Apple's latest iPhone 17 series has experienced a phenomenal launch in China, surpassing all previous pre-order records. The initial surge in demand is a testament to Apple's enduring popularity in the world's largest smartphone market, even amidst stiff competition from domestic brands like Huawei. Within the first minute of pre-orders opening on JD.com, one of China's leading e-commerce platforms, sales exceeded the total first-day pre-orders of the iPhone 16 series. The 256GB standard iPhone 17 model proved to be the most sought-after variant.
The overwhelming response led to significant challenges for consumers attempting to secure their pre-orders. Reports surfaced of difficulties accessing Apple's official website, with users citing lengthy processing times for payments. One successful customer reported a five-minute delay in payment processing. The demand was so intense that in-person pickup slots for the iPhone 17 Pro Max at Apple stores in Shanghai were completely booked within just 20 minutes of becoming available.
By Saturday morning, the picture was clear: significant delays were already being reported. Apple's website indicated that customers in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, faced a waiting period extending to October 15th for any iPhone 17 model. This unprecedented demand showcases the enduring strength of the Apple brand in China and indicates a highly successful launch for the iPhone 17 series.
---
Originally published at: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3325424/chinese-pre-orders-apples-iphone-17-break-records-amid-strong-demand
