iPhone 17: Sales launch in China exceeds all expectations

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The iPhone 17 made headlines right from its launch. The new model became a box office hit, especially in China, one of Apple's most important markets. Meanwhile, the launch of the iPhone Air stalled due to a lack of regulatory approval. These two developments demonstrate how closely intertwined the opportunities and hurdles of a global product launch are.

With the iPhone 17, Apple is launching an upgrade that impresses both in terms of technology and price. The model builds on the success of the iPhone 16, but has already significantly surpassed it in its first few hours of sales. The base version with 256 GB of storage is proving to be a particularly popular model. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air faces an uncertain future, as it cannot launch without regulatory approval for eSIM.

Strong sales start in China

Demand in China is exceptionally high. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, iPhone 17 pre-orders at JD.com achieved higher numbers within the first hour than the iPhone 16 did on its entire first day of pre-orders. This demonstrates that Apple is consolidating its position in the premium segment despite growing competition from local brands like Huawei.

Improvements to the iPhone 17

The base iPhone 17 benefits from several upgrades that make it more attractive than its predecessor:

Larger display with 6.3 inches instead of 6.1 inches
120 Hz refresh rate thanks to ProMotion technology
Always-On Display for important information
Significantly improved front camera for selfies
48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens on the back
Doubling the base storage to 256 GB
Price remains at 799 US dollars (949 euros)

The combination of more storage and new features at the same price makes the model a strong option in the premium segment.

Demand and delivery times

Demand is high not only in China. In the US, the Apple Online Store also reports delivery times of two to three weeks for certain configurations. This applies not only to the iPhone 17, but also to the iPhone 17 Pro, which is also attracting strong interest.

Delay on the iPhone Air

While the iPhone 17 is gaining momentum, the iPhone Air remains stalled. The reason is the lack of eSIM approval , without which Apple cannot ship the device. A launch date is currently unknown, which is disrupting product planning.

Relevance for investors

The strong sales figures are a positive signal for investors who have been concerned about Apple's market share in China in recent months. Apple will present official figures at its next investor conference in October. However, these only cover the third quarter, the first few weeks after the launch. The decisive boost for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro will only become apparent during the holiday season.

iPhone 18 will probably come without Face ID under the display

iPhone 17 exceeds expectations and strengthens market position

The iPhone 17 is off to a better start than its predecessor, setting new standards in value and features. The response in China, in particular, demonstrates that Apple continues to excel despite strong local competition. Even though the iPhone Air is currently on the back foot, the sales figures for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro make it clear that Apple is on track. The upcoming holiday quarter should finally reveal how strong demand truly is. (Image: Apple)