Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has made an immediate impact in China, setting new sales benchmarks within moments of its launch. According to early reports, the new lineup surpassed the pre-order performance of the previous iPhone 16 series in less than a minute, underscoring the brand’s powerful hold on one of its most competitive markets.

Record-Breaking Pre-Orders

The iPhone 17 series achieved unprecedented demand during its opening sales window in China. Within the very first minute of availability, orders exceeded those recorded during the debut of the iPhone 16 series. This rapid surge highlights not only consumer enthusiasm but also Apple’s ability to maintain momentum despite market challenges and heightened competition from domestic smartphone makers.

Absence of the iPhone Air

One notable aspect of this launch is what was missing from it. The anticipated iPhone Air did not appear in the Chinese market due to regulatory hurdles. Despite this absence, consumer response to the available models was overwhelming, suggesting that Apple’s core offerings remain strong enough to drive record-setting sales on their own.

Most Popular Model Chosen by Buyers

Among the different configurations available, the standard iPhone 17 with 256GB of storage has emerged as the top choice for buyers so far. This preference indicates that consumers are prioritizing both performance and storage capacity when selecting their devices, reflecting broader trends in smartphone usage where higher memory options are increasingly favored for apps, media, and productivity needs.

Apple’s Brand Strength in a Competitive Market

The success of this launch further demonstrates Apple’s enduring brand appeal in China, a region where it faces intense rivalry from local manufacturers such as Huawei and Xiaomi. Both companies have gained significant traction with advanced features and competitive pricing strategies, yet Apple continues to command strong loyalty among customers who value its ecosystem and design consistency. The swift sell-out pace reinforces that reputation and positions Apple advantageously as it navigates an evolving marketplace.

Implications for Future Sales

Breaking records at launch is more than just a symbolic milestone—it sets expectations for sustained demand throughout the product cycle. Analysts often view early pre-order figures as an indicator of long-term performance, and Apple’s ability to surpass its own benchmarks suggests continued resilience even amid regulatory challenges and rising competition from domestic brands.

In summary, Apple’s iPhone 17 series has delivered a striking debut in China by outpacing its predecessor within seconds of release. The absence of the iPhone Air did little to dampen enthusiasm, while the popularity of the 256GB standard model underscores shifting consumer priorities toward higher-capacity devices. As rivals continue to innovate aggressively, Apple’s record-breaking start reaffirms its enduring influence in one of its most critical markets worldwide.