'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.

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

'Everyone Can Profit From It': What Is DeepSeek? China's 'Cheap' to Make AI Chatbot Climbs to the Top of Apple, Google U.S. App Stores

DeepSeek researchers claim it was developed for less than $6 million, a contrast to the $100 million it takes U.S. tech startups to create AI.

Business News

Uber's CEO Says Drivers Have About 10 Years Left Before They Will Be Replaced

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the jobs of human drivers are safe for the next decade, but after that, another type of driver will take over.

Business News

Elon Musk's DOGE Is Hiring People Eager to 'Work Long Hours' to Eliminate 'Waste, Fraud and Abuse' in the Government. Here's How to Apply.

The Department of Government Efficiency is hiring U.S. citizens to help cut spending and headcounts in the federal government.

Business News

'I Love Doing Product Reviews': Bill Gates Stepped Down from Microsoft in 2020, But Admits He Still Spends 15% of His Time Working at the Company

In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gates also said he is still close with Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella.

Branding

How to Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your Early-Stage Startup

Branding might not be your first priority, but neglecting it can hurt your startup. A strong brand identity early on sets the stage for marketing success.