"Sold Out Due to Short Supply" Samsung Foldable Followed by Upcoming 'iPhone 13' Also Expected to Be Scarce

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgi Na Cho] "Can't buy because it's sold out." Even a month after its launch, the Samsung Electronics foldable phone ‘Galaxy Z Flip3’ still has long waiting lines, and the ‘iPhone 13,’ set to launch in Korea on the 1st, is also expected to face early shortages. In first-release countries like the United States, some models reportedly require up to a 4-week wait. The soaring replacement demand as well as the prolonged global semiconductor shortage are considered the direct reasons behind this.

According to industry sources on the 29th, stock shortages of the iPhone 13 series have already been confirmed in countries like the United States, where pre-orders started ahead of Korea. For the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max models, it is reported that it takes up to 4 weeks to receive the product after pre-ordering. JP Morgan stated in a report, "Customers who pre-ordered online will have to wait 4 weeks for the Pro and Pro Max, and 2 weeks for the iPhone 13 to receive their products." The iPhone 13 series unveiled this month includes four models: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Considering that Korea has previously been ranked behind countries like China in iPhone supply volume, it is expected that delays in device shipments after pre-orders on the 1st will be unavoidable domestically. On Korean online communities, voices expressing concern about shortages are pouring in ahead of the official launch, such as "It seems like it will sell out quickly this time," "You have to buy quickly to get it even a day earlier," and "The war is about to begin." It is anticipated that a situation similar to Samsung Electronics’ Z Flip3, which has been difficult to obtain even a month after launch and has drawn complaints, may occur.

Mobile carriers and budget phone operators in Korea, who aimed to accelerate 5G subscriber acquisition with the iPhone 13 launch, are also nervously working hard to secure stock, fearing that shortages might dampen the initial hype. A representative from a dealership said, "You still have to wait at least 2 weeks for the Z Flip3. There are many inquiries but no stock, so it’s frustrating," adding, "It seems the iPhone 13 stock won’t be plentiful either."

Device Pickup Timing for iPhone 13 Pre-orders in the U.S. [Source: Counterpoint Research]

In particular, the supply shortage is expected to be most severe for the higher-end Pro Max model. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, if you purchased a Pro Max from the US carrier Verizon on the 24th, you could receive it on October 15th, three weeks later. During the same period, purchasing the Pro or Pro Max from Apple.com means the delivery date extends into November.

This shortage phenomenon is interpreted as a result of the surge in smartphone replacement demand driven by Apple’s aggressive trade-in and discount policies, combined with the global semiconductor supply shortage. Verizon pointed out, "An increase in demand and product supply issues occurred simultaneously." Samsung Electronics is facing a similar situation. As was a concern at the beginning of the year’s shareholders’ meeting, disruptions due to the semiconductor shortage have become visible. In particular, Samsung Electronics’ failure to accurately predict foldable phone demand is also cited as a background factor.