The data shows that the base model iPhone 17 nearly doubled its sales in China compared to the iPhone 16 during the same launch period. Overall, the model recorded a 31% sales increase across both countries.

“The base model iPhone 17 is very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money,” said Mengmeng Zhang, senior analyst at Counterpoint. “A better chip, improved display, higher base storage, selfie camera upgrade – all for the same price as last year’s iPhone 16.”

What’s Behind the Surge

Counterpoint attributes the outstanding start to a series of hardware upgrades that give the iPhone 17 more value without a higher price. 

The device comes with a new A19 Bionic chip, a brighter OLED display, 256GB base storage, and an upgraded 12MP front camera with enhanced low-light performance.

These improvements appear to have struck a chord with users who skipped upgrading last year, with many seeing the iPhone 17 as a stronger, longer-lasting option. 

Analysts also noted that carrier subsidies and trade-in offers boosted early adoption, especially among younger buyers and urban professionals.

Earlier in 2025, Apple faced weak demand in China as competition from Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro and other homegrown brands heated up. The iPhone 17’s strong early showing now shows a potential rebound in market share.

Stores in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen reportedly saw long queues and sell-outs for the base and Pro Max models after the global launch in September 2025. Within a month, Apple had rolled out the series in over 40 countries, marking one of its fastest international expansions.

In short, the iPhone 17’s combination of noticeable performance upgrades, unchanged pricing, and a more consumer-friendly purchase model has given Apple the boost it needed to regain its footing in key markets.

This was revealed by the company’s chairman, Liang Hua, during a forum in Guangzhou.

The technology giant, which had reported 704.2 billion yuan in revenue in 2023, had its fastest growth in four years. Liang stated, “In 2024, Huawei’s overall operations will meet expectations, ICT infrastructure will remain stable, consumer business will return to growth, and the smart car solution business will develop rapidly, with annual sales revenue exceeding 860 billion yuan.”

A major factor in Huawei’s growth has been the resurgence of its consumer business. The company saw a strong comeback in the smartphone market after launching new devices in August 2023, featuring locally developed chipsets. 

This helped it navigate U.S. sanctions that had previously restricted its access to advanced semiconductor supplies. By the end of 2023, Huawei had secured a 16% share of the Chinese smartphone market, surpassing Apple.

Apart from consumer electronics, Huawei’s ICT (Information and Communications Technology) infrastructure has been stable, supporting business expansion. 

The company continued its heavy investment in research and development, strengthening its services in telecommunications, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions.

Another area of commendable growth has been Huawei’s smart car solutions business. With the global automotive industry moving towards electric and intelligent vehicles, the company has gained traction with its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and vehicle connectivity technologies.

Even with current challenges from U.S. sanctions, Huawei’s strategy of localising its supply chain and diversifying its business has enabled it to maintain strong financial performance. 

The company expects continued growth, particularly in emerging technology sectors, as it pushes further to remain competitive in the global market.