Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 series officially opened for pre-orders yesterday across 63 countries in the first launch wave, including major markets like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Japan, and China. While most models in the lineup are still on track for delivery on September 19 – the official global launch date set by Apple – the flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max is already showing significant shipping delays in the US due to unprecedented demand.
A quick scan of Apple’s US online store reveals that estimated delivery windows for the iPhone 17 Pro Max have slipped to “3–4 weeks,” which effectively means early October at the soonest. 
What’s striking is that the backlog appears consistent across all available configurations: regardless of whether buyers choose 256GB, 512GB, or the higher-capacity options, or whether they go for classic finishes or new colorways, the waiting period remains the same. In other words, there’s no secret storage or shade combination that guarantees day-one delivery. For those unwilling to wait, limited in-store pickups may still be available on September 19, but quantities are expected to be tight.
It’s important to note that this delay is currently specific to Apple’s direct online channel. Third-party carriers and major retailers might still offer earlier shipping slots, though stock will likely evaporate quickly. This trend highlights a familiar scenario: Apple’s Pro Max models – typically favored for their expansive displays, advanced camera systems, and higher-tier hardware – continue to drive massive early demand, leaving customers who don’t act immediately facing longer wait times.
Beyond availability, pricing has been a hot topic, as the iPhone 17 family sees Apple holding firm on its premium positioning. Every new model now starts at 256GB of storage, which the company frames as a value upgrade compared to earlier generations. In the US, pricing kicks off at $799 for the base iPhone 17, $999 for the new iPhone Air, $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and $1,199 for the Pro Max. In Europe, buyers are facing similar positioning: in Germany, the Pro Max reaches €1,449, while in the UK it lands at £1,199. India continues to reflect Apple’s highest regional pricing, with the Pro Max set at INR 149,900, while Japan sees the device priced at ¥194,800. Meanwhile, China is experiencing a separate wrinkle – the iPhone Air is delayed due to pending regulatory approvals.
Early adoption pressure is evident as tech enthusiasts rush to secure Apple’s latest devices before supplies tighten further. The company’s decision to standardize storage capacity across the lineup is being welcomed by some as overdue, particularly for users frustrated by minimal base storage in previous years. However, the significant upfront costs still cement the iPhone as one of the most expensive smartphone ecosystems in the world.
Affiliate retailers are already showcasing competitive offers across different configurations. For example, the iPhone 17 (256GB, 8GB RAM) is listed in Europe at around €949 and in the UK at £799, while its higher 512GB option climbs to €1,199 or £999. The iPhone 17 Air scales higher, starting at €1,199 or £999 for 256GB, with the 512GB version pushing into €1,449 or £1,199 territory. The Pro and Pro Max follow suit with pricing brackets that clearly reinforce their position at the top of Apple’s ecosystem, targeting professional users and those unwilling to compromise on performance or camera capabilities.
Ultimately, while most of the lineup should reach early buyers by launch day, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be the model that tests patience the most. Unless you manage to snag an in-store pickup, American buyers are more likely to be unboxing their new Pro Max in October rather than September – a testament both to Apple’s marketing dominance and the enduring popularity of its most feature-packed iPhone yet.
2 comments
tbh 1200 bucks starting price is insane, but ppl still rushing 🤯
india pricing is robbery man…149k?? who can afford that