iPhone 17 Pro Max Preorders Delayed, iPhone Air Launch in China Paused

Apple’s iPhone 17 preorders opened at 8 a.m. ET, immediately revealing high demand for certain models and early shipping delays for others. In the U.S., the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air remain on track for delivery on the official launch date, Friday, September 19. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, however, is already showing shipment delays, with most preorders now expected to arrive in early- to mid-October, reflecting strong demand for Apple’s top-tier model.

China presents a different challenge. The iPhone Air cannot be preordered due to pending eSIM approvals from regulatory authorities. Apple lists the Air’s release in China as “to be updated later,” pending clearance from the country’s three state carriers. Other models in China are available as scheduled, but the delay for the Air disrupts Apple’s plan for a synchronized global launch.

Pricing across the iPhone 17 lineup remains as announced: $799 for iPhone 17, $999 for iPhone Air, $1,099 for iPhone 17 Pro, and $1,199 for iPhone 17 Pro Max, all starting at 256 GB storage. Color and storage selections are already influencing delivery times, with Pro models in cosmic orange, deep blue, and silver selling faster, while standard iPhone 17 options like black, lavender, mist blue, sage, and white are largely available for launch-day delivery.

Carrier promotions are significantly impacting preorder decisions. Many trade-in deals offering “free” upgrades require long-term billing commitments of 24 to 36 months, meaning buyers must weigh upfront costs against potential savings. Apple’s messaging, highlighting up to $1,100 in savings with carrier offers, has drawn attention to specific models, further affecting delivery times.

Market analysts note that these preorder patterns reflect Apple’s ongoing supply constraints and the logistical challenges of launching multiple models globally. The Pro Max delays underline the continued popularity of higher-priced, feature-rich devices, while regulatory hurdles in China show how local policy can influence global product rollouts.

Online communities are active with strategies to secure earlier deliveries. Buyers are sharing tips to use the Apple Store app for faster processing, monitor stock for in-store pickup, and adjust model or color preferences to meet the September 19 launch. Unlike previous years, there is minimal physical queuing, as the digital ordering system dominates the launch process.

Pro Max preorders in the U.S. are now expected to arrive in early- to mid-October due to high demand, while the iPhone Air launch in China remains on hold pending eSIM regulatory approval. Availability of specific colors and storage options is also affecting delivery dates, and carrier trade-in promotions continue to influence preorder patterns. Buyers seeking the earliest shipments may need to adjust model, color, or storage choices or consider in-store pickup options.

Also Read: Apple Event 2025: iPhone 17 and Thinnest-Ever iPhone Air Launching Sept 9