Apple has achieved phenomenal success in China with the launch of its iPhone 17 series. Pre-orders have shattered previous records, demonstrating a significant resurgence in demand within this crucial market. Reports from SCMP indicate that pre-orders through JD.com surpassed the first-day totals for the iPhone 16 series within a single minute of launch. The 256GB iPhone 17 model emerged as the most popular configuration.
The overwhelming demand even caused processing delays on Apple's official website, with some customers reporting five-minute payment processing times. In-store pickup slots for the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Shanghai were completely booked within just 20 minutes, and Guangzhou customers faced wait times extending to October 15th.
Industry analysts attribute this success to Apple's strategic product segmentation, ensuring that each model caters to specific consumer needs. IDC senior research director Nabila Popal highlights this as a key driver of increased sales. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that Apple shipped only three flagship models to China this year, instead of the usual four. The absence of the iPhone Air, currently awaiting regulatory approval for its eSIM-only functionality, is a notable exception.
The delay in releasing the iPhone Air, Apple's first global eSIM-only model, is attributed to the required approval from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Despite ongoing efforts to secure this approval, the launch remains pending. However, all three major state-owned carriers in China have expressed support for the eSIM-only iPhone Air, contingent upon regulatory clearance.
Despite this ongoing hurdle, Apple's impressive pre-order figures in China signal a significant triumph. The strong performance, achieved even before the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone Air, speaks volumes about the renewed consumer enthusiasm for Apple products in this key market. The early success indicates a positive outlook for the continued growth of Apple's market share in China.
---
Originally published at: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/09/13/apple-breaks-records-in-china-with-high-iphone-17-preorders
