'Nonsense': T-Mobile CEO Balks at Reports That iPhone 16 Models Aren't Selling The iPhone 16 hits store shelves Friday—without Apple Intelligence.

By Erin Davis

Key Takeaways

  • T-Mobile's early sales for iPhone 16 have led to more sales this month than the same period last year and it's not just cheaper models.
  • "They're buying up the food chain," CEO Mike Sievert said.

T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert says the new iPhone 16 is selling ahead of the device hitting store shelves Friday.

Analysts had predicted that sales would suffer because the much-hyped Apple Intelligence feature won't be available until at least October. Apple's stock slid after the response. Apple Intelligence features will include AI-powered writing and photo tools and improved Siri capabilities.

CNBC's Jim Cramer sat down with Sievert Wednesday and said the "services say that [iPhone 16 sales are] already bad." Cramer then asked how poorly the phone was selling.

Related: People Have Mixed Reactions to Apple's New iPhone 16 Lineup

"It's nonsense," Sievert replied.

Sievert says sales for the new phone with iOS 18 are on the up—and it's not just the cheaper models.

T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert - Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

"The first week was better than last year," Sievert said. "Not only good, but better than last year, and people are buying Pros, they're buying Maxs, so they're buying up the food chain, and they're buying at a greater rate than last year."

Related: Here's Why Apple's Slow and Steady Approach to AI Could Be Beneficial

Sievert also said he expects a longer buying cycle due to the feature delays and word-of-mouth reviews once the new AI features are released.

Apple's new phones include a new physical Camera Control button to make taking pictures easier and enhanced battery life.

The new Apple iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199.

Related: Sales of This Throwback Device Grew 14-Fold in a Year — And Your Boss May Be Using One

Erin Davis

Entrepreneur Staff

Freelance Writer

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'More Soul-Crushing Than Ever': Popular Hiring Platform Finds Around 20% of Its Postings Were 'Ghost Jobs'

Is that job listing too good to be true? There's a one-in-five chance that it might be.

Business News

'Masculine Energy Is Good': Mark Zuckerberg Tells Joe Rogan He Thinks Companies Need More Aggression

On the most recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said corporate culture has become "neutered."

Growing a Business

5 Risk-Taking Lessons From Founders Who Bet Big and Won

Discover the bold moves and strategic risks that catapulted these entrepreneurs to success. Learn how their fearless decisions can inspire your own path to growth.

Business Models

I Transformed My Company With Employee Ownership — Here's Why You Should Too

As a business leader who recently decided to transition to an employee-owned business model, I'm sharing insights into the vast benefits for both the business and employees based on first-hand experience.