iPhone 17 Preorders Surge in China; iPhone Air Launch Faces Regulatory Hold
iPhone 17 Preorders Surge in China; iPhone Air Launch Faces Regulatory Hold
Apple’s new iPhone 17 has launched to remarkable success in the Chinese market, with initial preorder sales volumes far exceeding those of the iPhone 16. According to reports from the South China Morning Post, JD.com, a prominent online retailer in China, recorded more iPhone 17 sales within the first hour of preorders going live than the total first-day sales of the iPhone 16 last year.
The base iPhone 17 model with 256 GB storage has proven to be the most popular choice. Its strong appeal is attributed to its competitive pricing combined with significant upgrades, offering excellent value. Key enhancements include an expanded 6.3-inch display featuring ProMotion 120 FPS refresh rate and an always-on display. The device also boasts an upgraded front selfie camera and a new 48-megapixel ultra-wide rear lens. Apple notably doubled the base storage to 256 GB while retaining the $799 price point.
This robust performance in China is positive news for investors, who have expressed concerns over Apple’s market share in the region amidst intensifying local competition. Conversely, the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone Air has been indefinitely delayed, pending essential eSIM-related regulatory approvals.
In the United States, availability for the iPhone 17 at the Apple Online Store is also reportedly constrained, with some configurations now indicating a 2-3 week delivery time. The premium iPhone 17 Pro is also experiencing strong demand. While Apple will release official third-quarter sales figures during its October investor earnings call, the majority of the demand for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro is expected to be reflected in the upcoming holiday quarter.
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