Apple’s (AAPL) iPhones in China soared 22% compared to a year ago levels in the first month after the iPhone 17 series launched, even as the broader market softened, Reuters reported, citing Counterpoint Research.
The new series drove most of the U.S. tech giant’s smartphone sales in China in the period from the Sept. 19 launch, with the 17 lineups accounting for around four-fifths of units sold to consumers, the report added.
Sales of iPhones in China had declined about 5% during the first month after the iPhone 16 series launched in September 2024.
The iPhone 17 launch drew hundreds of people to Apple’s Beijing flagship on release day, a sign of continued love for the brand, despite growing competition from Xiaomi (OTCPK:XIACF) (OTCPK:XIACY) and Huawei Technologies.
China’s smartphone market remained weak amid low consumer demand, with third‑quarter sales declining 2.7% year-over-year, the report noted.