Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 17 series, is off to a roaring start. According to Counterpoint Research, sales in the first 10 days have outpaced the iPhone 16 by a solid 14% in both China and the United States. For context, China and the US together account for the largest share of iPhone shipments worldwide. A boost here ripples globally, potentially setting a positive tone for the holiday quarter.
At the heart of this surge is the standard iPhone 17. Sales of the base model jumped nearly 33% compared to the iPhone 16, with even stronger results in China—where units nearly doubled year-over-year. Apple kept the price steady while packing in upgrades: a more efficient chip for smoother performance, an enhanced display for vibrant visuals, doubled base storage to 256GB, and a sharper selfie camera.
Not every model hit the ground running equally. The iPhone 17 Air edged out the iPhone 16 Plus but remains a niche option so far. Pre-orders in China kicked off October 17, delayed slightly due to eSIM compatibility tweaks. Priced higher than the base iPhone 16 model yet lighter on some features, the Air targets style seekers over spec chasers. Analysts predict it’ll gain traction post-launch, but expect measured growth initially.
Counterpoint’s analysts offer sharp insights into this momentum. Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang highlights the base model’s appeal: “The base model iPhone 17 is very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money.”
On the US side, Maurice Klaehne notes the carrier play: “Carriers here are looking to maximize lifetime value by converting strong device subsidies into years of higher monthly service revenue.” It’s a win-win that could sustain Pro Max demand. And for the Air, Ivan Lam said: “This is a big milestone for Apple and more broadly for eSIM,” though he cautions its high price may limit early buzz.
What do you think—is the iPhone 17’s value proposition enough to sway you from waiting for next year? Share your thoughts in the comments. Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
