Apple’s iPhone 17 series has received an overwhelming response in China. Pre-orders on JD.com surpassed last year’s iPhone 16 first-day sales within just a minute of going live. The demand was so high that Apple’s website experienced crashes, and some buyers faced payment delays of up to five minutes.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Most Popular
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the most sought-after model. In Shanghai, all Apple Store pickup slots were filled within 20 minutes, while in Guangzhou, delivery dates have already been pushed to mid-October. The base iPhone 17, especially the 256GB variant, has also seen strong demand.
Analyst Insights
Analysts note that Apple’s product segmentation is key to its success. Nabila Popal from IDC stated, “Apple has astutely segmented its product line-up, ensuring each model appeals to distinct user needs, driving a robust wave of purchases.”
iPhone Air Delayed in China
The ultra-thin iPhone Air, an eSIM-only model, has not yet launched in China due to pending regulatory approval. Telecom operators such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are ready to support it once cleared.
Stronger Production and Demand
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo highlighted that production for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Pro, and standard models is about 25% higher than last year. Despite higher production, delivery timelines are only slightly longer, signaling improved demand. The iPhone Air, while showing softer initial demand, has seen production tripled this quarter.
Global Sales Outlook
Market tracker TrendForce predicts iPhone 17 shipments will be 3.5% higher than the iPhone 16 series. Pro models are expected to drive most of the growth. Early momentum may positively impact Apple’s Q3 results, even as attention shifts to next year’s lineup with anticipated radical changes.