Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has recorded stronger early sales than last year’s iPhone 16 lineup in both China and the United States, according to new data from research firm Counterpoint. In the first 10 days of availability, sales of the iPhone 17 models were 14% higher than their predecessors, pointing to renewed consumer enthusiasm in two of Apple’s most important markets.
The firm noted that the base model iPhone 17 was the standout performer, with sales in China nearly doubling those of the iPhone 16 during the same early launch period. Across both markets combined, sales of the base model rose 31%, making it a key driver of the series’ stronger debut. Analysts say the device has struck a strong balance between pricing and upgraded features, helping it appeal to a broader customer base.
Counterpoint’s Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang said the iPhone 17 offers “great value for money,” crediting its success to improvements including a better chip, enhanced display, higher default storage and an upgraded selfie camera – all at the same launch price as last year’s model. These upgrades, the firm said, played a major role in helping Apple entice cost-conscious buyers while still delivering noticeable performance gains.
Apple launched the iPhone 17 series globally, including in China, in September. The early momentum will be welcome news for the tech giant as it navigates intense competition and shifting consumer demand in the global smartphone market.