In the first 10 days of release, the iPhone 17 lineup sold 14% more units than the iPhone 16 series in both countries. The base model performed exceptionally well, with sales in China nearly doubling compared to last year’s iPhone 16.

Counterpoint’s data also revealed that iPhone 17 sales rose by 31% overall across both markets, showing stronger-than-expected consumer demand despite economic pressures and growing competition.

Analysts suggest that new design upgrades, improved battery life, and camera innovations may have played key roles in driving Apple’s early success.

“The base model iPhone 17 is very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money,” Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang said in the report.

Read more: iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro: What’s the real difference?

"A better chip, improved display, higher base storage, selfie camera upgrade – all for the same price as last year's iPhone 16."

Apple’s early victory with the iPhone 17 shows its strong brand pull, even in a competitive market. The results hint that users still see value in Apple’s upgrades. If this momentum continues, the iPhone 17 could become one of Apple’s best-selling launches in recent years.

Apple launched the iPhone 17 series globally, including in China, in September.