The iPhone 17 launch is a massive success in China, with preorders for the new models breaking sales records in the usually turbulent market.
China is an important market to Apple, but one that it has had trouble managing to maintain over the years. For the release of its newest iPhone range, it seems that Apple has managed to pull off a successful launch and reinvigorated demand in the country.
Preorders for the iPhone 17 range broke sales records in China, reports SCMP. After just one minute of preorders opening in China, sales through major retailer JD.com passed the first-day preorder volume for the iPhone 16 series.
Among the configurations, the iPhone 17 with 256GB of storage was reportedly the most popular through the retailer.
Demand was apparently so high that consumers had trouble preordering via Apple’s own website. In one instance, it took five minutes to process a payment for one customer.
All time slots for in-store pick-ups of the iPhone 17 Pro Max from Apple Stores in Shanghai were also completely booked up within 20 minutes. Furthermore, as of Saturday, anyone wanting an iPhone 17 model in Guangzhou had to wait until October 15.
Analysts have been quick to praise Apple for the sales. According to IDC senior research director Nabila Popal, Apple had managed to segment its product lineup to ensure each model appeals to specific user needs, driving a new wave of purchases.
Lacking Air
While the high preorder sales are impressive for China, it does so under a tougher than usual situation. Apple is only shipping three flagships in China, not the usual four models.
Preorders for the iPhone Air are currently unavailable in China, due to an apparent delay in securing regulatory approval.
As Apple’s first eSIM-only model to get a global release, it has to be approved for sale by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. However, despite reportedly working with the regulator, an approval has yet to appear.
Though there is a wait before Apple can open preorders up for that model, it will be a model that most consumers will be able to use. All three state-owned carriers support the eSIM-only iPhone Air, but only “subject to regulatory approval.”
Apple’s high levels of preorders in China are a great sign for the company. Doing so while still waiting for the highlight new model to be approved for sale is outstanding work.
