Apple Sees 22% Surge in China iPhone Sales After iPhone 17 Launch

Apple has recorded a significant rebound in China, with iPhone sales jumping 22% in the first month following the launch of the iPhone 17 series, despite a sluggish overall smartphone market.

Apple has achieved a notable sales boost in China, with iPhone sales rising 22% year-on-year in the first month after the launch of the new iPhone 17 series, according to fresh data from research firm Counterpoint. This increase comes at a time when the broader Chinese smartphone market continues to soften due to subdued consumer spending.

The new iPhone 17 lineup, released on September 19, 2025, was the primary driver of Apple’s performance, accounting for nearly 80% of all iPhones sold in China during the first month of availability. This strong consumer response marks a sharp contrast to the previous year, when iPhone sales dropped 5% in the first month after the launch of the iPhone 16 series in 2024.

The launch day saw hundreds of customers lining up at Apple’s flagship store in Beijing’s Sanlitun district—a clear sign that enthusiasm for the brand remains strong, even as competition intensifies from domestic giants such as Xiaomi and Huawei, who have been steadily gaining ground in premium and mid-range segments.

However, despite Apple’s rebound, China’s smartphone market overall remained under pressure. Counterpoint reported a 2.7% decline in third-quarter sales year-on-year, driven by weak consumer sentiment and slower device upgrade cycles.

The renewed momentum for Apple reflects both the appeal of the iPhone 17 series and the brand’s enduring position in China’s high-end smartphone market, even amid economic uncertainty and growing local competition.