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Apple has instructed some suppliers to reduce production of components for its recently launched iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, according to a Friday report from Nikkei Asia. The publication cited multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The technology giant had reportedly adopted a more conservative approach to shipments beginning in early September. Component orders scheduled for October were cut by 15% to 20% compared with the amounts originally expected, Nikkei reported.

Apple shares reacted negatively before the opening bell in the United States. The stock fell 1.9% in premarket trading by 05:15 ET, or 09:15 GMT.

The reported reductions followed market demand for the new iPhone lineup that was weaker than expected. Nikkei connected that softness with rising prices for memory chips and other components.

Those higher input costs forced price increases, according to the report. The resulting pressure weighed on consumer demand for the newly introduced devices, creating another challenge for one of the most closely watched product launches in the technology sector.

Nikkei also offered another possible explanation for weaker component demand. Apple has changed the launch schedule for the iPhone 18 series, which could be affecting the timing and scale of orders placed with suppliers.

Under the revised schedule described in the report, Apple first launched the premium portion of the iPhone 18 lineup in September. That initial group included the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo.

The remainder of the lineup is set to follow later. Apple will launch the base iPhone 18 and an upgraded iPhone Air in early 2027, according to the report.

That staggered schedule separates the premium models from the base model and upgraded Air. Nikkei said the schedule change could therefore be contributing to the lower level of component demand now being reported.

The base iPhone carries added importance because of its performance in the previous product cycle. According to the report, the base model gained increased popularity last year as part of the iPhone 17 lineup.

That popularity may translate into additional sales when the base iPhone 18 arrives, Nikkei said. For now, however, the device is not included among the premium models introduced in September.

The report presented both soft demand and the altered release schedule as factors that could be influencing component orders. Even with the scheduling issue, Nikkei emphasized the broader difficulties confronting consumer electronics companies as component costs climb.

Global supplies of memory chips and electronics components have been constrained by unusually strong demand from the artificial intelligence industry. That demand has tightened availability for companies competing for the same supplies.

The pressure is not expected to disappear quickly, based on recent comments cited in the report. Memory chip producer Micron indicated that tight conditions were likely to continue well into 2027.

For Apple, the immediate picture combines reduced October component orders, higher input costs, softer demand, and a divided launch calendar. The company’s shares moved lower in premarket trading as investors received the report.

The situation also reflects the growing strain across the consumer electronics business described by Nikkei. Manufacturers are contending with elevated component prices while artificial intelligence demand absorbs substantial memory and electronics supplies.

Apple’s later introduction of the base iPhone 18 and upgraded iPhone Air leaves another part of the product cycle ahead in early 2027. Nikkei suggested the base model’s increased popularity during the iPhone 17 cycle may help generate further sales for the company.

DISCLAIMER: GoldInvestors.news is not a registered investment, legal or tax advisor or broker/dealer. All investment/financial opinions expressed by GoldInvestors.news are from the personal research and experience of the owner of the site and are intended as educational material. Although best efforts are made to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date, occasionally unintended errors and misprints may occur.