TLDR
- Apple’s China iPhone sales climbed 22% in the first month after the iPhone 17 series launched on September 19, 2025.
- The iPhone 17 lineup represented nearly 80% of Apple’s total smartphone units sold in China during this period.
- This contrasts sharply with September 2024 when iPhone 16 sales declined 5% in its opening month.
- China’s overall smartphone market dropped 2.7% year-over-year in Q3 2025 due to weak consumer spending.
- Hundreds of customers lined up at Apple’s Beijing flagship store on iPhone 17 release day.
Apple’s newest iPhone model is performing better in China than last year’s release. The iPhone 17 series generated a 22% sales increase in its first month on the market.
Research firm Counterpoint published the sales data on Friday. Their survey tracked consumer purchases from the September 19 launch through mid-October.
The results represent a sharp turnaround. iPhone 16 sales fell 5% during the same period in 2024.
That creates a 27-percentage-point improvement between the two launches. Apple clearly addressed issues that held back the previous model.
The iPhone 17 quickly became the dominant product in Apple’s China lineup. The new series accounted for nearly 80% of all iPhone units purchased by Chinese consumers.
Launch day energy was visible at Apple’s Beijing flagship location. Hundreds of people queued to buy the new devices.
Defying Market Trends
Apple’s growth came while the broader market contracted. China’s smartphone sector declined 2.7% year-over-year in the third quarter.
Consumer demand remains weak across categories. Economic uncertainty keeps shoppers cautious about major purchases.
Most smartphone brands felt the pressure. Apple managed to gain traction while others lost ground.
The company faces pressure from domestic competitors. Xiaomi and Huawei continue expanding their market presence in China.
Local brands offer competitive specifications at lower prices. They also tailor features for Chinese consumer preferences.
Apple’s brand strength proved durable. Chinese buyers still see value in iPhone ownership despite alternatives.
Product Performance
The 80% product mix favoring iPhone 17 models exceeds normal patterns. New releases typically take longer to dominate sales.
This rapid adoption indicates strong differentiation. Chinese consumers found compelling reasons to choose the latest model.
Apple’s premium pricing held steady. Buyers paid full price despite economic headwinds affecting consumer spending.
The September launch timing benefited Apple. Fall shopping patterns typically boost consumer electronics sales.
Counterpoint’s methodology tracks actual retail sales. The numbers represent phones in consumer hands rather than channel inventory.
First-month performance provides an early signal. Sustained success requires maintaining momentum through the full product cycle.
Competitive Landscape
Xiaomi and Huawei aren’t conceding market share easily. Both invest heavily in technology and marketing for Chinese consumers.
Domestic brands understand local preferences. They develop features specifically for the China market.
Apple competes through ecosystem integration and brand prestige. The iPhone remains a status symbol for many Chinese buyers.
The 22% growth rate stands out in a declining market. Apple captured share from competitors while expanding overall sales.
China represents a critical revenue source for Apple. The country ranks among the company’s largest markets globally.
Previous quarters raised concerns about Apple’s China strategy. Weak iPhone 16 performance sparked questions about brand relevance.
The iPhone 17 data addresses those concerns. Apple demonstrated it can still drive growth in the world’s largest smartphone market.
The launch drew significant consumer interest. Store traffic and online engagement exceeded expectations.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
