Vietnamese consumers deposit over VND300 billion for iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders

Vietnamese authorized Apple retailers have witnessed an overwhelming response to pre-orders for the new iPhone 18 Pro series, with over 300,000 reservations and over VND300 billion (approximately $12 million USD) in deposits collected in less than a day. Each reservation required a deposit of VND1 million. The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max began accepting pre-orders from 7 PM on September 12, simultaneously with Apple's Vietnamese online store. At most authorized dealerships, a deposit is necessary to secure early delivery. TopZone, a retail system under Thế Giới Di Động, announced it had received 190,000 pre-orders by 10 AM on September 13, with over 170,000 customers paying the deposit. Viettel Store recorded 57,000 deposits, CellphoneS nearly 40,000, and Di Động Việt reported nearly 23,000 customers paying to reserve their units. These publicly disclosed figures alone indicate at least 300,000 reservations, totaling over VND300 billion in deposits. Despite evaluations suggesting the new iPhones do not offer significant breakthroughs compared to previous generations, they continue to attract customers in the initial sales period, mirroring past iPhone launches. A representative from TopZone noted that customer interest and pre-orders this year have doubled compared to the 2025 iPhone season. Last year, over 100,000 reservations were made on the first day, but this year's launch features only two models: the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. As usual, the Pro Max model, particularly in the new burgundy red color and lower storage capacities, was the most popular choice for early buyers. Di Động Việt's statistics show that 84% of pre-orders were for the 18 Pro Max, with the 256 GB version accounting for 75% and the red color for 66%. CellphoneS also reported that burgundy red and ice blue were the most selected colors. Due to the early batch of shipments being fully pre-ordered, delivery times are continuously being pushed back. According to a retail system representative, customers who ordered popular models like the 18 Pro Max 256 GB in red on the morning of September 13 might have to wait until November to receive their devices. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at VND38.99 million for the 256 GB model, a VND4 million increase from the 17 Pro's launch price. Other models are priced at VND45.49 million (512 GB), VND58.49 million (1 TB), and VND77.99 million (2 TB). The iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at VND41.99 million for the 256 GB version, with 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB models selling for VND48.49 million, VND61.49 million, and VND80.99 million, respectively. The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max were launched by Apple at the "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9, focusing on camera upgrades, including the introduction of adjustable apertures on a smartphone and a 48-megapixel Fusion camera system with a six-element lens. The devices come in four colors: burgundy red, ice blue, silver, and black. This strong consumer demand reflects Vietnam's growing middle class and high smartphone penetration, demonstrating a robust appetite for premium technology products. Such consumption patterns are closely watched as indicators of economic vitality within the country's growth-oriented framework. The sustained popularity of high-end consumer electronics also underscores the evolving consumer landscape in Vietnam, where purchasing power for luxury goods is on the rise, driven by economic development and increasing disposable incomes among a significant segment of the population.