Apple’s iPhone 17 series has shattered pre-order records in China, surpassing the iPhone 16 launch within the first minute of availability. This remarkable achievement occurred despite the absence of the highly anticipated iPhone Air, which was delayed due to regulatory hurdles.
Popular Models and Storage
The standard iPhone 17 with 256GB storage emerged as the most popular variant among Chinese consumers. Pre-orders on JD.com, one of China’s largest e-commerce platforms, exceeded the entire first-day sales of the iPhone 16 series in just 60 seconds.
Technical Glitches and Delivery Delays
The overwhelming demand caused website crashes and payment delays of up to five minutes on Apple’s official site. In Shanghai, all in-store pickup slots for the iPhone 17 Pro Max were booked within 20 minutes. Meanwhile, customers in Guangzhou now face delivery delays extending to October 15.
Strong Brand Loyalty Amid Competition
Apple’s record performance highlights its enduring brand strength in China, even as local competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi intensify their efforts. Huawei recently launched its second-generation trifold smartphone, and Xiaomi moved up its Xiaomi 16 launch to late September.
iPhone Air Regulatory Delay
Apple postponed iPhone Air pre-orders in China due to regulatory approval issues surrounding its eSIM-only design. All three state-owned telecom operators—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—are ready to support eSIM once clearance is granted.
Global Shipment Outlook
According to TrendForce, global iPhone 17 shipments are projected to exceed iPhone 16 series shipments by 3.5%, with Pro models expected to drive the majority of sales.