check availability in France. Unfortunately, my contact did not have access to the French system and redirected me to the French Apple hotline.

6. Contact6 – In France, the hotline representative was very helpful, and we checked together for availability in French Apple Stores. No devices were available in Paris either. In fact, the only iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB in all of France was in the Lille store. If I had decided to take up this offer, I would have had to cancel my German order and place a new one in France – a risky move, as there was no guarantee that everything would go smoothly with such a switch.

Conclusion: Patience is Key

In the end, I decided not to cancel my order and to accept the expected delivery time of over four weeks. While theoretically, it would have been possible to pick up the device in Lille, the risk of ending up with no iPhone at all was too great. For others facing similar stock shortages, the best advice is to be patient and keep checking store availability.

As I now wait for my iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB, I remain curious to see how the situation develops. Apple is under pressure to meet the high demand, and customers like me are hopeful that future product availability will be better planned.