World

iPhone 17 Dominates China, U.S. Markets: How Apple’s Strategy Paid Off

iPhone 17 sales up 14% in early days. Base model nearly doubled in China due to value.

October 20, 2025, 4:56 PM

iPhone 17 Pro advertisement in Times Square, NYC

A large digital billboard in Times Square, New York City, displays an advertisement for the "iPhone 17 Pro," featuring a close-up of the orange phone's camera array. By RAMAN SHAUNIA / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

Apple’s new iPhone 17 series significantly outperformed its predecessor, with a 14% increase in sales during its initial ten days compared to the iPhone 16 series.

The base model iPhone 17 nearly doubled sales in China and saw a 31% rise across Chinese and U.S. markets.

This strong performance is attributed to the base model iPhone 17 offering a better chip, improved display, higher base storage, and an upgraded selfie camera at the same price as the iPhone 16.

The Story So Far

Apple’s new iPhone 17 series has demonstrated strong early sales, notably outperforming its predecessor, the iPhone 16, across key markets like China and the United States. This robust consumer demand, particularly for the base model, is attributed to Apple offering significant upgrades such as a better chip, improved display, higher base storage, and an enhanced selfie camera, all while maintaining the same price point as the previous generation.

Why This Matters

The strong early sales performance of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, particularly its base model, in key markets like China and the U.S., signals a significant positive outlook for the company’s revenue and market share, indicating that Apple’s strategy of offering enhanced value at a consistent price point is effectively resonating with consumers and driving demand for its latest smartphone iteration.

Who Thinks What?

Counterpoint’s report indicates that Apple’s new iPhone 17 series significantly outperformed its predecessor in early sales across China and the United States, with a 14% increase in sales during its initial ten days compared to the iPhone 16 series.

Counterpoint Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang attributes this robust performance to the base model iPhone 17’s compelling value for consumers, citing upgrades like a better chip, improved display, higher base storage, and a selfie camera at the same price point as last year’s model.

Apple’s new iPhone 17 series has significantly outperformed its predecessor in early sales across China and the United States, according to a report released Monday by research firm Counterpoint. The latest models, launched globally in September, saw a 14% increase in sales during their initial ten days compared to the iPhone 16 series.

Early Market Performance

Specifically, sales of the base model iPhone 17 nearly doubled in China during this period when compared to its iPhone 16 counterpart. Across both the Chinese and U.S. markets, the base model experienced a 31% rise in sales, signaling strong consumer demand.

Analyst Insights

Counterpoint Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang attributed the robust performance to the base model iPhone 17’s compelling value for consumers. Zhang highlighted that the device offers a better chip, improved display, higher base storage, and a selfie camera upgrade, all while maintaining the same price point as last year’s iPhone 16.

Outlook

This early sales success suggests a strong market reception for Apple’s latest smartphone iteration in two of its most crucial global markets. The data particularly underscores consumer interest in the enhanced value proposition of its entry-level offering.