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.

The post Apple’s iPhone 17 Sells 14% Better Than iPhone 16 in China, U.S. | Here’s Why appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This season, iStore Nigeria and iConnect, two of Nigeria’s Apple-authorized resellers, are giving consumers compelling new reasons to upgrade — not just their devices, but their entire tech lifestyle.

Unprecedented Savings on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the retail space, iStore and iConnect are offering up to ₦200,000 in savings on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

This limited-time offer is available at iStore’s iconic location in Ikeja City Mall, as well as Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, and at iConnect’s flagship in Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki.

Why Authorized Matters More Than Ever

Beyond the headline-grabbing discounts, the real story is the emphasis on buying authorized. iStore and iConnect — under the official umbrella of Redington, Apple’s sole, value-added distributor in Nigeria — offer peace of mind that is simply unmatched.

Every iPhone purchased from these authorized partners comes with:

• 24 months of official warranty
• 6 months screen or liquid damage cover
• Premium in-store setup support
• And most importantly, the Redington sticker — your seal of assurance.

The Value of Trust in a Digital World

In an age where the line between authorized and counterfeit and preactivated is often blurred, consumers are becoming more discerning — and rightly so. Buying from an authorized source isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a declaration of trust in the brand, in the product, and in the experience.

And for Apple users in Nigeria, that trust begins at iStore and iConnect.

Time Is Ticking

This exclusive offer is valid only while stocks last. For Lagos and Abuja’s most discerning shoppers, now is the time to make the switch — or the upgrade — to the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus experience, fully protected and powerfully equipped.

⸻

Visit iStore:

• Ikeja City Mall, Lagos
• Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja

Visit iConnect:

• Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki

Find Peace of mind Look for the Redington sticker. Buy Authorized. Stay Covered.

The post Why the Smartest Nigerians Are Racing to Buy iPhone 16 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

With China hit by a 54% levy, the company could see iPhone prices rise by up to 40% if the tariffs remain in place.

For a company that sells over 220 million iPhones annually, this is no small problem. Most of its production is in China, despite initial trials to move some assembly to Vietnam and India—both of which have been slapped with their own hefty tariffs of 46% and 26%, respectively. Apple must now decide whether to absorb the extra costs or pass them directly to consumers.

Per Reuters, the base model iPhone 16, currently priced at $799, could shoot up to $1,142, according to analysts at Rosenblatt Securities.

The high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max, which now sells for $1,599, may climb to nearly $2,300 if the full tariff impact is transferred to buyers. Even the supposedly affordable iPhone 16e, introduced at $599, could end up costing around $856.

The market wasted no time in responding. Apple’s stock tumbled 9.3% on Thursday, its worst single-day drop since March 2020. Investors are clearly nervous, and for good reason. 

The combination of high costs, slowing iPhone sales, and stiff competition from Samsung could spell serious issues for the tech giant.

“This whole China tariff thing is playing out right now completely contrary to our expectation that American icon Apple would be kid-gloved, like last time,” said Barton Crockett, an analyst at Rosenblatt Securities.

Apple has historically relied on its brand loyalty and premium status to justify high prices. But in a market already showing signs of fatigue, a 40% price hike might be too much for even its most devoted customers.

Many buyers spread their payments over two or three years through carrier contracts, but a steep increase could still deter new purchases. More worryingly, Apple’s latest feature upgrades—including its AI-driven Apple Intelligence—haven’t been compelling enough to drive an upgrade frenzy.

Even if Apple tries to soften the blow, analysts like Angelo Zino from CFRA Research are sceptical. “We expect Apple to hold off on any major increases on phones until this fall when its iPhone 17 is set to launch, as it is typically how it handles planned price hikes,” he said.

Trump’s tariff strategy is nothing new. During his first term, he slapped import duties on Chinese goods, aiming to force American companies to shift manufacturing back to the U.S. or nearby countries like Mexico. At the time, Apple managed to secure exemptions. This time, those lifelines haven’t been granted.

If the tariffs remain in place, Apple would need to raise iPhone prices by an average of 30% just to offset the increased import costs, according to Counterpoint Research co-founder Neil Shah. The ripple effect could hit the entire consumer electronics sector, as suppliers and retailers adjust their pricing strategies.

The consequences of Trump’s trade issues go far beyond Apple. The European Union, already facing 20% tariffs on its exports to the U.S., is preparing to respond. China has vowed retaliation against Trump’s 54% levies, and other major trading partners, including Japan, South Korea, and India, are weighing their next moves.

The financial markets are in turmoil. The Dow plunged nearly 4%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq suffered a 6% drop—its worst day since the early pandemic days of 2020. Apple isn’t alone in feeling the heat. Nike’s shares tanked by 14%, and other companies heavily dependent on overseas manufacturing also took a hit.

For Apple, the next few months will be sensitive. If it absorbs the costs, its profit margins will shrink. If it passes them on, sales may nosedive. Either way, the company faces one of its biggest challenges in years.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on the White House. Trump insists these tariffs are a way to negotiate better trade deals. But with a global recession looming, experts warn that this aggressive approach could backfire.

“This could blow up Apple, potentially costing the company up to $40 billion,” warned Crockett.

The post Apple iPhones Could Become More Expensive as Trump’s New Tariffs Threaten to Raise Prices by 40% appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

However, the American tech giant still requires an import permit from the trade ministry before it can officially launch the smartphones in the country.

The approval, announced by Indonesia’s communications ministry on Friday, follows the issuance of local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16 lineup, last week. 

The five certified models include the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Indonesia, a nation of approximately 280 million people, had previously blocked the sale of iPhone 16 models over Apple’s failure to meet local content requirements. 

Under current regulations, 40% of smartphone components must be locally sourced, a policy designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing. While this rule supports local industries, analysts warn it could deter foreign investment and lead to protectionist tendencies.

Apple has responded by pledging over $300 million in investments in Indonesia, focusing on component manufacturing plants and a research and development centre. 

This aligns with its initiative to meet the local content requirements and secure long-term access to the Indonesian market. In contrast, Apple’s investments in Indonesia are still relatively small compared to its commitments in Vietnam and Thailand, where it has poured in $15.4 billion and $24 billion, respectively.

Indonesia’s mobile market is one of the largest in the world, with over 354 million active mobile phone connections—more than its population. 

Given this scale, it is an important market for Apple, which faces competition from brands like Samsung and Xiaomi that have already made huge local investments.

Indonesia’s protectionist policies have also impacted other tech companies, with Google Pixel devices similarly restricted due to local sourcing requirements.

Even with the approval of telecommunications permits, Apple’s final issue is obtaining an import licence. This step makes it difficult to tell when the iPhone 16 series will officially hit Indonesian shelves.

Apple has yet to issue a statement on the development. However, confirming the permit issuance, Dwi Handoko, a senior communications ministry official, stated, “Five permits were issued as requested by Apple.”

The post Indonesia Grants Approval for iPhone 16, Easing Ban But Sales Still on Hold appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The ban, which was imposed in October 2024, came after Apple failed to comply with a regulation requiring at least 35% of locally sourced components in smartphones sold within the country. 

In response, Apple has outlined a $1 billion investment plan for a manufacturing facility that will produce components for smartphones and other devices.

This move follows Indonesia’s earlier rejection of a $100 million investment proposal from Apple, which officials deemed insufficient. The country’s Industry Minister, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, noted that Apple’s offer fell short when compared to the company’s larger investments in neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand.

He emphasised that Indonesia expects fair treatment in negotiations and is pushing for greater commitments to local manufacturing.

Jakarta has been strict about enforcing its localisation policies, which apply not only to Apple but also to Alphabet’s Google Pixel phones, which remain banned under similar regulations.

Other smartphone brands, including Samsung and Xiaomi, have met the requirements by setting up manufacturing operations within Indonesia.

In addition to this investment, Apple will also introduce training programmes to develop local talent in research and development.

These initiatives will be separate from the existing Apple Developer Academies, which already operate in cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam, and the newly announced Bali location.

Even with Apple’s lack of a manufacturing presence, Indonesia is still a key market with a population of over 270 million and growing smartphone demand.

Kartasasmita stressed that while the government is keen on Apple’s continued business in the country, the terms must align with Indonesia’s industrial growth ambitions.

For now, Apple has no immediate plans to manufacture iPhones in Indonesia. Per Reuters, neither the tech giant nor the Indonesian Ministry for Industry, responsible for enforcing the ban, have responded to requests for comment.

The post iPhone 16 Ban in Indonesia Nears End as Apple Pledges $1 Billion Investment appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The discounts apply to a range of iPhone models and other Apple products when purchased through specific payment methods, including WeChat Pay and Alipay. 

The flagship iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, originally priced at 7,999 yuan ($1,093) and 9,999 yuan ($1,367) respectively, will see a 500-yuan ($68.50) reduction, while the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will receive a 400-yuan discount. 

Added to these, older iPhone models, MacBooks, and iPads are included in the promotion, with price cuts ranging between 200 and 300 yuan.

Recently, competition in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, has been on a high level, with domestic tech giants like Huawei addressing cautious consumer spending in a slowing economy.

Huawei has leveraged aggressive pricing strategies, such as discounts of up to 3,000 yuan on premium devices, to attract consumers. The company’s smartphone sales in China surged by 42% in the past year, while Apple had a 0.3% decline in the third quarter of 2024, according to IDC.

Again, China’s inflation reached a five-month low in November, weakening consumer confidence and prompting buyers to tighten their budgets. Apple’s premium pricing faces resistance in this environment, pushing the company to adopt flexible strategies like targeted discount campaigns.

Nonetheless, Apple seeks to stay resilient. The launch of its iPhone 16 on September 20, 2024, coincided with Huawei’s introduction of a tri-foldable phone, increasing the rivalry between the two tech giants. 

Early sales data from Counterpoint Research showed a 20% increase in iPhone 16 sales during its first three weeks compared to the previous. This success helped Apple maintain its place among China’s top five smartphone brands, with a 15.6% market share as of Q3 2024, despite a slight year-on-year dip of 0.5 percentage points.

China’s smartphone market saw overall growth of 3.2% in Q3 2024, with total sales reaching 68.78 million units. While Apple remains the second-largest smartphone vendor in the country, Huawei’s innovative product launches have impacted the competition in the space. 

The Apple discount initiative is a calculated move to attract price-sensitive consumers, bolster its market share, and strengthen its standing in the market.

The post Apple Responds to Huawei’s Rise with Rare iPhone Discounts in China appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The list, released today, shows the subjects that overwhelmed the Nigerian digital space, across various societal, cultural, and economic descriptions.

Top News Searches

At the top of Nigeria’s search trends was the US elections, as the nation had strong interest in global politics. Close behind was the search for the new national anthem, a topic that brought about across-the-board discussion following its official reinstatement in May. 

The national grid was also a trending subject due to repeated power outages and systemic failures that disrupted daily life.

Searches for the minimum wage, linked to the government’s announcement of a ₦70,000 baseline, and the Ibadan explosion, which caused some casualties and property damage, further stressed Nigerians’ engagement with pressing domestic issues.

Personalities That Captivated Nigerians
In the personalities category, controversial internet figure Bobrisky topped the list, as the public is continuously fascinated with celebrity culture. 

Political figures like Betta Edu, alongside entertainment personalities like Shallipopi, Khaid, and Bukunmi Oluwashina, showcased a diverse range of interests spanning politics, music, and film.

Globally, figures such as Donald Trump, Kai Cenat, and Kamala Harris drew attention, with Trump’s electoral victory being a particular point of curiosity. In sports, names like Nico Williams and Leny Yoro were among the most searched, highlighting Nigeria’s relentless passion for football.

Questions and Curiosities
Nigerians turned to Google for answers to everyday questions, with “How much is the dollar to the naira today?” leading the way. Other popular queries included “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?” and “Why are ice baths good for muscle recovery?” 

The meanings of terms like “demure,” “steeze,” and “pet peeves” also featured tops, emphasizing a desire for clarity in communication and understanding.

Entertainment and Culinary Trends
The Nigerian entertainment scene thrived in 2024, with “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce, “Ozeba” by Rema, and “Commas” by Ayra Starr leading the music charts. Lyrics searches for songs like “Ogechi” and “Omemma” by Chandler Moore showed how deeply Nigerians connected with music as a cultural outlet.

In film, movies such as “A Tribe Called Judah”, “Treasure in the Sky”, and “Damsel” were the most searched, alongside TV series like “Supacell” and “Queen of Tears.” Foodies explored recipes for everything from Pornstar Martini to traditional favourites like Chinchin and Frejon, reflecting a mix of adventurous and nostalgic tastes.

Devices That Dominated Searches
As for tech, the most searched devices in Nigeria this year included the iPhone 16, a major release that generated considerable buzz, followed by the Infinix Note 40 and the Redmi 13C and 14C, disclosing the growing interest in affordable yet powerful smartphones. The Infinix Hot 40 also made waves as one of the most popular devices searched by Nigerians.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, noted: “The Year in Search offers a lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped Nigeria in 2024. From political milestones to cultural trends, this year’s searches reflect a nation navigating change and seeking to make sense of its evolving landscape.”

The post Nigeria: Google 2024 ‘Year in Search’ Reveals US Elections, New Minimum Wage, and iPhone 16 as Top Searches appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

According to CAICT, foreign smartphone sales in China fell to 6.22 million units in October from 11.15 million a year earlier. 

China is putting in more preference for locally produced devices, pushing out globally reputable brands like Apple, whose performance in the Chinese market has suffered recently.

Apple, the largest foreign smartphone maker in China, launched its iPhone 16 models in September 2024, yet sales have underperformed among other smartphones in the market. 

One reason for this is the delayed rollout of anticipated artificial intelligence features built for Chinese users, which are not expected to be available until next year. 

Again, Apple has yet to secure a local AI partner, further complicating its efforts to compete in a market increasingly favouring homegrown brands.

This decline in foreign smartphone sales reiterates China’s mission to strengthen local production and reduce reliance on imports. 

Over the past decade, the Chinese government has channelled huge investments into industries such as semiconductors, consumer electronics, and biopharmaceuticals. 

This approach has stimulated the growth of domestic tech giants, allowing them to meet rising demand and compete with international players.

For instance, China’s semiconductor sector, led by companies like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), has seen rapid development, enabling the country to reduce its dependence on foreign chipmakers. 

The emphasis on enabling domestic innovation aligns with China’s economic goals to withstand external pressures, such as trade disputes and shifting global supply chains.

While foreign smartphone sales have taken a hit, overall smartphone sales in China increased slightly by 1.8% in October to reach 29.67 million units. This growth is largely attributed to the success of local brands, which have gained favour among Chinese consumers due to competitive pricing, tailored features, and government backing.

A Blueprint for Self-Reliance

China’s pivot to promoting local production is a model for other countries looking to enhance their economic independence. 

In prioritising domestic production, China is reducing its reliance on imports and also changing its market dynamics to favour local innovation.

Nigeria, too, is striving towards this goal, with companies like Innoson and Omatek leading in local phone manufacturing. 

However, the market remains largely dominated by imported brands, particularly those from China. Despite the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approving several local brands, the penetration of these devices is still limited compared to their international counterparts.

China’s continuous advancement of its self-reliance model should definitely push global companies operating in the country to adjust to the evolving priorities.

The post China’s Self-Reliance Model: Foreign Smartphone Sales Plunge 44.25% in October as Local Production Surges appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The Southeast Asian nation aims to boost domestic manufacturing by requiring smartphones sold within its borders to consist of at least 40% locally produced components.

The ban, enforced since November 2023, has halted sales of Apple’s latest iPhone 16 model, along with Alphabet’s Google Pixel phones, for failing to comply with these rules. 

The country’s Industry Minister, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, confirmed the rejection of Apple’s proposal, noting its inadequacy when compared to investments the tech giant has made in neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

Kartasasmita noted that Apple’s $100 million offer to establish a plant for accessories and components in Indonesia pales in comparison to its significant investments elsewhere. 

For instance, Apple has funnelled billions into Vietnam, which has become an important manufacturing hub for the company. The minister also pointed out that Apple still has an outstanding $10 million investment commitment from 2023 that remains unfulfilled.

He pointed to the need for “fairness” in negotiations, stating, “We want Apple to continue doing business in Indonesia, but the terms must be equitable and aligned with our goals of local industrial growth.” 

Jakarta expects Apple to clear its previous commitments and also make new investments stretching into 2026.

While Apple has no manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, the company has operated application developer academies in the country since 2018. 

These initiatives were previously accepted as a partial fulfilment of local content requirements for older iPhone models. However, authorities are now demanding more concrete contributions, particularly in hardware production and local sourcing.

Indonesia’s approach to enforcing localisation requirements is in line with Countries like Vietnam that have successfully attracted industry giants through generous investment incentives and solid supply chain networks.

Other smartphone brands, including Samsung and Xiaomi, have complied with Indonesia’s rules by establishing important manufacturing operations within the country. 

Meanwhile, Google Pixel phones remain banned under similar regulations, as the government continues its relentless focus on its localisation policies.

Kartasasmita disclosed that the government plans to invite Apple for further discussions. He stressed that Indonesia remains a lucrative market for the tech giant, with a population of over 270 million and a growing demand for smartphones. 

Despite Apple’s lower market share in the country, the potential for expansion is considerable, making the resolution of this standoff necessary for the company.

The minister said the government is ensuring fair investment terms while facilitating local industrial development. 

The post Indonesia Rejects Apple Inc.’s $100M Investment as iPhone 16 Sales Ban Continues appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This ban follows closely on the heels of a similar ban on Apple’s iPhone 16, which was also blocked from sale for not fulfilling the local content requirement.

According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Industry, Indonesia enforces these rules to encourage a level playing field and enhance local industrial growth by mandating that global tech companies contribute to the nation’s economic sector. 

This directive requires manufacturers to either assemble devices locally, establish partnerships with domestic suppliers, or invest in local software development. 

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, has not distributed its Pixel phones officially in Indonesia, though these devices can still be obtained overseas, provided the necessary import taxes are paid.

Despite Apple and Google’s position worldwide, neither ranks among the top smartphone brands in Indonesia, a market led by OPPO and Samsung, according to recent industry data. 

Nevertheless, Indonesia remains a key growth market for tech companies due to its large, tech-oriented population and its goal of ensuring domestic economic development through foreign investment.

The local content rule is part of Indonesia’s capitalisation of its sizeable consumer market to attract investment and facilitate technological development domestically. 

Companies failing to meet these standards face strict limitations on device sales. This regulatory environment, while aimed at strengthening local industry, has drawn criticism from some economic analysts who argue that such requirements may deter foreign investment and limit consumer choice.

Bhima Yudhistira, director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies, noted the possible negative impacts of this policy, labelling it as a form of “pseudo-protectionism” that could create unfavourable sentiment among international investors.

Indonesia’s enforcement of local content requirements is seen as an attempt to secure greater involvement from tech giants in its economy, leveraging its vast consumer base to attract commitments from foreign manufacturers. 

While some companies, like Samsung and Xiaomi, have established local production facilities, others, such as Apple, have explored alternative routes by creating developer academies to satisfy regulatory standards. 

This approach aligns with Indonesia’s push to use its growing tech market as a tool to bolster domestic economic growth.

The post Google Pixel Sales Banned in Indonesia Over Local Content Rules, Following iPhone 16 Block appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.