Apple's latest flagship, the iPhone 17, has enjoyed a robust launch in the crucial Chinese market. Early preorder data from JD.com, a major Chinese online retailer, reveals that first-hour sales surpassed the entire first day of iPhone 16 preorders in the previous year. The base 256GB model proved particularly popular, a testament to its enhanced value proposition.
This strong performance is attributed not only to the iPhone 17's position as the most affordable model but also to significant upgrades compared to its predecessor. Apple has boosted the screen size to 6.3 inches, incorporated a 120Hz ProMotion display with always-on functionality, and dramatically improved the front-facing selfie camera. The rear ultra-wide lens now boasts a 48-megapixel resolution, further enhancing its appeal. Crucially, Apple has doubled the base storage to 256GB without increasing the price, maintaining the $799 price point.
The success in China is a welcome relief for investors, who have expressed concerns about Apple's shrinking market share in the region due to competition from domestic brands. These promising early sales figures should alleviate some of those concerns. While early indicators are positive in China, constrained availability of the iPhone 17, including some iPhone 17 Pro models, is reported in the United States with shipping estimates extending to 2-3 weeks for certain configurations.
Conversely, the launch of the anticipated iPhone Air remains indefinitely postponed pending eSIM regulatory approval in China. This delay represents a significant hurdle for Apple's expansion strategy in this key market.
Apple will officially release its third-quarter earnings in October, although this report will only encompass a fraction of the iPhone 17 sales period. The holiday quarter is expected to generate the bulk of sales for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air (pending approval), and iPhone 17 Pro. The upcoming holiday season will be key to evaluating the overall success of this product line and Apple's continued position in the Chinese consumer electronics market.
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Originally published at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/14/iphone-17-sales-off-to-a-strong-chart/
