Bangkok: Apple officially launched the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air in Thailand today, drawing eager customers who lined up to purchase the latest devices. Distributors reported that the economic situation has not impacted pre-orders, indicating strong consumer interest.
According to Thai News Agency, sales and pre-orders commenced with a bustling atmosphere as customers queued at locations like AIS and SIAM before the nationwide launch at 8:00 a.m. The majority of customers were working adults seeking to upgrade from outdated devices. They expressed a desire for new smartphones that better cater to their current needs.
Mr. Anop, the first customer to receive an iPhone 17 Pro at AIS SIAM, shared that he upgraded from an iPhone 11. He pre-ordered the iPhone 17 Pro with 256 GB storage, attracted by its capabilities, such as high-quality zoom and clarity for concert-goers like himself. Despite the high price, he felt the purchase was justified for his usage.
Another customer from Phuket was drawn to the new iPhone 17 Pro Max due to its orange color, matching his Hermes bag. Although he acknowledged that he might not fully utilize all the phone's features, the color made it a must-have for him.
Mr. Praphat Siangchan, Chief Retail Business Officer of AIS, noted that despite the economic climate, demand for the iPhone 17 models remains high, with pre-orders surpassing previous models by 2% and filling up quickly. Technological enhancements and promotional packages have contributed to this trend. He highlighted that 80% of pre-orders came from existing Apple users, with the rest being new customers exploring Apple products.