The iPhone 17 is experiencing a remarkable response from Chinese consumers, highlighted by impressive preorder sales volumes. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, preorder sales for the iPhone 17 on JD.com, one of China's largest online retailers, surpassed the total sales recorded on the first day of the iPhone 16's preorder launch last year within just the first hour.
The base model of the iPhone 17, featuring 256 GB of storage, has emerged as the most sought-after variant. This surge in popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the iPhone 17 is the most affordable model in the lineup, retailing at $799. Secondly, the upgrades introduced this year provide exceptional value for a premium smartphone.
Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16, Apple has significantly enhanced the display size of the iPhone 17 from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. Additionally, Apple has incorporated a 120 FPS ProMotion refresh rate and an always-on display mode, further enhancing the user experience. The front-facing selfie camera also received a substantial upgrade, while the rear ultra-wide lens now boasts a resolution of 48 megapixels. Moreover, the base storage has been doubled to 256 GB, maintaining the same price point as last year's model.
The strong sales figures in China will be a positive development for investors, especially amid concerns that Apple’s market share in the region is being challenged by local brands. The favorable reception of the iPhone 17 could help bolster Apple's position in this competitive market.
In the United States, the availability of the iPhone 17 at the Apple Online Store appears to be limited, as Apple is now quoting a delivery timeframe of 2-3 weeks for certain configurations. This growing demand indicates a strong interest in the new model among U.S. consumers as well.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro is also showing promising sales figures, contributing to the overall positive outlook for the new lineup. Officially, Apple is set to announce its sales numbers for the third quarter during its upcoming quarterly investor earnings call in October. However, this report will only reflect a couple of weeks of sales for the new iPhone models.
The bulk of demand for the iPhone 17, along with the anticipated iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, is expected to be recognized in the holiday quarter. Notably, the launch of the iPhone Air has been indefinitely delayed as Apple awaits eSIM-related regulatory approvals, adding an element of uncertainty to the product's release timeline.
As Apple navigates this landscape, the strong preorder sales of the iPhone 17 in China and the U.S. are likely to set the stage for a successful holiday season, further solidifying Apple's foothold in the global smartphone market.
