Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro orders on soft demand

· Politics · United States · China

Apple has cut orders for its iPhone 18 Pro models because of softer-than-expected demand, according to a Nikkei Asia exclusive, adding to questions about whether the global AI boom is cooling. The order reduction signals weakening appetite for premium smartphones in key markets and could ripple through Apple's supply chain across Asia, from chipmakers to assemblers. The move comes as investors debate whether the AI race has reached its speed limit after several high-profile AI setbacks, including Nvidia-backed data center provider Firmus scrapping a planned $5bn Australian IPO over valuation concerns.

Why it matters：Apple's order cuts are an early signal that consumer demand for premium devices may be softening, with consequences for Asia's vast electronics supply chain.

Key points

  • The order cuts affect iPhone 18 Pro models, per Nikkei Asia.
  • The reduction follows weaker-than-expected demand for premium phones.
  • The news lands amid a broader debate over the durability of the AI trade.

Sources (original reporting)

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