Many buyers are opting for the new models simply because they are the latest release, without focusing on specific upgrades or features. Retailers across Vietnam have reported high pre-order numbers for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, particularly in the new desert gold color.

Many consumers in Vietnam are choosing to upgrade to Apple’s new iPhone 16 series without paying much attention to the device's upgraded features. For many, the decision is driven simply by the fact that it's the newest release in the Apple lineup.

A quiet launch, but the iPhone 16 series remains hot

Unlike previous years, the launch of the iPhone 16 series in Vietnam lacked the chaotic scenes of long overnight queues outside retail stores. According to VietNamNet reporters, the atmosphere at Apple’s authorized retailers in Vietnam on the morning of September 27 was relatively calm.

Several factors contribute to this change. In addition to the economic challenges that have made some consumers hesitant to upgrade, many people are no longer willing to wait overnight to receive their new phones. However, a key reason for the more orderly release, as explained by representatives from retail chains, is that Apple has tightened its control over communication and event organization, minimizing the chaotic scenes of previous launches.

This year, all retail systems featured identical backdrops, with only the store names differing. Customers were seated in an orderly fashion while waiting to receive their phones. Retailers also had to comply with Apple's strict marketing guidelines.

According to inside sources, some stores were not permitted to sell the iPhone 16 at midnight on September 27, while others had their stock halved due to violations of Apple’s policies. Nevertheless, the iPhone 16 remains in high demand, judging by the number of pre-orders.

At TopZone, part of the The Gioi Di Dong (Mobiworld)chain, 60,000 customers placed orders for the iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Notably, 40,000 customers had already placed deposits, and 30,000 units are expected to be delivered during the launch period.

FPT Shop reported 50,000 pre-registrations, with 20,000 iPhones scheduled for delivery in the first three days of the launch. Similarly, Viettel Store received 50,000 pre-orders and 35,000 deposits, with 16,000 devices expected to be delivered on launch day.

Minh Tuan Mobile also noted a surge in demand, with 16,000 pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series, exceeding the iPhone 15 series by 1,000 customers. On launch day, 1,500 devices were delivered. 

CellphoneS, another major retailer, saw 30,000 interested customers and 10,000 deposits, with 2,500 iPhones scheduled for delivery on September 27.

The appeal of the iPhone 16 series: it’s new

When asked why they chose to purchase the iPhone 16 series, many customers in Ho Chi Minh City responded that they simply wanted the latest Apple device. Most buyers were unaware of the specific upgrades in the new series and didn’t even consider the price.

Nguyen Thanh Nam, a customer who purchased the iPhone 16 Pro Max in desert gold, shared, "It’s the 16 series, a newer model than the 15 series, so I bought it. I upgrade to the new iPhone every year - it’s become a habit."

In addition to buying without a specific reason, many Vietnamese consumers continue to prefer Apple’s most expensive model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

According to Doan Van Hieu Em, CEO of The Gioi Di Dong, 85% of customers at TopZone who pre-ordered the iPhone 16 series chose the Pro Max.

At FPT Shop and Minh Tuan Mobile, 70% of customers opted for the Pro Max model, while CellphoneS reported that 60% of their pre-orders were for the same model. Similarly, 62% of customers at 24hStore chose the iPhone 16 Pro Max when placing their pre-orders.

The new desert gold color for the iPhone 16 Pro Max has proven to be particularly popular among Vietnamese buyers. Retailers attribute this trend to the Vietnamese preference for large screens, powerful configurations, and staying on top of the latest trends.

Le My