In a significant turnaround, Apple's newest iPhone 17 lineup has powered a robust sales recovery in China, the world's largest smartphone market. Fresh data from Counterpoint Research reveals that sales surged by 22% in the first month after its launch compared to the same period a year earlier.
A Sharp Reversal of Fortune
This year's performance marks a dramatic shift for Apple. The company had faced a challenging period in 2024 when sales for the iPhone 16 fell by 5% in its first month after a September release. The impressive 22% jump for the iPhone 17, which hit stores on 19 September, strongly indicates that Chinese consumers continue to embrace Apple's latest innovations, even as domestic competitors like Xiaomi and Huawei apply intense pressure.
iPhone 17 Series Drives Dominant Performance
The latest models were the undisputed engine of this growth. Counterpoint's figures indicate that the iPhone 17 series was responsible for nearly 80% of all Apple units sold since its debut. The launch generated considerable excitement, with hundreds of customers queuing up at Apple's flagship store in Beijing on release day. Analysts interpret this enthusiastic turnout as a clear sign of enduring brand loyalty.
This sales surge is particularly notable given the overall market conditions. Counterpoint noted that the broader Chinese smartphone market contracted by 2.7% year-on-year in the third quarter, reflecting restrained consumer spending. Against this backdrop of muted demand, the success of the iPhone 17 has provided a crucial boost for Apple.
What Makes the iPhone 17 Appealing?
The device's advanced specifications are a key attraction for consumers. The iPhone 17 boasts contoured edges, slimmer borders, and a front screen protected by Ceramic Shield 2. It features a 15.93 cm (6.3 inch) Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology that adapts up to 120 Hz.
Photography capabilities received a major upgrade. The phone is equipped with a 48 MP Fusion Main camera that includes a 2x optical-quality telephoto option. Its 48 MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera offers four times the resolution of its predecessor, with 24 MP Ultra Wide photos set as the default. Storage starts at a generous 256 GB.
Under the hood, the phone is powered by the A19 chip, which supports Apple Intelligence tools, Live Translation, and Image Playground, while also enabling advanced gaming. Battery life is designed to last all day, and a quick 10-minute charge with a high-wattage adapter can deliver up to eight hours of video playback.
The powerful combination of these new features, alongside Apple's strong brand appeal, is successfully drawing consumers in a highly competitive and challenging environment.
