TLDRs;
- iPhone 17 sales surge 14% in the first 10 days across the US and China.
- Base model iPhone 17 demand in China nearly doubles iPhone 16’s launch numbers.
- Analysts credit new A19 chip, added storage, and trade-in programs for sales boost.
- Apple stock gains as trade-in and e-commerce deals lift early quarter performance.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) stock climbed on Monday as early sales data showed the new iPhone 17 series outperforming last year’s iPhone 16 lineup.
According to a report by Counterpoint Research, sales in the United States and China jumped 14% in the first ten days after launch, signaling a promising start to Apple’s 2025 fiscal year.
The surge is attributed to a mix of improved hardware, a new A19 chip, and larger base storage options that have resonated with both American and Chinese buyers. In particular, the entry-level iPhone 17 has been the breakout star, with Counterpoint noting that demand in China nearly doubled compared to the iPhone 16’s base model during its initial release window.
Apple’s share price reflected the positive sentiment, with AAPL trading higher on the NasdaqGS, gaining 4.26% to $263.12 as of 1:53 PM EDT.
China’s Market Lifts Hardware Momentum
Despite Apple Intelligence, the company’s new suite of on-device AI features, still awaiting approval for rollout in China, strong hardware sales continue to drive performance in one of Apple’s most important markets.
Chinese e-commerce platforms have played a pivotal role in this rebound. Discount-driven sites such as Pinduoduo cut prices by as much as CNY900 within the first week, offering the 256GB iPhone 17 at CNY5,099 compared to Apple’s official CNY5,999 listing. Meanwhile, JD.com reported that preorders for the iPhone 17 outpaced those of the iPhone 16 on launch day, with trade-in volumes quadrupling year over year by 10 a.m.
Industry analysts suggest that these early promotions may have front-loaded demand, with much of the initial sales spike tied to trade-in incentives and aggressive retail discounts. However, the broader demand outlook remains stable, driven by loyal upgraders and renewed consumer interest in premium Apple devices.
Trade-Ins Fuel Upgrade Cycle
The latest iPhone cycle has also sparked an acceleration in the secondary device market. Counterpoint noted that refurbishers and recommerce platforms are preparing for an influx of older iPhones, particularly iPhone 13 to 15 models, through the end of 2025.
Trade-in programs returned $1.34 billion to consumers in Q2 2025, with the average device age at 3.88 years, and the iPhone 13 remaining the top-traded model for the fourth consecutive quarter. The flood of trade-ins suggests a robust upgrade cycle and indicates that Apple’s ecosystem strategy, pairing hardware with buyback incentives, is working as intended.
Analysts say this could benefit logistics and diagnostics companies that manage refurbished inventory, especially as sustainability-conscious consumers increasingly favor second-hand options.
Apple Stock Finds Fresh Energy
Apple continues to generate roughly half its total revenue from iPhone sales, making each new launch cycle a key growth driver. While the company faces rising competition from domestic brands in China, such as Huawei and Xiaomi, the iPhone 17’s strong debut reinforces its dominance in the premium smartphone segment.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, is showing strong uptake among US consumers who last upgraded during the pandemic, further boosting Apple’s average selling price.
With hardware upgrades, trade-in incentives, and pent-up demand converging, Apple’s latest product cycle has reignited market optimism. Investors are watching closely to see if the momentum holds through the fourth quarter, especially as global smartphone demand begins to recover from its post-pandemic slump.
For now, Apple’s latest numbers tell a clear story: the iPhone 17 launch has restored excitement among both consumers and investors alike.
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