iPhone 17 Reverses China’s Sales Slump Amid Broader Smartphone Market Weakness

Apple's iPhone 17 has halted China's year-long sales decline, capturing nearly 80% of all Apple purchases in the country since its September 19 launch. Crowds of hundreds gathered at Apple's flagship Beijing store on release day, demonstrating enduring brand appeal despite fierce competition from local rivals Xiaomi and Huawei.

The strong performance contrasts with China's struggling mobile phone sector, which saw overall smartphone sales dip 2.7% year-over-year in Q3. Across both U.S. and Chinese markets, the iPhone 17 series outperformed its predecessor by 14% during the first ten days of availability—the clearest early indicator of consumer response in Apple's two largest markets.

Demand concentrated on the base $799 model, driven by its upgraded display, expanded storage, and new A19 processor. The premium Pro Max variant found particular favor among U.S. buyers replacing pandemic-era devices. These results suggest Apple's product cycle may be overcoming macroeconomic headwinds that continue to pressure the broader industry.