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The iPhone 17 has significantly strengthened Apple's position in the Chinese market. While smartphone sales in China are generally weak, the new iPhone generation shows a clear upward trend. A recent report from Counterpoint Research confirms that Apple's latest launch there has marked a significant turning point.
The Chinese market had recently been considered a problem area for Apple. Declining sales figures and increasing competition had hampered growth. The launch of the iPhone 17 was therefore all the more important. Initial statements from Tim Cook already indicated that the response would be unusually strong. The new report reinforces this assessment and shows that the iPhone 17 series generated clear growth in the first month after its market launch.
iPhone 17 boosts iPhone sales in China by 22 percent
Since the iPhone 17 launched on September 19, iPhone sales in China have increased by 22 percent year-on-year, according to Counterpoint Research. This rise comes at a time when the overall Chinese smartphone market declined by 2.7 percent. Apple has thus bucked the trend.
Nearly four-fifths of all iPhones sold to consumers in China after September 19th were from the iPhone 17 series. This means the new generation contributes a large share to Apple's total sales in the region. By comparison, sales of the iPhone 16 fell by 5 percent during the same period last year.
Tim Cook's assessment and the reasons for the development
Tim Cook had already highlighted the positive trend when announcing the results for the fourth quarter of 2025. He expressed confidence and emphasized that the iPhone 17 family was being very well received in China. Apple expected growth again for the first quarter, primarily due to the strong response to the iPhone 17.
Cook also addressed the quarter's performance, which was considered subdued, clarifying that this was not due to a lack of interest. Instead, supply chain issues had weighed on the results. Data traffic and demand for the iPhone 17 series were significantly higher than the previous year, confirming the expected growth trajectory.
Another point concerns government subsidies in China. These have generally helped Apple boost sales. However, Cook clarified that some products are ineligible for these subsidies because they fall outside the specified price ranges. Therefore, the demand for the new iPhones has largely arisen independently of subsidy programs.
Why the report is important for Apple
The Counterpoint report shows that the iPhone 17 series was the right answer to the recent weak performance in the Chinese market. The significant increase in sales, the strong dominance of the new devices within Apple's product range, and the positive response despite supply shortages solidify Apple's position. Even in a shrinking market, the company is succeeding in generating growth.
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iPhone 17 brings about a visible trend reversal in China
The iPhone 17 series marks a clear turning point for Apple in China. A 22 percent increase in the first month after launch, nearly four-fifths of all Apple smartphones sold, and significantly stronger growth compared to the previous year speak for themselves. The combination of genuine demand, positive user feedback, and management's assessment shows that the iPhone 17 generation is revitalizing the market. In an overall declining market, Apple is sending a strong signal for the coming quarters. (Image: Shutterstock / Stockinq)
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