The new lineup drove most of Apple’s smartphone sales in China in the period from the Sept 19 launch, with the 17 series accounting for nearly four-fifths of units sold to consumers, according to the data from research firm Counterpoint.

Sales of iPhones in China were down 5% during the first month after the iPhone 16 line launched in September 2024.

The iPhone 17 launch drew hundreds of people to Apple’s Beijing flagship on release day — a sign of continued enthusiasm for the brand, despite intensifying competition from Xiaomi and Huawei.

China’s smartphone market remained weak amid subdued consumer demand, with third‑quarter sales down 2.7% year on year, Counterpoint said.