iPhone 16 launch: Why buying iPhone 16 Pro Max at release might be challenging

Planning to buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max at launch? It might not be a cakewalk due to potential stock shortages.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are set to be unveiled during Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ event on 9 September next month. With the launch just around the corner, Apple enthusiasts and prospective buyers are eagerly anticipating the chance to acquire the latest devices. However, it may not be easy to get your hands on the iPhone 16 Pro, particularly the iPhone 16 Pro Max, near the launch date. Historically, both the Indian and global markets have faced stock shortages due to overwhelming demand, leading to extended delivery times and delays.

iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Pro are expected to look similar to the iPhone 15 Pro models. (Shaurya Sharma - HT Tech)

By Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers.

He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol cars

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Last year, I exclusively reported that offline retailers hoarded stock of the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max—selling units at inflated prices—typically around ₹20,000 above the Indian MRP. This created a significant stock deficit in the market, forcing buyers to pay more than the MRP and often to purchase costly accessories alongside their phone.

This is not a new trend; the same pattern has been observed in the Indian market over recent years—everyone rushes to buy the latest iPhone, only for stocks to be scarce during the initial months.

Here’s What You Need To Do To Secure iPhone 16 Pro At MRP If You Want One At Launch

If you are determined to get the latest iPhone at launch, there are a few steps to increase your chances: Firstly, be quick to pre-order the devices once pre-orders go live on Apple’s website in India. Another option is to contact your local Apple third-party retailer, such as Imagine, and other reliable Apple retail partners as soon as the new devices are announced to find out when they will start accepting bookings for the new devices—so, pre-book as soon as you are notified.

Yes, being quick with your pre-order is the only way to secure a unit around the launch window; don’t simply expect to walk into an Apple Store at launch and walk out with a Pro model. While there could be exceptions, given that India currently has only two official Apple Stores, the demand will be substantial.

Recently, The Elec reported that Apple is preparing to have more stock of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max this year compared to last year, which may help with the stock situation at launch.

Additionally, recent reports have suggested that Apple, for the first time, is producing India-made iPhone 16 Pro units at Foxconn’s Tamil Nadu plant. This means India may have first-hand access to this stock, potentially improving availability.

That said, it is still advisable to order your device as soon as pre-orders go live to be sure and avoid paying premium prices to offline retailers.