Apple’s iPhone 17 series, launched on September 9, 2025, is making waves in China, smashing pre-order records despite delays with the iPhone Air. Kicking off at 8 PM on September 12, pre-orders on JD.com—one of China’s biggest e-commerce platforms—surpassed the entire first-day sales of last year’s iPhone 16 series in just one minute.
With fierce competition from Huawei and Xiaomi, what’s driving this frenzy? Let’s dive into the details of the iPhone 17’s massive demand, pricing, and challenges in China.
Record-Breaking Pre-Orders on JD.com
The iPhone 17 series saw unprecedented demand when pre-orders began. JD.com reported that sales in the first minute outpaced the iPhone 16’s full first-day pre-orders. The standard iPhone 17 with 256GB storage emerged as the top choice, reflecting a trend toward higher base storage. This surge highlights Apple’s strong brand loyalty in China, even in a competitive market.
iPhone Air Delay: Regulatory Hurdles
The iPhone Air, Apple’s slimmest model at 5.64mm, wasn’t part of this pre-order rush. Its release is delayed in China due to regulatory issues with its eSIM-only design, requiring approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Despite this, the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max drove massive interest, showing that demand for Apple’s lineup remains robust.
Challenges with Apple’s Website
The excitement overwhelmed Apple’s online store, with customers reporting issues accessing the pre-order page, according to Chinese media outlet The Paper. One buyer said it took five minutes to process a payment for a September 19 delivery. In Shanghai, all in-store pickup slots for the iPhone 17 Pro Max were booked within 20 minutes. In Guangzhou, new orders face delays until October 15, 2025.
Why Is the iPhone 17 Series So Popular?
Smart Product Segmentation
Analysts credit Apple’s success to its strategic lineup. “Apple has astutely segmented its product lineup, ensuring each model appeals to distinct user needs,” said Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC. The iPhone 17 offers a 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED and A19 chip, the Air emphasizes slim design, and the Pro models deliver advanced cameras and performance. This variety drives upgrades across user groups.
Key Features Driving Demand
The iPhone 17 series boasts upgrades like the A19 Pro chip, 48MP triple-camera systems (on Pro models), and brighter 3,000-nit displays. The iPhone Air, despite its delay, is expected to contribute 5-7% of global shipments, replacing the Plus model, per IDC. TrendForce predicts a 3.5% increase in iPhone 17 shipments compared to the iPhone 16 series, with Pro models leading sales.
Pricing in China
Here’s how the iPhone 17 series prices stack up in China (converted using $1 = ¥7.09, September 2025 rates):
| Model | Starting Price (CNY) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | ¥5,999 | ~$846 |
| iPhone Air | ¥8,499 | ~$1,198 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | ¥9,599 | ~$1,354 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | ¥10,699 | ~$1,508 |
Note: The iPhone 17 price includes a ¥500 government trade-in subsidy, reducing it to ¥5,499 (~$775).
Competition from Huawei and Xiaomi
China’s premium smartphone market is heating up. Huawei launched a second-generation trifold smartphone just before Apple’s event, while Xiaomi moved its Xiaomi 16 launch to late September to compete. Despite this, Apple’s brand strength shines. However, Counterpoint Research’s Ivan Lam warns that weak consumer spending and incremental iPhone 17 upgrades may challenge sales in late 2025.
Tips for Buying the iPhone 17 in China
- Pre-order Early: Secure your iPhone 17 before stocks run out, especially for Pro models.
- Check eSIM Compatibility: The iPhone Air is eSIM-only, so confirm carrier support.
- Shop on JD.com or Tmall: These platforms offer faster pre-order access than Apple’s website.
- Expect Delays: High demand may push delivery dates to mid-October for some models.
FAQs About iPhone 17 Pre-Orders in China
Why did iPhone 17 pre-orders break records in China?
Strong demand, driven by Apple’s segmented lineup and upgrades like the A19 chip and 48MP cameras, led to record-breaking sales on JD.com.
Why is the iPhone Air delayed in China?
Regulatory issues with its eSIM-only design are delaying approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Which iPhone 17 model is most popular in China?
The standard iPhone 17 with 256GB storage is the top seller, per JD.com.
When will the iPhone 17 series be available in China?
Sales start on September 19, 2025, but some orders may face delays until October 15 due to high demand.
How much does the iPhone 17 cost in China?
The iPhone 17 starts at ¥5,999 ($846), or ¥5,499 ($775) with a trade-in subsidy.